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Drake intertwined his fingers with Alessandra’s, giving her hand a comforting squeeze. This was their chance to start fresh. It wasn’t Alessandra’s fault the wedding was ruined. He was glad he had the chance to meet his parents and smooth things over ahead of time.
“You’ve got this, dolcessa,” Drake whispered in her ear. “I think you should give her the flowers.”
Alessandra smiled briefly and revealed the bouquet they had bought. “It’s nice to officially meet you, Mrs. Walker. I hope you don’t mind we brought these for you.”
Bitsy’s face reflected as much surprise as her frozen brow allowed at the gesture, and she took the flowers from her daughter-in-law’s hand. Her lips turned up a fraction in a curt smile.
“How thoughtful of you, dear, and please call me Bitsy. Why don’t you come in.”
Drake placed his hand on the small of Alessandra’s back and beamed at her. They stepped into the foyer, which opened into a formal living room with large windows that provided plenty of natural lighting off the front garden and bluestone patio. The room’s focal points were a beautiful wood-burning fireplace and a wall of bookcases.
Drake’s father sat in an armchair near the hearth, reading a book. He was a scholar by profession and an avid reader. The older gentleman put his book on a side table and removed his reading spectacles before greeting his son with open arms.
“This is my father, Richard. Be careful with him, bella. He’s a bit of a rascal.”
Richard took Alessandra’s hand and kissed the back of it. “It’s a pleasure to meet such a peach. You’ll have to ignore my son. I haven’t the faintest clue what he’s referring to.”
“It’s a pleasure to meet you too, Mr. Walker.”
“Please, my dear, call me Dick. Mr. Walker makes me sound old.”
Everyone in the room started laughing. A woman a few years older than Alessandra with mousy brown hair in a ponytail and a sweater got everyone’s attention with an “eww.”
“Dad, please don’t hit on your son’s girlfriend.”
“Alessandra is my wife, Beth, not my girlfriend.”
Beth gave her brother a quick hug, and he lifted her off her feet. She squealed and swatted his arm. “Put me down, you big lug!”
“This know-it-all is my sister, Elizabeth. We call her Beth.”
She threw her arms around Alessandra and gave her a big squeeze. Drake frowned as she only patted Beth’s back in response.
“Just so you know, I’ve always wanted a sister! My parents only gave me annoying brothers instead.”
“I don’t have any sisters either.”
“Who’s the hottie?” All heads snapped as a wolf whistle sounded from the direction of the dining room. A frat boy around Alessandra’s age sauntered in, shaking his long hair out of his face.
He stood shoulder to shoulder with Drake. At first glance, the two men seemed dissimilar. Upon closer look, it became clear that they were indeed brothers, despite their contrasting appearances of a suited professional and a casual hoodie-wearing slacker.
“Don’t be an asshole, Dustin. You will treat my wife with the respect she deserves,” Drake growled and drew Alessandra tightly to his side, kissing her cheek.
“I like my women curvy and gorgeous. If you want to ditch the suit—I’ll show you a real man.” Dustin flashed a dimple.
Drake clenched his fist and glared at his brother. The beast in him reared its ugly head, and he almost pounced.
“Dustin Joshua Walker!” Bitsy snapped. “You mind your tongue. That is not how you were raised to treat a woman.”
“Jesus, Ma! Chill out. She knows I was just kidding. Don’t you, Alessandra?”
Tension rolled off Drake and continued to fill the room until Alessandra stepped in to diffuse the situation. She placed her hand on his stomach, claiming him in front of his family. He calmed at her touch.
“Excuse me, Dustin, but this ismysuit. Trust me, what’s underneath is all man. I’m not looking to trade him in any time soon. But thank you for the compliment.”
She quickly kissed the junction where Drake’s jaw and neck met before turning back to the family.
“See, Drake, I told you. I can tell we’re going to get along fine, sis. But for real—these guns are at your service.” Dustin flexed and waggled his eyebrows.
