I walked toward the table, every eye fixed on me. Mom's expression was warm yet curious—apparently, she'd only just heard about the restaurant tonight. Emma was grinning like she found the whole thing hilarious.
Sarah watched with her usual analytical gaze, noting Sabrina's reactions and knowing exactly what I was doing to my mother-in-law.
Madison's smile radiated pure pride, that smug that's-my-man satisfaction, rooting for me even against her own mother. My Crazy Queen.
And Sabrina? Her wine glass was frozen halfway to her lips. Before I could reach the table, Antonio intercepted me, pulling me into a big, back-slapping hug that said he genuinely liked me. His hands gripped my shoulders, as if testing if I was real.
"Look at you!" he said, holding me at arm's length, beaming. "Madison told me you were tall, but Christ, you've got five inches on me! And this suit—damn, you clean up well, son!"
