Page 20 of Her Italian Wedding (Sweet Treats 9)

It’s true because the older woman has a light tan with a healthy glow. Her golden brown curls bounce in a halo around her head, and even though there are a few lines around her eyes and mouth, she’s still pretty. Shoshanna is wearing a tropical print sheath dress which suits her, and bright pink lipstick which only adds to her gay appearance.

“Oh Melissa,” she sighs merrily while rolling her eyes. “Always so modest! Did you know this girl is modest?” she asks Domenico and Matte, who have since appeared behind my shoulder. “By the way, I’m Shoshanna,” she says, extending her hand out. “And boy, are you two both tall drinks of water!”

My two Italian stallions grin and bow. Matteo even takes Shoshanna’s hand and kisses it gallantly.

“Pleased to meet you,” he growls.

“At your service,” adds Domenico with a wink.

“At my service?” Shoshanna giggles. “Boy, have the tables turned since I was in Dads and Daughters. Back then, I was at the truckers’ service, and not the other way around. But now, you exist solely for Melissa’s pleasure, don’t you?” she winks at my two men.

Before Matteo and Domenico can reply, she whirls around and sticks her arm companionably through mine.

“You’ve got them whipped,” she whispers in my ear with a wink. “But I like it. Plus, you didn’t tell me they were Italian!”

I shush her while sneaking a peak at my two men over my shoulder. Fortunately, Matteo and Domenico are busy hauling our luggage, although of course the heavy bags are easy for them to maneuver.

“I did tell you they were Italian!” is my protest. “Remember? I was calling from Italy because they needed a First Daughter out there. Dads and Daughters is starting a new site in Milan.”

Shoshanna lets out a trill of laughter.

“I knew all that, silly, but I guess I didn’t put two and two together. Of course, your new boyfriends are Italian. Must be my mommy brain frying itself.”

Immediately, my cheeks go pink and I admonish my friend.

“You don’t have mommy brain, Shosh. You gave birth three years ago, so the time for mommy brain is over. Plus, they’re not my new boyfriends,” I whisper again. “At least, we haven’t talked about it yet.”

Shoshanna throws me a long, appraising look.

“Girl, you and I need to catch up,” she whistles. “Not your boyfriends? Girlie girlie girlie, we have got to talk.”

With that, we reach the van and Shosh presses a button on her key fob. The door unlocks by itself and begins retracting automatically.

“Wow,” remarks Matteo. “Everything in America is controlled by robots.”

Before I can say anything, Shosh lets out another laugh.

“I can tell we have a lot to show you,” she says with a motherly pat on his back. “Now hop in, and ignore the car seat. Also, throw the toys in the back on the floor, and if there are any stains, here’s a pack of wetnaps. My kids, Josh and Connie, are cute but messy. You’ll meet them soon enough.”

The two men clamber into the backseat of the van, and I almost laugh because they’re so huge and the space is pretty tiny. Their knees jut upwards and their heads almost brush the ceiling. Even more funny is the fact that Domenico is in the third row, cramped between two car seats.

“I’m okay,” he winks when he sees my humorous look. “Welcome to life in America.”

With that, we all jump in the car and head off. My men make small talk with Shoshanna, and my friend is as merry and carefree as always. I look out at the road with the Florida sun sparkling off the tarmac and marvel at my good fortune. How did I come to be here, introducing my two men to the most important woman in my life? I only hope they like each other because I’m pregnant, and I’ll need all of them on my side in order to raise this baby with love.

10

Melissa

We drop Matteo and Domenico off at the hotel, and then make the drive to Shoshanna’s home.

“Girlie, those are two good looking Italian stallions,” she whistles. “What is it like with them in the sack? Is it everything you dreamed it would be?”

I guffaw then.

“Shosh, are you asking me this because you miss Dads and Daughters?” I say with a mock frown. “Tell me you don’t. I thought you were living a dream life now with Josh, Connie and don’t forget: your handsome husband Dan.”

Shosh rolls her eyes as we turn into a cute cul-de-sac. The houses are painted vibrant colors, and it’s quiet and lovely.

“Oh, don’t even get me started on Dan,” she begins. “Well, let me count the ways he could change. One, he could lose thirty pounds. Two, he could help with the dishes and laundry more. And three, he could grow some hair on his head so that he’s not bald like a possum!”

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