“Shall we?” he said. They had already made the rounds with the Connecticut crowd, tag-teaming introductions, explaining the same personal details repeatedly about her American-born mother, her Greek father, her relocation to Southern California, and her travel company. She let Simon handle the university stories, his role as godfather, and how delighted Penny was to be joining the Blakeman family. They were a winning team who could impress the locals with their Euro-appeal. But what about Timmo Lynch?

“Oh, yes. I’m sure the Irish mayor of New York is dying to meet an English aristocrat.”

*  *  *

There was no doubt that Timmo Lynch had noticed the striking woman in yellow. In a sea of blond and gray heads, both sexes dressed in the colors of the American flag because it was summer in Connecticut, the statuesque brunette in yellow silk stood out. Which was why Alexa had worn the outfit in the first place.

Actually, she wore the yellow to annoy Penny after her warning yesterday. But right after that consideration, she wore it to stand out and serve notice that she, the single mother of the bride, was up to the challenge of the role. She had never even considered the effect it might have on the Irishman.

“Yellow is my favorite color,” Timmo Lynch declared as he shook Alexa’s hand.

“I don’t believe you,” Alexa responded. “There’s not an Irishman alive who doesn’t count green as his favorite color.”

“You’ve got me there. It’s my second favorite color then,” he confessed with a smile, holding her gaze with the patented bright blue Lynch stare. Alexa held his gaze as well. “It’s a pleasure to meet you. You couldn’t be anybody else but Penny’s mother. Well, I can tell you that Chase’s work has been absolute garbage since he’s met your daughter and I hope this wedding puts an end to that nonsense.”

Chase shook his head. “He’s exaggerating.”

“And I understand that you and I are in the same business?” the mayor said to Simon without hesitation. Obviously, his chief of staff had briefed him on the party guests as well.

“Both representing our constituents to the best of our ability. Although most of my constituents have four legs and curly hair,” Simon said, and Alexa noticed that he slipped into a more localized Northern English accent, not the posh tones of the upper crust as usual. Man of the Sheeple, Lord Simon Fox.

“We wish we had a few more sheep in New York City, don’t we, Chase? Everybody I represent seems to have their own opinion. I could use more followers and a few less leaders.” Everybody laughed, except Abigail, who was still looking distraught over the unexpected Italian subs and the lingering guests. “Speaking of work, Chase, can I pull you away just for a second? I won’t keep him long, Mother.”