Total pages in book: 123
Estimated words: 118245 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 591(@200wpm)___ 473(@250wpm)___ 394(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 118245 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 591(@200wpm)___ 473(@250wpm)___ 394(@300wpm)
In the meantime, we had to keep our girls safe. None of them were crazy about having a bodyguard, which was why we decided to keep the additional two bodyguards under the radar.
Ella pretended to pout. “But I’m bored. Playing cello and then moving about the crowd is fun.”
I spun her in a circle as we danced. “I have plenty of ways to keep you occupied until we leave for the ranch next week.”
She rolled her eyes and gave a dramatic sigh. “Aunt Gabriella says it would be gauche if I allowed you to knock me up in the first six months of our marriage.”
“Remind me to thank her,” I quipped, pressing Ella closer.
“Besides, I need to focus on the Cavalieri School of Art and Music.”
We had decided to turn Enzo’s historical house overlooking the piazza into a school, art museum and gallery, and community center for the village.
Milana was overseeing the construction project. Bianca was handling the decorating, and we were headed to the Dolomites to spend a few months on the horse ranch so that Liliana and Ella could work together on the school curriculum. Meanwhile Amara was working the winery’s more exalted clients for art donations for the museum while lining up local artists for the gallery.
Ella rested her head against my heart. “I can’t wait to see the ballroom turned into a concert hall. The acoustics are perfect. And I already have half the program worked out for the memorial concert in Alfonso’s honor to celebrate Festa di Tutti i Santi in November.”
Just then, she leaned her head back to look up at me. “Thank you.”
I frowned. “For what?”
“A few months ago, my life was empty. Now I have so many projects and ideas I don’t know what to do with myself. All I ever wanted to do was share my love of music and help people. So thank you.”
I cupped her cheek and placed a kiss on her forehead. “You’re welcome, colomba mia.”
She lowered her head and snuggled closer against my chest.
My hand stroked her long, soft hair. “Of course, you could say that I gave you purpose. That before me, your life was cold and meaningless. That I was the one who brought light and warmth. Like the sun, or a god. Maybe you should be worshipping me on your knees—”
Her cheeks turned bright pink with embarrassment as several nearby dancing couples cast interested glances in our direction and smiled at our overheard conversation.
Ella groaned while reaching up to cover my mouth. “Oh my God. Please stop talking!”
CHAPTER 55
BARONE
Amara cast a suspicious glance at me as I opened her passenger door. With a narrowed gaze, she looked me over. “What are you up to?”
I offered her my hand to help her from the vehicle, my smile completely innocent. “What makes you think I’m up to something?”
“You’ve been suspiciously nice all day today.”
I placed my hand over my heart. “I’m always nice.”
Her mouth dropped open. “Did you seriously just say that with a straight face?”
I wrapped my arm around her waist and pulled her close as my hand tilted her chin back. “You’re right. It’s been a while since Daddy’s punished you with his belt.”
Amara tilted her head to suck two of my fingers into her cute mouth. “I know. Maybe I should start misbehaving more.”
My answer was a low rumbling growl as I shifted my hand into her hair and claimed her mouth. My tongue swept inside, tasting the vanilla and rum persimmon from our dessert. God, she tasted sweet.
It took all my willpower not to toss her over my shoulder and carry her back to the car then up to our bedroom.
But there were people waiting for us.
As she ran a finger under her lips to check her lipstick, she asked, “Why are we at my mother’s cottage?”
Enclosing her hand in mine I guided her along and said, “You’ll see.”
The moment we passed under the canopy the florist erected of winter jasmine and white hellebores, she knew.
She pressed a hand to her mouth as her eyes misted. “Is it time? Is this finally happening?”
With my hand on the doorknob, I grumbled, “Hell yes it’s happening because it is long past time, babygirl.”
I swung the door open, and our entire assembled family yelled, “Surprise!”
With my arm wrapped securely around her waist, I pulled Amara closer to my side and kissed the top of her head. “Welcome to your La Promessa.”
Milana shifted the baby to her other arm as she moved forward to hug Amara. “I’m so excited for you!” The baby stared with wide eyes, fist waving.
Cesare laughed as he lifted the baby into his arms. “Baby Alfonso is happy for you, too.”
Bianca clapped her hands. “We can’t start celebrating until he actually makes his promise and proposes!”
My palm slapped over my suit jacket, feeling for the ring. “But first.”