“Not by a long shot. What are you up to, Brenna?”

“Absolutely nothing. Cross my heart.”

Grandma Tessa looked up. “You go to hell for lying, same as stealing, young lady. The good Lord knows all.”

“Words to live by,” Brenna said with a laugh as she turned and raced up the stairs.

2

Brenna followed Katie and Francesca into the bedroom she and her twin had shared while they’d been growing up and where she’d returned to when she’d moved back into the hacienda. She set the wine and the glasses on the nightstand, then handed the chocolate milk to her sister. While Brenna went to work on the cork, Francesca flopped down on the bed opposite and Katie sat cross-legged on the foot of Brenna’s bed.

“You know they’re not going to leave us alone for very long,” Katie said, accepting the glass of Cabernet Brenna handed her. “Mom’s right. There’s a lot to go into the wedding planning.”

“So speaks Ms. Organized,” Brenna said. She poured a glass for herself and raised it. “To my sisters getting married.”

But neither of them responded to her toast. Katie stared watchfully, while Francesca looked concerned.

“What?” Brenna asked, kicking off her shoes and sinking onto the mattress. “You’re looking at me funny and that always makes me nervous.”

“Don’t be nervous. It’s just…” Francesca leaned toward her. “I’m worried about you.” She glanced at Katie. “We’re worried about you.”

“Because I’m drinking wine in the middle of the day? I swear, it doesn’t usually happen. Most of the time I’m too busy to stop for lunch, which isn’t anything I ever thought I would say. Unfortunately with the Grands’ cooking being as fattening as it is, skipping a meal once in a while doesn’t work as a weight-loss plan.” She patted her stomach. “I guess I’m going to have to seriously think about portion control.”



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