Beaming, Lillian gave a slight bow. “Thank you, my good sir.”

Frankie suppressed a smile at her sisters’ wide eyes.

“Now, Frankie.” Lillian patted her shoulder. “I have robes for you. Come over early, and we’ll get dressed. We’ll have ever so much fun.”

“I’ll be there.” But…they’d discussed robes and times yesterday. There was no way Lillian had forgotten.

Cazzo, Bull had drafted more than just his family for this meeting with her family. Felix, Regina, Tina, Lillian…? Ohhh, this was such a set up.

Lillian smiled at Frankie’s family. “It’s lovely that you came to visit her. I know she’s missed you all.”

As Lillian and Dante moved away, Anja snorted. “Missed us? When would you have had time?”

Birgit sniffed. “She doesn’t put in hours at the gym like we do. This place probably doesn’t even have a gym.”

“We have a home gym,” Gabe said mildly. “I’ve noticed Bull and Frankie seem to prefer jogging and sparring in our park.”

Bull shrugged. “There’s nothing like running beside the lake at sunrise.”

“Oh.” Anja sighed. “That does sound nice.”

“By the way, Frankie, can you give me some lessons with that staff of yours? Some of your blocks and strikes would work great with the police baton,” JJ said.

“Sure. I’d love to.”

Papà didn’t seem upset, but Birgit and Mama were frowning. Because none of Frankie’s plans included returning to New York.

“Only, you’ll have to tell Gryff not to bite me—that we’re friends, right?” JJ added with a smile.

“Bite you?” Birgit stared. “What?”

“Our dog,” Bull said. “He’s ninety pounds of fur that tries to crawl into Frankie’s lap every chance he gets—and will guard her with his life.”

Mama looked appalled, then her eyes softened. “You’ve always wanted a dog.”

“One like Nonna’s,” Papà said. “Back when you’d help her in her gardens.”

“We have a huge garden.” Audrey smiled at Papà. “Frankie was singing as she harvested baby salad greens.”

Frankie smiled at the memory. She’d been singing “Yesterday”, the old Beatles’ tune when everyone had joined in to create a lovely four-part harmony.

“You’re part of his family—and this town, aren’t you?” Anja said, and Frankie could hear a note of envy. “It suits you, too. No wonder you’re so happy here.”

“Now,” Frankie heard Caz whisper to JJ, “now, they finally see her clearly.”

Birgit pursed her lips. “You actually found a guy who has no intention of being part of Bocelli’s.”

Mama made an appalled sound, then sighed. A sigh of acceptance.