CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX
That evening, Vaughn and I arrived at Rhonda’s house early so we’d be able to greet her guests together.
Stepping out of Vaughn’s car I inhaled the tantalizing aromas coming from the kitchen. “M-m-m, delicious.”
Vaughn took my arm. “I’ve waited all day for this dinner. Rhonda never disappoints.”
“Chet’s helping too. I’m hoping that will enhance the grandfathers’ opinions of him.”
“All this matchmaking. Do you think it’ll help?” teased Vaughn.
I gave him a thumbs up. “I hope so. The kids want it to happen.”
Rhonda’s daughter, Willow, greeted us at the door dressed in a pretty pink dress. Her features and body type were a mixture of both parents. Her temperament, too. I was her godmother and adored her.
“Hi, Auntie Ann and Uncle Vaughn. Welcome,” she said in a very ladylike pose before throwing herself into my arms.
I hugged her. “You did such a nice job of greeting us.”
“Thanks. Drew and I promised Mom we’d behave,” she said.
“Where’s Drew?” I asked. At ten, Drew was two years younger than Willow and was a much quieter kid.
“He’s helping Philippa with the table,” Willow answered with self-importance. “Won’t you come in?”
As we walked past, Vaughn stopped to give Willow a loving pat on the back.
Rhonda’s large house was gorgeous. Seating sixteen people for dinner was a challenge she could meet.
Looking into the dining room, I saw that the large table was covered by a white linen cloth with soft green napkins to match the gold and green trim on the china. Crystal water goblets and wine glasses sat at each place. On top of each serving plate was a printed menu with a guest’s name.
In the middle of the table sat a low arrangement of hibiscus flowers and greenery.
Rhonda walked over to me.
I gave her a hug. “Everything looks fabulous as usual.”
“And smells delicious,” said Vaughn, quickly kissing her.
Will walked into the room, kissed me on the cheek, and shook hands with Vaughn. The two men, so different in personalities, liked one another, which made for congenial times when we got together.
“Come say hi to Chet and Philippa,” said Rhonda. “They’ve been working in the kitchen all day. Philippa wanted to make her grandmother’s wedding soup for a starter.”
“Hi, Auntie Ann and Uncle Vaughn,” said Drew walking into the room.
I hugged him and then stood back. “My, Drew. I think you’re going to be tall like your father.”
A shy smile crossed his face. “Taller than Willow.”
I chuckled. Drew might be quieter, but he wasn’t going to let Willow beat him at anything.
Vaughn gave him a clap on the back. “Ready to go on another sail with Robbie and me?”
“Sure,” said Drew.
We followed Rhonda into her large, professional kitchen. Wearing identical green aprons, Chet and Philippa greeted me.
“It smells delicious,” I said. “I have a feeling the grandfathers will be impressed.”
“Luciano and Harper have selected the wines,” said Rhonda. “They should be arriving any moment. The red Barolo wine has already been decanted.”
I turned as Luciano and Harper entered the kitchen. “Great to see you again,” I said as Luciano kissed me French style on one cheek and then the other.
As Harper and I hugged, she whispered, “I’m so nervous.”
“Don’t be,” I said quietly, firmly. “You’ll be fine.”
She nodded and then greeted Vaughn.
I realized that for the four of these young people, putting on a delicious dinner was much more than that. I wanted to tell them to just relax and be themselves. But there was no time to do so, as Willow ran into the kitchen to announce that cars were arriving.
Rhonda signaled me, and we walked to the front of the house to welcome them as we did our guests at the hotel.
Vaughn and Will joined us, and we stepped outside where we’d have more room to greet and introduce the new arrivals.
Enrico and Catarina approached us, each holding onto the arm of one of the older gentlemen. I was touched by the elders’ obvious effort to dress for the evening. They wore ties and jackets, and their silver hair was combed and brushed.
Liz and Chad, followed by Angie and Reggie, stepped forward.
More introductions were made.
“So nice to have the young people here,” said Enrico’s father, Angelo.
“Too many are leaving their homelands,” added Giovanni, Luciano’s grandfather.
“We’re lucky,” said Rhonda. “I thought I’d lose Angela and Reggie to New York, but they decided to stay here in Sabal.”
Giovanni tightened his lips but said nothing. Still, his eyes brightened when he saw Luciano walking toward him, holding onto Harper’s hand. “Buonasera,” he said to them.
“Good evening, Nonno,” said Luc. “You remember Harper from last night?”
Giovanni smiled at Harper. “A beautiful lady I never forget.”
Rhonda and I gazed hopefully at one another. Was there acceptance there?
Angelo’s face lit with pleasure as Philippa walked over and hugged him.
I noticed he hesitated a moment, then shook hands with Chet.
“Please come inside,” said Will.
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After everyone was seated at the table and served water and wine by two members of the dining staff whom we had hired for the evening, Will stood and raised his wine glass.
“Here’s to a wonderful evening. We welcome Angelo and Giovanni and their families to Sabal. May it be the beginning of a long friendship.”
“A new family,” said Rhonda, her eyes sparkling with mischief.
I raised my glass to a toast and then took a sip of the wine. The evening was off to a congenial start.
Next, two platters of antipasti were served full of tasty tidbits to nibble on. I studied the selection of vegetables, meats, and cheeses and knew enough to take just a little. I’d need the room for Rhonda’s veal and mushroom dish.
As the soup was being served, Philippa announced that it was her grandmother’s recipe.
I watched as Angelo took his first sip of it. Beaming at Philippa he said, “Your nonna would be so proud. Delizioso.” His eyes watered, and when he caught me watching him, he returned my smile and shrugged, winning my affection.
Conversation was interesting as old family stories were told. I listened eagerly. I had little to contribute because of my situation. Rhonda winked at me knowing I felt a little out of my element.
“When Philippa was born, I knew she’d be right for my Luciano,” said Giovanni. “That’s why Angelo and I made this pact. It’s what your grandmothers wanted too. Looking at you now, seeing how you’ve grown, I wish it was still possible.”
“But Nonno, it can’t be. Not for either of us,” said Luciano. “You see how Philippa is with Chet. And Harper is my new girlfriend.”
Enrico interceded. “We can discuss this later. Now is the time to enjoy this dinner.”
Both older men nodded their agreement, and the conversation turned to Sabal and all its offerings.
When it came time for dessert, Angela explained that she’d learned to make tiramisu from her mother who’d learned it from her grandmother.
We ate it with pleasure and then Enrico stood holding his wine glass aloft. “We have truly found a reason to say we’re family. All of us. Sharing a heavenly meal like this is like sharing souls. Thank you to all who’ve contributed to such a special one.”
“Chet and I, Philippa, Luciano, and Harper have all made the dinner, but the rest of you have made the meal,” said Rhonda.
As we lifted our glasses, I returned Vaughn’s smile, aware he knew how much I loved it when I could extend my hotel family.