Picture Perfect (Weddings by Design Book #1): A Novel by Janice Thompson Page A

Treschose that moment to start crying. Bella passed the baby off to me, then gazed at my mother. “You want to meet my aunt Rosa?”
    “Do I ever!” Mama clasped her hands together. “You have no idea what an honor this is. Is she home?”
    “Yes, she just went inside to start cooking lunch. It’s Saturday. She and Laz always cook for the whole family on Saturdays. You would be welcome to join us, of course.”
    Mama gave me a little wink. “This was meant to be. Your father has his bowling league on Saturdays.”
    Mama. Tell me you did not just agree to have lunch at the Rossi home.
    “You want to come inside and meet her?” Bella asked. “She’s always happy for company. And she could probably use your help since the whole crew is here today.”
    My mother’s cheeks flamed red. “Oh. No. I. Couldn’t. I’m. No. Cook.” Her stammered words caught me off guard.
    “Well of course you are,” I threw in. “You’re an expert at all sorts of things.” I began to list her credentials as if she were applying for a job as chief cook and bottle washer.
    “I mean, I’m not an Italian cook.” Mama’s eyelashes fluttered.
    “You will be in no time if you hang out with Rosa.” Bella grinned. “To be honest, I couldn’t cook a thing when D.J. and I got married, but Rosa has turned me into a gourmet. You should taste my ravioli.”
    “I’d love to.” Mama and I spoke in unison and then laughed.
    “Perfect. Because I’ve agreed to make some for this afternoon’s get-together. C’mon in and we’ll put you to work.”
    Mama gazed my way, a near-frantic look on her face. “You . . . you won’t tell your father?”
    “I hate that you feel you have to hide your cooking passion from him, but no, I won’t tell him.”
    “He wouldn’t understand.” She sighed. “If it’s not his familiar meat and potatoes, he won’t eat it.”
    “But what about our shopping spree?” I reminded her. “You were supposed to be Christmas shopping today, remember? What about that list of gifts you made?”
    “I can order your father’s gifts online. He’ll never know the difference.” She winked. “Same for your sisters and the babies. It’s easier to order online, anyway. And look on the bright side—I’ll save money on gas.” She offered a smile meant to convince me, no doubt. Not that I needed convincing. Sticking around sounded like a lot of fun.
    Apparently Drew liked the idea too. When Bella offered the invitation to stay for lunch, he practically sprinted indoors.
    Mama and I followed Bella into the house. In the spacious kitchen, we found Rosa standing at the island, kneading dough, and Laz nearby, stirring a pot on the stove. The most luscious aroma filled the room. Mama, usually not one to shy away from a situation, froze up the moment she saw Rosa. I could read the rapt awe in her expression—Mama’s, not Rosa’s—and wondered if she would ever be the same.
    Thank goodness Bella made the introductions. My mother found her tongue and sprinted into a glowing conversation about Rosa and Laz, singing their praises like a television advertiser. Then Drew joined in, adding his two bits about cooking. Like the guy knew anything about cooking.
    Okay, after hearing his detailed recipe for soda bread, I had to wonder if maybe I’d judged him too soon. Sounded like he knew his stuff, both with photography and with cooking. Figured.
    The ladies worked together to make homemade garlictwists, and I looked on alongside Drew, who turned to give me a friendly smile.
    “Next time we all get together for a meal, we should add some Irish food to the mix,” he said. “I make a mean corned beef and cabbage. My mom says it’s better than hers, and that’s really saying something.”
    “Ooh.” Rosa looked at Drew, a smile turning up the edges of her lips as she waved a large spoon in his direction. “Say that again, young man.”
    He repeated himself and shrugged.
    Rosa’s eyes sparkled, and she clasped her