“No. And I didn’t say I was a cop. I told them I was from the bursar’s office at Littleton College and was trying to reconcile some numbers for her W2 form.”

“Good work.” Decker’s eyes scanned the list of galleries. “I got a call back from Jason Merritt. I set up an appointment at ten. Let’s meet at Gabe’s apartment at nine and figure out a strategy.”

“Sounds like a plan.”

“For once can you not talk about work?” Rina scolded. “Especially in light of what just happened?”

“I brought it up,” McAdams said. “I apologize.”

“Don’t you dare let him off the hook,” Rina said.

Decker said, “I won’t talk about work. But then you can’t talk about wedding stuff. I have nothing to add on the seemingly endless topic. And even if I did, no one would listen to me.”

Hannah said, “You haven’t said anything to me.”

“Whatever I said never got past your mother’s veto.”

“That’s not fair,” Rina said. “Well, maybe it is a little fair.”

Decker laughed, leaned over, and kissed her forehead.

“I’d like to have your input, Peter,” Ilana said.

“Ilana, that would be a first. But honestly, weddings are outside my bailiwick.”

“How can I not talk about weddings?” Rina protested. “Especially now.”

“Two weddings in . . .” Sammy looked at his brother. “Are you planning in months or years for the actual date?”

Ilana’s eyes were on the ring. “There’s no hurry.”

“Oh, don’t say that to him,” Rina said.

“I’d at least like to finish my internship.”

“How long is that going to take?” Rina said.

“Like maybe two years.”

“Two years sounds about right.” Jacob stood up and motioned over a couple who was walking toward the table, both of them with grins on their faces. “Dad, could you just be nice?” he asked. “And if you can’t be nice, can you at least not be grumpy?”

“Don’t ask for the moon, son, and you’ll never be disappointed,” Decker said.

“He’s just grumpy because he’s hungry,” Sammy said.

Rachel said, “Like father, like son . . .”

“I fully admit it.”

“This event should have been catered,” Nina said.

“Stop it,” Tyler said.

Ilana’s parents sat down and again kisses and hugs and oohs and aahs were exchanged. The server finally came over with several bottles of champagne and a bucket of ice.

Nina said, “Keep it flowing, darling. It looks like everyone could use a little mellowing.”

When all the glasses were poured, Jacob held the glass up and said, “L’chayim.”

“L’chayim,” the chorus responded.

“That means to life,” McAdams told Nina.

“I know what it means, Tyler, I wasn’t born in an eggshell.” Nina pulled out a handkerchief and dabbed her eyes. “Besides, who in America hasn’t seen Fiddler on the Roof?”

Chapter 20

CHAPTER 20