That, at least, Brody had a handle on.

Kate wound her way through the bodies, sat on the arm of the couch and offered him one of two glasses of wine. “Okay over here?”

“Yeah, fine. I figure it’s kind of like the Boy Scout rule—when you’re lost sit down in one spot, and they’ll find you. People drop down here, talk for a couple minutes, then move off. I’m starting to be able to keep them straight working it that way.”

Even as he spoke, Alex settled on the couch, propped his feet on the coffee table. “So, Bess and I are thinking about adding a couple of rooms onto our weekend place.”

“See,” Brody said to Kate, then shifted. “What did you have in mind?”

Kate left him to it and wandered into the kitchen. Her mother was at the table, putting the finishing touches on an enormous salad. Nadia was at the stove, supervising as Mik’s youngest son Adam stirred something in a pot. “Need some more hands?”

“Always too many hands in my kitchen,” Nadia said. Her hair was snow-white now—a soft wave around a strong face lined with years. But her eyes danced with amusement as she patted Adam. “There, you have done well. Go.”

“But we’re going to eat soon, right? We’re starving.”

“Very soon. Tell your brothers and sisters, your cousins, my table must be set.”

“All right!” He shot out of the room, shouting orders.

“He wants to be in charge, that one.”

Natasha laughed. “Mama, they all want to be in charge. How’s Brody holding up, Katie?”

“He’s talking with Uncle Alex.” Kate snitched a crouton then wandered to the stove to sniff at pots. “Isn’t he adorable?”

“He has good eyes,” Nadia said. “Strong, kind. And he raises his son well. You show good taste.”

“I learned from the best.” She leaned over to kiss Nadia’s cheek. “Thank you for welcoming him.”

Nadia felt her heart sigh. “Go, help set the table. Your young man and his little boy will think no one eats in this house.”

“They’ll soon find out differently.” She snatched another crouton and kissed the top of her mother’s head on the way out.

“Well.” Nadia stared hard into a pot. “We’ll be dancing at her wedding. You’re pleased with him.”

“Of course.” Natasha could barely see as she prepared to dress the salad. “He’s a good man. He makes her happy. And to be honest, I think if I could have chosen for her myself, it would have been Brody. Oh, Mama.” Eyes drenched, Natasha looked over at the stove. “She’s my baby.”

“I know. I know.” Nadia hurried over for the hug, then offered Natasha one corner of her apron while she used the other to dry her eyes.

By midweek, Kate was hard at work and anxious to open her doors for the first students. The studio itself was complete. The floors were smooth and gleaming, the walls glistening with mirrors. Her office was organized, the dressing areas outfitted.