Something made her step forward. Maybe it was the fact that Leo hadn’t let go of her hand, which reminded her that for better or for worse, they were in this together. “We got married,” she said, holding up her hand. She had to admit, the ring was stunning. It almost made her forget this horrible scene.

Tessa’s mother clapped a hand to her mouth, and not in a good way. Leo’s father gutted his son with a look. Gia gasped. Tessa’s grandmother narrowed her eyes at Leo like she could practically see remnants of Ancestor Guido’s blood circulating in his veins.

Leo put his arm around Tessa. He felt stiff as a corpse. “We were just about to tell you all the good news.”

“You got married in secret without telling us?” Tessa’s mom said. She looked more hurt than angry.

Leo started to speak, but Tessa beat him. “It was only because of the feud, Mom. We wanted to come to both of you already married so there would be no argument or discussion.” Why did she sound so calm when inside she was freaking out?

Leo looped his arm in hers, making sure to squeeze her hand. “Exactly,” he confirmed. “We didn’t want the feud to stop us.”

Leo’s dad looked at Tessa. “You’re a wonderful girl,” he said. “But you’re a Montgomery. And Montgomerys and Castorinis don’t mix.”

“Exactly,” Joanna said, folding her arms across her apron, which she hadn’t taken off, probably because she’d barreled over here in a panic. She swung her gaze to Tessa. “Are you sure you’re not pregnant?”

“Of course not,” Tessa said as if sex with Leo would be more distasteful than castor oil. But somehow, she didn’t think it would be.

And why was she thinking of sex at a time like this?

“It’s not sudden,” Leo said, looking lovingly at Tessa, “because when you know, you know.” He turned to his dad. “You and Mom knew.”

“And you and Dad knew, too,” Tessa added to her mom. “You’ve always told me that when it’s right, it’s right.”

“I can’t abide by this.” Her grandmother wrung her hands. “Any family but theirs, Tessa!”

“What’s that feud about, anyway?” Gia asked, examining her nails. “It’s ridiculous.”

“Gia, it’s not ridiculous,” Leo judiciously rushed to say. “It’s just…longstanding. And maybe we can resolve it over time. Because now we’re all family.” He fake-smiled. But no one smiled back.

“Oh mon Dieu,” Tessa’s mom exclaimed.

“Have you done it yet?” his dad asked.

“Done what, Dad?” Leo asked. “Made it official? Yes.”

“I think he means, is the marriage consummated yet?” her mom asked in a panicky voice as she clutched the edge of Jack’s desk. “Because maybe we can reverse it.”

“Mom!” Tessa exclaimed.