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Nora—as mother of the bride—had chosen pale lemon, her elegantly styled suit also having been made by a top designer in Milan. She looked lovelier—and happier—than Veronica had ever seen her. Her mother was in the process of selling her home-help business and moving to Capri, where she would live in Laurence’s villa, looking after it for Veronica and Leonardo for when they could come and stay. Which Veronica vowed would be often. The happy couple had already made their permanent home in Milan, the nursery all ready for their son’s arrival. Francesca, Leonardo’s housekeeper, was very excited at the thought of having a baby in the house. Luckily, she and Veronica liked each other, which had pleased Leonardo greatly.
Last in the wedding party was Dr Waverly, who’d agreed to give Veronica away. He’d seemed a good choice, being a friend of her real father, and of his vintage.
The photos took a good while, the sky being a little cloudy, though every now and then the sun would peep out. At least it wasn’t raining. The weather on Capri in March could be very capricious. At last the photos were all finished to the photographer’s satisfaction and it was time to head to the waiting cars, the bride having chosen to travel in Franco’s yellow convertible, the rest in other equally colourful taxis. Just as Veronica made her way off the terrace, the sun came out again, bathing the villa in glorious light. Veronica glanced over her shoulder and thought how her father’s home had never looked more beautiful.
Her father…
Yes, she hadn’t known him in life, but she’d got to know him in death, lots of people having filled her in on his character. No, he hadn’t been a perfect man, but he had been a good man, and a brilliant scientist who’d made a difference in the world through his work. He’d also been a man capable of great love. Veronica felt she had inherited that quality from him, because she loved Leonardo and their unborn baby more than she could ever have thought possible. She could not wait for her son to be born and to see what their genes would produce. A very special child, she was sure. Very special indeed.
But none of this would have happened, she thought as she gazed back at the villa, if her father hadn’t left her his home in his will.
‘Thank you, Dad,’ s
he murmured, her heart filling with gratitude and love. ‘Thank you.’
* * *
Their son was born in May, three weeks early, obviously impatient to come into this world. He was perfect in every way, captivating everyone who saw him. They called him Antonio Laurence Alberto Fabrizzi. His grandfather was thrilled. At last, a boy who would carry on his name. Antonio’s two grandmothers were besotted, but not as much as his parents, who vowed to have more children as soon as possible.
* * * * *
ISBN-13: 9781488083730
The Italian’s Unexpected Love-Child
First North American publication 2018
Copyright © 2018 by Miranda Lee
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This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events or locales is entirely coincidental. This edition published by arrangement with Harlequin Books S.A.
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Now, read on for a tantalizing excerpt of USA TODAY bestselling author
Jennie Lucas’ next book,
THE HEIR THE PRINCE SECURES
An exquisite encounter with a Sicilian leaves Tess alone, penniless and pregnant. Until Stefano returns, discovers his unknown heir, and reveals he’s royalty! Now to protect his tiny daughter, he’ll make Tess his Cinderella bride!
Keep reading to get a glimpse of
THE HEIR THE PRINCE SECURES
CHAPTER ONE
LOVE MEANT EVERYTHING to Tess Foster.
NOT JUST LOVE. Romance. Pink roses. Castles and hearts.
As a lonely teenager living in the attic of her aunt and uncle’s Brooklyn bakery, Tess tried to keep her romantic dreams secret. In a modern world of easy hookups and one-night stands, it was embarrassing, even shameful, to be an idealistic virgin waiting for true love. As other girls giggled over their first fumbling sexual experiences in the back seats of cars, Tess kept quiet and hoped no one would notice that she spent her own Saturday nights with dusty books in the library, dreaming of handsome princes.
She’d known, even then, that when she finally gave herself to a man, it would only be to someone she truly loved. She’d wear white on her wedding day and lose her virginity on their honeymoon. She’d settle for nothing less than the fairy tale.
