Page 77 of Love Like Lightning

I just gape at him. Why in the world is he bringing this up now?

“Anyway, just a thought. We should head in.” He walks ahead of me up to the house, but I’m so shocked that I can’t take a step. He turns around to look for me and just grins, letting that perfect dimple out to play. “Bet you’re not worrying about me meeting your family anymore, huh?” Laughing, he turns back around and continues up the drive.

He’s not wrong, but at what cost?

We’ve been here for exactly two hours now, and no one’s told me that they hate Henry. Not that I was expecting that. But the boy cousins always have something to say when anyone brings a significant other around.

I’m standing by the drinks with my cousin Leo, who also brought his boyfriend to meet the family for the first time.

“Jake seems really nice.” I take a sip of my White Claw and grimace at the tepid temperature.

“He’s great.” Leo beams over to where Jake and Henry are chatting with Nonna. “Henry’s a catch.”

“He really is.” I smile fondly, watching him laugh at something Nonna says. “What made you bring Jake? I don’t think I remember you ever bringing someone to meet the family.” Leo’s the same age as Simone, so a little younger than me, but he’s been dating since he was probably thirteen.

“Why did you bring Henry?” Leo looks at me, eyes twinkling like someone in love.

“I’ve brought guys around before.”

“Yeah, but, this is different, isn’t it?” He tilts his head, examining me.

I do the same. I look at him and then over at Jake. They look the same way I imagine Henry and I do. Very much in love. Very much committed.

“It is different. For you too?” I can’t help but smile, happy that the people I love are happy.

“Couldn’t be more different.”

Simone chooses this moment to saunter over. She’s wearing a black minidress that’s far too chic for the occasion. “Hello, hello, my loves.” She sneaks between us, throwing an arm around each of our shoulders. “Love seems to be in the air with you two. Don’t let it rub off on me.” She drops a kiss onto my cheek, then Leo’s, before dropping her arms.

“Hey, how’s it going over there?” I ask because I saw her pop into the conversation with Nonna.

She grins slyly. “Wouldn’t you like to know.”

“Simone, I’m begging you, don’t play with me.” Leo shoots her a look.

“Brother of mine, I would never.”

“Please, was the conversation going well?” I ask, desperate for an answer.

“If by well, you mean Nonna inviting those two knuckleheads out to Italy to spend time at our family home, yeah. I’d say so. And she threw in her cannoli recipe on top of that.”

I look at Leo, and we both light up at the news. Getting invited to Italy is a huge deal. We don’t make the trip too often as a unit. Traveling with so many people is a nightmare, but even if they just got the blessing to visit, it’s everything in my family.

Suddenly I’m picturing a honeymoon in Italy, gorging on pasta and seeing the sights. All with Henry. As the thought crosses my mind, his eyes meet mine. He has a giant smile on his face.

And so, so much love in his eyes.