EXCERPT

“Hey, Stasia.”

She turned.

Roberto rushed to catch up with her. “Did you make plans for dinner?”

Her forehead scrunched up. “Is this something I should check on my app?”

He chuckled. “I meant to say, do you want to have dinner with me? But if you don’t want to or you have other plans, that’s fine—”

“No. I mean no, I don’t have other plans, and yes, I’d enjoy having dinner with you.”

“Roberto! Roberto!”

He didn’t have to turn around to know the perky voice belonged to his cousin. If he had a sibling, he’d want them to be just like Gaia. She was so full of life that it bubbled out of her and spread to those around her.

Roberto paused in the passageway. Stasia stopped next to him and they both turned. His cousin rushed up to him with one of her great big warm smiles. And then she wrapped him in a big hug. He hoped her future husband realized how lucky he was to have Gaia in his life.

When Gaia pulled back, she was still smiling. “We kept missing each other yesterday and I was starting to wonder if you were really on the ship. But I’m glad you’re here.” It was then that her gaze moved to Stasia. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to interrupt.”

Remembering his manners, he said, “Gaia, I’d like you to meet Stasia Marinakos. Stasia, this is my cousin Gaia, the blushing bride.”

“It’s so nice to meet you,” Stasia said, holding a hand out to Gaia.

“We can do better than that.” Gaia hugged a surprised Stasia.

Roberto smiled as Stasia experienced the Gaia effect. When it came to making people feel comfortable and welcomed, his cousin knew how to do it. They may be opposites, but he couldn’t love her more if she were his sister.

When the two women parted, Stasia said, “Roberto told me about the wedding in Venice. Congratulations. I’m sure it will be absolutely beautiful.”

Gaia’s dark brows drew together. “You sound like you won’t be there.”

“I… I won’t be.”

Gaia’s puzzled gaze moved from Stasia to him and then back again. “Consider yourself invited. You will be Roberto’s plus-one.” Gaia’s phone buzzed. She glanced at it. “I’ve got to go. It was so good to meet you.” Gaia turned to him and mouthed, “She’s great.”