Carmen pulls out an elegant basket filled with spa supplies: high-end massage oils, scented candles, coffee-scented body scrub, and a guidebook titledCouples Massage for Beginners.
“Aunt Elana,” Carmen says around a slightly embarrassed laugh.
Tony picks up the body scrub. “I don’t know whether to thank you or pretend like I actually know how to use these.”
“I couldn’t help myself,” Elana says, unapologetic. “You two have that spa day coming up.”
Brendan rubs the back of his neck.
“What’s wrong, Brendan?” Tony asks with a grin. “Have we traumatized you?”
“No,” he says flatly. “I just forgot about the spa day.”
Elana’s gaze drifts between Brendan and me. “You two will be there, right?”
“Uh, I’ll have to check my schedule.” Brendan is clearly not excited about it, and his reaction makes me deflate inside.
“Of course we will,” I say, trying to show some enthusiasm since Brendan clearly isn’t.
Brendan’s head snaps toward me.
Carmen picks up my gift next, a silver box with a pale, pink bow. “This one’s from Scarlett and Brendan.”
She unwraps the box and pulls out two custom-made ceramic mugs, each painted with their names in elegant script. When she places them side by side, their handles form a perfect heart shape.
“These are absolutely adorable!” Carmen gasps.
“I have a friend who makes custom pottery,” I explain,suddenly nervous about whether they’ll think it’s too homemade compared to all the expensive gifts. “She has her own kiln and paints everything by hand. I had her match the colors from your kitchen photos that you posted.”
She turns one around. “I have a feeling these are going to be my new favorites.”
“I’m so glad you like them.” When I glance at Brendan, he’s staring at me with an expression I can’t read.
Carmen passes the mugs around for everyone while Brendan leans close to me. “You put my name on the gift card,” he says quietly.
“Of course I did,” I whisper back. “We’re supposed to be together, aren’t we?”
He studies my face for a long moment. “Thank you. I had no idea you were getting this for her.”
“I loved picking out something special for them.” I watch as Elana passes the mugs to Isabella. “Being part of this celebration means a lot to me.”
He looks puzzled by my response. “But I thought…”
“Oh, these are so precious!” Isabella interrupts, holding up our mugs. “Scarlett, this is such a thoughtful gift. Brendan owes you a thank-you kiss for this.”
Brendan freezes beside me, and the tension between us sharpens.
Sweat pricks the back of my neck. “A thank-you kiss?”
“Of course,” she says. Considering this woman kisses everyone, I shouldn’t be surprised. But Brendan’s different. He holds back and doesn’t show emotion the way his family does. The only people he kisses are the Marco matriarchs, which I’m pretty sure is a family requirement.
“Uh, Mom.” Brendan shifts in his chair. “Scarlett’s family doesn’t say thank you the way we do.”
“Yes, but she’s part of our family now,” she says with a polite smile.
Elana nods in agreement. “You know, I haven’t seen you two kiss yet. Isn’t that a little strange?”
My stomach drops. Are they seriously questioning our relationship because we don’t kiss in public?