Wow. Her mom blew her away. How had she not seen that before?

Her mom placed the wine in the middle of the table. “This is an excellent pairing with seafood. The grapes are from Giverny, which of course is where Monet painted.” She looked at Leo. “In our tradition, a bottle of wine with a meal is good luck. We Montgomerys wish you every success with your new venture.”

Her words and gracious gesture made Tessa a little teary.

This was such a weird day. First of all, her mom never dressed up during a workday. She also almost never drank, let alone at noontime. And third…how long had it been since Tessa had seen her without an apron on? Tessa vowed to give her more excuses to get out of the bakery.

Leo walked up to her mom and hugged her. “Thank you for the wine, Joanna.” He guided her to the table. “Please join us.”

“I didn’t want to intrude,” she said with a sweet smile. “But if you insist.” Her gaze wandered to Marco, who looked at her a little grumpily and signaled for her to have a seat.

Leo grabbed a chair, and Gia ran in for another plate. Her mom sat down on the end, near Marco, who stared at her like she’d just landed in a spaceship in the parking lot.

“Our children are always innovating,” her mom said as she proceeded to open the wine herself. “It’s the way of a new generation, Marco.” She poured the wine and passed him a glass, smiling. “Cheers.”

He glanced from her to the glass. Tessa, holding her breath, caught Leo’s eye. He was as focused on the moment as she was.

Slowly, Leo’s dad took the glass and lifted it, first to Leo and then to Tessa. “Okay, fine. Cheers.” Then everyone drank and dug into their food.

Leo approached Tessa’s chair. “I’m glad your mom came,” he whispered in her ear, which sent an unwelcome shiver running down her back. “Is your grandmother around?”

Tessa nodded toward the bakery. “She’s working today.”

“I’ll be right back.” He gave her shoulders a squeeze before running next door.

Aw geez. How could she not like this guy?

This was turning into a real family affair. For better or for worse. While her grandmother was nearly always Tessa’s fiercest ally, she also had the Montgomery propensity to cut with a phrase.

“The bread is fantastic today, Tessa,” her mom said. “The crust is perfect.”

“I totally agree.” Gia waved a torn piece in the air. “I can eat just this for lunch, it’s so good.”

Then Tessa’s grandmother appeared on Leo’s arm…with both her sisters in tow.

Holy cavatelli. They must have closed the bakery for lunch. The last time that happened was when her grandfather had died.