Page 25 of Summer on Sunshine Bay

“We already have one,” Lila said. Just because she didn’t believe in the Rosetti curse didn’t mean she’d ignored her family’s life lessons entirely. Her father had also insisted that she protect herself financially. “I mean, I do. Dad’s attorney drew one up for me.”

Lila’s mother smiled at James, who Lila was relieved to see was now looking at Eva with a suspicious glint in his eyes instead of a spellbound one. “I’m sure you have an excellent attorney, James, but this is what Sage does for a living, and she’s very, very good at her job.”

David pushed his glasses up the bridge of his nose with his forefinger. “You never mentioned anything about a prenup to me, Lila. I just assumed that—”

“We’ll talk about it later,” Lila said, well aware that her mother was watching them.

“That’s an excellent idea, and I have the perfect person for you to talk to. Or I should say Willow does.” Her mother reached into the hamper and withdrew a business card, handing it to Lila.

Lila glanced at the card and raised an eyebrow at her mother. “Really, Mom? This is a marriage counselor.”

“A marriage counselor who does premarriage counseling. Willow says several of her friends went to her, and she’s excellent.”

“What friends exactly? As far as I know, none of Willow’s friends are married.”

Her mother gave her a beatific smile, and Lila’s father shook his head. “I don’t know about anyone else, but I could use a drink.” He gave her mother a pointed look. “Unless you have something else in that hamper you want to share with us, Eva.”

Her mother looped her arm through his. “Just some fabulous desserts that I thought would work for the dessert table at the reception.”

David opened his mouth, and Lila said under her breath, “Let it go. We’ll talk about it later.”

“David, can you do me a favor and bring Lila’s luggage upstairs? Second room on the right,” her father called over his shoulder as he walked through the living room to the kitchen.

“Lila’s not staying with you, James. She’s staying with me. David, be a darling and just move the luggage out of the way. You can put it in my trunk when Lila and I leave.”

David gave Lila anI told you solook, and she glared at him. A little sympathetic understanding would be nice. He knew how difficult it was for her to be caught between her parents.

Her stomach gurgled with nerves. “Uh, Mom, I’m staying with Dad for the first two weeks, and then I’ll move in with you.”

“But darling, your father has had you all to himself for years. Besides, we have so much to do to plan for your wedding. It would be easier if you just stay with me. Your aunt and grandmother will love having you there, and Sage and Willow will come whenever they have a chance.” She glanced at David and grudgingly added, “You’re welcome to visit too.”

“Eva, you’re making a big deal over nothing. It’s not like Lila won’t see you every day. We’re a couple of miles away. Honestly, she should just stay here. There’s more room for her here than at—”

“Her home, James. It was her home for eighteen years, and she was perfectly happy there until you stole her away from us!”

The doorbell rang, and Lila’s father said, “We’ll talk about it later.”

Her mother tossed her head and stormed off in the direction of the kitchen. As David moved to open the door, they heard the slamming of cupboards.

“I’d better get in there before she starts breaking things.” Her father gave Lila’s shoulder a reassuring squeeze. “Don’t worry, sweetheart. It’ll be fine.” At the stream of rapid-fire Italian coming from the kitchen, her father got a look on his face that no doubt reflected the one on Lila’s.

It was at times like this that Lila missed her stepmother’s calming presence. There hadn’t been a social situation that Grace couldn’t handle. She would’ve known exactly what to say to soothe Eva’s temper and ensure that the tea went off smoothly, without drama. She’d charm David’s parents with her poise and good manners.

“I wish Grace was here,” Lila murmured.

“Me too, sweetheart. Me too.”

Chapter Nine

Eva slammed another cupboard, swearing in Italian. She couldn’t believe Lila had chosen to stay with James over her. She’d been excited about having her daughter back home for more than a quick visit, envisioning late-night chats, picking a new series to binge-watch together on Netflix, family dinners on the deck, early-morning walks along the beach… She sniffed and swiped a tear from under her bottom lashes, annoyed that she was getting emotional.

Not the getting-emotional part per se—she was a passionate woman, so strong emotions were part of her personality—but she could count on two hands the number of times she’d truly cried in her lifetime. Ninety percent of them were due to James and Lila. However, since the day she’d turned fifty, happy stories her customers shared, sappy commercials, even a particularly beautiful sunset, made her cry. She’d even found herself watching rom-coms, and she was the least romantic woman she knew.

She bent down and opened a bottom cupboard in search of a serving tray, nearly banging her head on the counter when, from behind her, James said, “Would you mind not slamming the cupboards? The Westfields might get the wrong impression.”

She straightened and turned to him. “I need a serving tray, and this kitchen has everything but.” It was a gorgeous kitchen, a chef’s dream with its top-of-the-line appliances, huge white granite island with a cooktop, and fabulous natural lighting.

He frowned as he moved past her and opened a drawer in the island, then handed her a silver tray. “Are you crying?”

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