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afford. I ve been reading online about the Andrades. I can only imagine what kind of party they would
have. Please say yes.
The invitation says I can bring as many as I d like, so that means yes to your husband. Tilly, are
you in? Do you want to bring your son?
Jimmy? Tilly snorted. Not if we intend to have any fun. I might bring Myron, though.
Bonnie chuckled. Ooh, Tilly has a boyfriend.
We were going to take it slow, but
Cassie finished for her, At your age, who has time?
All three of them burst out laughing.
Tilly said, Exactly.
Cassie called the number on the card and spoke to a woman who sounded as if she were
someone s secretary. It was all very business-like, even though Cassie felt giddy as she told the
woman she was RSVP ing for five. Two couples and herself.
That s fantastic, Ms. Daiver. If you give me everyone s address, I will have a limo pick you
and your guests up on Saturday afternoon. Cassie did and the woman continued, You ll be flying out
of Toledo on a private plane so there are no luggage restrictions. Mr. Andrade has arranged a
selection of services you may choose from for the days leading up to your departure. Would you like
me to list them?
Cassie put the woman on speakerphone and motioned for Tilly and Bonnie to lean in. She wants
to know what we want to do before we go.
The woman described a day that started with visiting a famous spa in Grand Rapids then
shopping at a variety of designer dress shops in Perrysburg. Or we could have everything come to
you if you prefer.
Silently, Bonnie mouthed, Oh, my God.
This is too much, Cassie said. We can t say yes to this.
Tilly looked less impressed. She whispered, I respect that Luke doesn t flaunt his money, but let
the man try to impress you this once.
Yes, Bonnie clapped in excitement. Please let him try to impress us . . . I mean you. She
laughed. Come on, things like this don t happen here. I am going to enjoy every moment of this right
along with you.
Cassie mulled it over. She didn t want Luke to think his money played any part in how she felt
about him. For that reason, saying no might be better. On the other hand, he d taken his time deciding
how he wanted their relationship to move forward. They d been on an emotional rollercoaster with a
particularly bumpy ride the last couple of weeks. If this was his way of apologizing and showing her
he cared, maybe Tilly was right, and she should let him put some effort into it.
Later, she could explain to him she didn t need anything so fancy. But for now, she and her two
best friends were saying yes to a day of pampering and a weekend away.
Everything else would work out however it was supposed to. Cassie was beginning to trust that
most things did.
***
Luke flew to Slater Island on Friday afternoon. He stopped in his tracks when he entered the
previously barren foyer. Now filled with furniture, no less than a hundred people were gathered in the
adjoining rooms. Many were staff Maddy had said were essential to such an event. They were
greeting arriving guests and walking around with trays of food and beverages. Among the elegantly
dressed adults, a herd of children darted, laughing over some prank they had pulled on one of their
cousins.
Maddy had called the entire Andrade clan together for him. Luke was touched beyond words
by her thoughtful extravagance. He d never distanced himself from his cousins so the chaotic nature of
how they gathered was nothing new to him, but he hoped it wouldn t be too much for Cassie.
Uncle Alessandro saw Luke and came over to greet him with a bear hug. We needed this. I m
proud of you, Luke. What a perfect way to introduce Cassie to the family.
Luke hugged his uncle back then said, If it doesn t sending her running.
Alessandro didn t look worried. Gio, Nick, and Max are all coming?
Luke nodded. Yes. They think it makes sense to test drive the island s ability to handle all of us
before we start planning the weddings here.
Alessandro moved his hands in the air expressively. It will be the perfect location. Max chose
well when he bought homes here. The locals have been incredibly welcoming. When Victor walked
into the foyer, Alessandro waved him over. As he approached, Alessandro said softly, Talk to your
uncle. He s worried that what you heard changed something between you. As soon as Victor joined
them, Alessandro excused himself and walked away.
Victor s eyebrows furrowed as if he were carefully choosing his first words. Luke, I m sorry
that you had to
Luke interrupted him with a warm pat on the arm. I know, Uncle Victor.
I wish I could go back in time and
Luke stopped him with a raised hand. You don t need to say it. I put the past to rest with my
mother.
Victor raised his chin. I knew you would forgive me. Your father was the same. Be proud of
that. He was a good man with a big heart. He chose the wrong woman to give it to, but I ve met your
Cassie, and she s the type of woman who will appreciate your loyalty and the love you have for her.
Your father would be pleased with your choice.
Luke cleared his throat. Let s just hope she says yes.
Victor laughed. If not, we do this again and again until she does.
Luke smiled. You would, wouldn t you? His uncle didn t have to answer. They both knew he
was serious. Well, Cassie wanted a family. Luke hoped she was ready to be part of one that was as
large as it was crazy.
Speaking of crazy, Luke spotted Maddy giving instructions to one of the house staff. He couldn t
help but smile. For as much as she drove him nuts, Maddy had poured herself into making sure the
weekend would be perfect. He snuck up behind her and gave her a big hug.
You re here, she exclaimed and gave him a kiss on the cheek. Everything is coming together.
Don t go in the kitchen. Richard is having a fit because I didn t order the right pans for whatever he
had planned for dessert tonight. I tried, but he knows I don t cook. He ll get what he needs delivered.
Just save yourself, and avoid him until he works it out.
Luke laughed. Richard was mild-mannered everywhere except in the kitchen and yet there,
outside of his wife and kids, was where he said he found the most joy. Duly noted.
Maddy raised one hand in a request for Luke to wait, walked a few feet away, picked up a small
package, then rushed back. This weekend will fly by, especially once Cassie arrives. I have
something I want to give you. She handed him what felt like a notebook wrapped in tan paper.
What is it? Luke started to open it.
Maddy stopped him. Not now. Put it aside, and open it when you get back to Ohio.
Luke s hand tightened on the package. Tell me it s not the journal you tried to give me before.
What could possibly be in it that I would want to read?
Maddy raised her shoulders in apology. I debated giving it to you or burning it, but I couldn t
help feeling it belonged with you. Throw it away if you want, but I didn t feel it was my place to
make that decision.
Luke tossed it on the table behind him. Thank you, I guess.
Maddy opened her mouth then snapped it shut as if reconsidering what she was going to say.
Luke sighed impatiently. What? You might as well say it.
I tried to invite Gigi this weekend, but she wouldn t take the call from me.
Luke placed his hands in his trouser pockets and rolled back on his heels. That s not a surprise.
She won t talk to any of us.
Maddy made a face. It makes me so sad to see her house sit empty this weekend while all of
yours are filled with family. Don t give up hope. She doesn t want to be here only because she
doesn t know us. But she will one day. Who knows, maybe she will by the time you all have your
weddings here.
Luke looked down at his forever-hopeful cousin. That would be nice, wouldn t it?
Anything can happen as long as you don t give up hope.
Luke bent and gave Maddy a kiss on the forehead. Don t change, Maddy.
She gave him an impish smile. I don t intend to.
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