The three sisters looked at one another and shook their heads. When Mom started making lists, an entire afternoon could fly by. Better to escape now.

“I’ll get the drinks,” Brenna said, heading for a rack on the far wall.

“I’ll get chocolate,” Francesca said.

Katie walked to the cupboard. “Cheese and crackers or cookies?”

“Cookies,” Francesca and Brenna said together.

Their mother shook her head. “You girls aren’t going anywhere. We have two weddings to plan.”

Katie snaked a plate of cookies from the counter, kissed both Grammy M and Grandma Tessa, and hurried out of the room.

“Love you, Mom,” she called over her shoulder.

Francesca quickly followed.

Brenna collected a bottle of wine, an opener, and two wineglasses, then opened the refrigerator. As expected, there was a bottle of chocolate milk sitting on the top shelf. It was the Grands’ contribution to Francesca’s need to increase her calcium.

“You guys think of everything,” she said as she shut the door.

Her mother glared at her. “We need to plan.”

“We’ll deal with it later,” Brenna promised. “Don’t worry. Everything will get done in time.”

“I can’t believe you girls are having wine. It’s the middle of the day.”

“We have things to celebrate,” Brenna said.

Her mother’s eyes narrowed slightly. “You seem exceptionally happy today. Why is that?”

Brenna wasn’t about to spill the beans about her potential deal with Nic. Not to her parents. While she knew they would understand her need to stand on her own, the information would put them in an awkward position. Her paternal grandfather was still the head of the family and he wouldn’t approve. Rather than make her parents take sides, she would keep her mouth shut.

She smiled and started backing out of the room. “Two of my sisters are marrying wonderful men. Isn’t that enough to put a spring in my step?”