Sam’s mind churned as she pondered the implications. She turned to Shelby. “Please go get Graham and Harry. And Leo Cappuano. Hurry.”

“What do I tell them?”

“Make something up. Some sort of wedding duty you need them for, but don’t let Nick know there’s something going on.”

“I’m on it.” Shelby scurried from the room.

“I’m sorry, Sam,” Angela said. “I hate to see anything ruin this day for either of you.”

“Nothing will ruin this day. Not if I have anything to say about it.” All she could think about was how badly Nick had wanted this one perfect day to celebrate their love and begin their life together. No way would she let his witch of a mother ruin it for him.

“As much as I want to see this, the kids are getting restless,” Tracy said. “We’ll wait for you outside.”

As her sisters stepped out, the men came in with Shelby.

“Sam,” Graham said. “You look positively gorgeous.”

“Radiant,” Harry added.

“Beautiful,” Leo said.

“Thank you,” Sam said, embarrassed by the praise. “We have a problem.” She explained about Nick’s mother crashing the wedding and watched their smiles fade. Leo looked down at the floor, his face unreadable. “We have to keep her away from Nick. Whatever you have to do, no matter how rude you have to be, keep her away from him.”

“Don’t worry,” Graham assured her. “We’ll take care of it.”

Sam focused on Harry. “It’s very important that she not get anywhere near him. You understand why.”

Harry nodded somberly. “It won’t happen. I’ll personally make sure of it.”

Sam turned to Shelby. “Do you have a copy of the invitation?”

“Of course.” Ever efficient, Shelby crossed the room to her pink leather briefcase and produced the green and lavender invitation Sam had loved on first sight. “Here you go.”

“Thanks. Will you please go get Nick’s mother? I’d like a word with her.”

“Sam,” Skip said. “Are you sure about that?”

Ignoring the concern coming from the other men, she nodded. “Go ahead, Shelby.”

“I’ll point her out to you,” Leo said, following Shelby.

While she waited, Sam vibrated with tension. She deeply resented Nick’s mother intruding—uninvited—on their special day. But she would take care of it and get on with the wedding with him none the wiser.

Shelby and Leo returned a minute later with a beautifully dressed woman who, as Nick had once said, resembled Sofia Loren. As she came closer, however, Sam saw the hard edges lurking beneath the shiny surface. This woman had nothing on Loren. Nick’s parents were just fifteen years older than him, and while Leo remained youthful, Nicoletta appeared worn. She cast a hateful glance at Leo, who looked away from her as if he couldn’t stand the sight of her. Sam could relate to that.