When Roman and the men came into the living room a while later, Mrs. Ricci was fussing over Poppy, asking her more questions than she could answer at once.
"Did you go to your American prom? I bet you did. You probably had the loveliest dress."
"Well, I—"
"And your first date. What was that like? Who was he?..." rumbling on, Poppy couldn't get a word in over her mother's excited chatter.
Standing at the doorway, Roman leaned on the threshold with his arms crossed over his chest with a smile. "Having fun ladies?"
"Mrs. Ricci and I were just talking… I mean… Momma… I… I'm sorry. It just feels nice. "
Taking her hand, Carly gave a wide smile. "You can call me Momma, Angelina. It's all right."
"Okay… Can you call me Poppy? I really don't know that name yet."
"Of course," the woman said as she dropped her head. "I didn't mean to rush you. This must be very hard."
