Her family members threw Citlali a few quizzical looks when she re-entered the house with Peter, but reserved their questions for later.
A frown flitted across Carl’s face at Peter’s entrance, but just as quickly passed.
"The two of you are too cute," she said to Carl and Miguel, adding a playful swoon.
It’s OK, she hoped it communicated. Nothing to worry about.
Caroming with Miguel around the room, he certainly didn’t seem threatened.
Just look at them together. This is what I want.
Peter quickly melted into the background as more guests filtered in.
First was Trevor, who made a beeline for the blond trader Austin.
"One guess who invited you," he said wryly.
"Yes. I suppose you could say I'm Nancy's date for the evening," Austin replied archly. "I saw no harm in accepting since, of course, the two of us aren't in a relationship."
"Sorry to break it to you, but I don't think you're Nancy's only date for the evening," Trevor said, throwing a glance over his shoulder at Sam Tipton, who'd just quietly entered on her own. "You might not get much attention from her tonight."
"Par for the course at a Morales family party." Austin sighed dramatically. "I suppose I'll have to find someone else to entertain me for the evening."
Next to arrive were Phoebe and Hannah, and Jeremy and heavily pregnant Meda, who quickly took a seat on one of the couches that had been pushed aside to make more space in the center of the room.
"Let me be the first to welcome you to the club," Jeremy said to Al.
"What club is that?"
"Handsome redheads who had the good sense to settle down with a stunning Panoraman woman, of course! You're a man of good taste, Al."
"Ah, thanks."
"Glad you could make it," Domingo said to Meda, taking a seat next to her.
"I wouldn't miss Leonor's wedding. I'm not sure how much mingling I have in me tonight, though."
"You're due soon?"
"First thing in spring. And believe me, it can't get here soon enough."
"It's a beautiful thing, a new baby," Domingo said wistfully. "But they don't stay babies for long. I can't believe how fast the years went."
Meda patted his shoulder. "You did a wonderful job."
Finally, with the arrival of Nadya and Walter Fuentes-Haddad, the guests were all gathered. They milled about, chatting easily, a current of expectation buzzing in the air.
"I know what you're trying to do," Trevor said, pulling Nancy aside.
"Like you mind."
"Maybe I do."
"Then why are you grinning? Relax, Trev. You'll thank me at your own wedding some day."
Trevor snorted. "You always know best, huh?"
"Yep," Nancy answered.
Cintia surveyed the scene with satisfaction, then raised cupped hands to her mouth. "Everyone, take your places. It's time for the ceremony!"












