on the wedding plans. That’s why I called in the first place, to let you know we’ve been called into action.”
Gabi laughed. “Since when does Emily listen to anything you or I have to say when it comes to her life?”
“She says there are incredible weddings on those soaps I’ve been on, and I should know a thing or two. And we’re both her sisters, and we’re to be in the wedding party. I’d suggest if you don’t want to wind up wearing a very unflattering shade of whatever color’s in fashion in Hollywood these days, you need to be there to speak up. Listen to me. I’m the oldest. I know best.”
Gabi laughed. “Since when? I’ve always been the sensible one. Everyone knows that.”
“If that were true, how’d you land in this mess?” Samantha taunted. “See you tomorrow, sweetie. And don’t worry. This is going to work out. I promise.”
Gabi hung up and sighed. Sand Castle Bay was the very last place she wanted to go right now, but Samantha was right about one thing. It was exactly where she belonged.
* * *
Wade was sitting in the middle of his sister’s living room floor with two kids under the age of three climbing all over him. Well, one was climbing. The other was cradled against his chest, drooling.
“Unca Wade?” Chelsea whispered, crawling into his lap and snuggling close.
“What’s up, kiddo?” he said, shifting baby Jason to give her more room.
“Me wants a kitty for my birthday,” the almost three-year-old announced.
He smiled, fully aware he was being manipulated. Once either of his nieces turned their big blue eyes on him, he pretty much gave them whatever they wanted. A kitty, though? Louise would have a fit. His sister had vowed there would be no pets in her household until every last one of her children were out of diapers—and preferably out of college, if he knew Lou.
“What does your mom say?” he asked the toddler, who’d rested her head against his chest with a deep sigh.
“No,” she admitted sorrowfully.
“Then I’m afraid that’s the way it has to be. Maybe when you’re older and can take care of a kitty all by yourself.”
“But I’m going to be three,” she reminded him.
“I think you need to be a little older than that,” Wade said. “Having a kitten is a lot of responsibility.”
He glanced up to see his sister towering over him, hands on hips.
“Good answer,” she said, then frowned at her daughter. “And you. Did we not talk about you going to your dad or your uncle to try to get something I’ve already said you can’t have?”
Chelsea gave her a winning smile that could normally charm anyone whose path she crossed. “But I want a kitty really, really bad.”
“And I said no really, really firmly,” Lou told her, though the corners of her mouth were twitching. “Now, go wash your hands before dinner. Daddy will be home any minute.”
Chelsea heaved another resigned sigh, then dutifully scampered off.
“That child is going to grow up to be a sneaky politician making backroom deals,” Lou predicted.
Wade chuckled. “Or a smart lawyer like her mama,” he suggested. “A weaker man would have brought her a kitten first thing tomorrow, but I know how she operates. I’ve also heard the no-pet rule about a thousand times with the older kids.”
Lou sank down on the edge of the sofa and for an instant he could see the exhaustion on her face. He frowned and scooted closer, then handed the baby over to his sister. He gave her a sideways glance as she instinctively rubbed her knuckles over Jason’s soft-as-silk cheek and seemed to relax.
“You okay, sis?”
“Just trying to juggle too many balls in the air. What was I thinking having all these kids and trying to have a career, too?”
“You were thinking what an incredible mom you’d be, what fabulous children you and Zack would have and that you’d always have backup from me.”
She managed a weary smile at that. “You are a godsend,” she agreed. “Having you here for a couple of hours when I first get home from the office really helps me to hang on to my sanity. The kids adore you and I have some breathing room to get civilized before Zack walks in the door. Believe me, my husband appreciates that.”
“Hanging out with your kids works for me, too,” Wade said quietly. “Especially now.”
Lou reached over and gave his shoulder a squeeze. “You’re so blasted cheerful and easygoing ninety-nine percent of the