Ella was instantly overwhelmed by the loud laughter and voices coming from somewhere deeper inside.
“And you must be Ella,” Rex said, after closing the door. “I’ve heard a lot about you from the girls. I’m glad you were able to join us.”
Ella shook the man’s outstretched hand, noticing that Maverick had definitely gotten his father’s dark brown eyes and chiseled jawline. “It’s nice to meet you, Mr. Storm. I appreciate the invitation.”
“None of that ‘Mr. Storm’ thing here. I’m Rex. And before you even try the ‘Mrs.’ thing with my wife, she’s Claire.”
“That I am,” said Maverick’s mother, grinning widely and wiping her hands on her apron as she walked toward them. “I’m so glad you’re here.” Claire bypassed the handshake Ella offered, tugging her close for a hug.
While Claire released her from the embrace, she kept her hands on Ella’s arms, looking her up and down. “We’re all thrilled you’re here! It’s so exciting to have a real author sitting at our table. And my goodness, aren’t you a beauty. I’ve always wanted red hair. It’s absolutely gorgeous.”
“You certainly have the temperament to be a redhead,” Rex joked, wrapping his arm around his wife’s shoulders and gently pulling her away from Ella.
Claire elbowed him playfully. “Oh, hush you,” she said to her husband, before looking back at Ella. “I raised seven rambunctious boys. My fiery temperament was frequently a result of their antics. And don’t even get me started on this one,” she said, crooking her thumb at Rex.
“I’m a saint,” he assured Ella.
“Mm-hmm,” Claire hummed.
Ella couldn’t help but smile at their good-natured teasing.
“Are you guys going to let them get past the front foyer?” Maverick asked, popping out of a doorway farther into the house.
They all laughed as Claire pointed toward the living room. “Everyone else is already here. Hang out with them, and dinner will be ready in about half an hour.”
“Hope you’re hungry,” Rex added. “Mila made her lasagna.”
Given Manny’s moan of appreciation, it was apparent that was a popular meal.
Edith and Manny followed Rex to the living room. Ella was a few steps behind, but Maverick stopped her at the entrance.
“Would you like some wine?” he asked. “I brought a few bottles of that rosé you liked so well.”
Ella tried to ignore the way her insides went gooey over Maverick’s thoughtful gesture. “I would love a glass.”
He led her away from the living room, the two of them following his mom into the kitchen, where Ella was overwhelmed by the most amazing smells on the planet. Tomatoes, garlic, cheese, with the hint of gingerbread and sugar wafting from a tray of cookies Claire was pulling out of the one of the ovens.
“Oh my God,” Ella murmured, wondering if she needed to wipe drool off her chin.
“Smells great, right?” Maverick said. “Mila, Mom, and Kasi are the three greatest cooks ever.”
Kasi reached up on tiptoe, giving Maverick a kiss on the cheek for his compliment. “Good to see you again,” she said to Ella.
Kasi was a member of Edith’s book club and Remi’s best friend. Ella hadn’t known either woman prior to this visit, as Maverick’s baby cousin and her bestie had been in elementary school the last time Ella lived here.
Mila, who was chopping lettuce for a giant salad, gave Ella a friendly wave and a wink.
“This all smells delicious,” Ella said, as Maverick walked to the wine fridge and pulled out a bottle. He uncorked it, pouring two glasses, handing both to her.
She laughed. “I really do love it, but I think I can pace myself.”
Maverick laughed. “One glass is for Edith. She’ll be waiting for it. I’m going to grab a couple Rain or Shine IPAs for me and Manny.”
Rex appeared in the doorway, approaching his wife, who was using a spatula to transfer the cookies to a cooling rack. He started to reach around her to snag one, but Claire quickly smacked his hand. “Those are for dessert.”
“Yeah,” Rex said, “but they’re best right out of the oven.”
It was obvious Claire didn’t intend to budge, which was when Rex’s eyes widened, and he pointed toward something near the door. “Oh my God. What is that?!”