“Absolutely. However, since tonight will be a table for many more, we’d better head back and get to work.”

She laughed softly. “I guess so.” She left his lap, stood, and pulled him to his feet. “I still can’t believe Natasha was in on this.”

Gabriel grinned. “Hey, a brother has to do what a brother has to do. And she was more than willing to help me out.”

“Yeah, I bet.” They walked back to the table, packed everything up, and drove home.

In her kitchen, they cranked up the music and started in on the brunch for dinner menu. Gabriel had asked if she minded him adding fried chicken, and she readily agreed. “Before that chicken hits the table, I’m going to need you to put about three of those wings aside for me to have later.”

“Whatever my baby wants.” He winked and continued moving to the music as he cooked.

They’d just finished with the preparations when the doorbell rang. Serenity hurried to answer the door. “Andrea!” Each woman let out an excited squeal as they hugged and rocked. “Oh my goodness. I thought you said you weren’t going to be able to make it this weekend.”

Andrea smiled. “I wanted to surprise you.”

“I’m more than surprised.” Serenity reached out to hug Andrea’s grandmother. “Hi, Ms. Della. Come on in. Everything’s ready.” She led them to the kitchen.

“Hey, big brother,” Andrea said, reaching for Gabriel.

Gabriel swung her up in his arms and kissed her cheek. “Hey, Sis. You look good.” He hugged and kissed his grandmother. “Hi, Nana. Have a seat.”

Both women sat at the kitchen table, and Serenity and Gabriel shared a look. She gave him an imperceptible nod.

He grasped Ms. Della’s hand. “Nana, remember the night I came to dinner and you were telling me how you and Grandpa fell in love? You said that if I found a special lady not to let my blessing pass me by.”

The older woman’s eyebrows shot up, and she divided a curious glance between Serenity and Gabriel. “What are you saying?”

He held Serenity’s left hand out and said, “Serenity and I are getting married.”

Andrea screamed and grabbed them both up in a crushing hug.

Ms. Della rose to her feet as quickly as her seventy-eight-year-old body allowed and followed suit. “Oh, I’m so happy,” she cried. “Wait.” She searched Gabriel’s face. “Does this mean you’re staying here?”

He nodded. “Can’t leave either of my favorite girls.”

Ms. Della’s tears made Serenity’s come faster. Their celebration was interrupted by the doorbell. Serenity wiped her eyes and went to let her three friends in. She was beyond excited to see Jon with Terri. Soon, laughter competed with the fragrant food as they fixed plates.

“Be right back,” Gabriel whispered to Serenity. “I left something at the house.”