“For the cupcakes?Or Nick?”I asked.Stefan grinned and offered me a forkful of cake.I immediately let him slip it between my lips.
“For either of them,” Giselle responded, and we all laughed.
Including Nick.
“See, Francesca?This,” Nick's hand motioned to his friends, “is what I get for doing what I'm told.”He winked at me—and just that one wink made my lower belly clench.
Hard.
Good grief.
After cake and more wine—we moved out into the backyard.Referring to this as a backyard seemed ridiculous, though.
Carlo had an entire vineyard as far as the eye could see.That was definitely not your typical backyard.
We sat for a while until Stefan whispered into my ear, “Want to go for a walk?”His warm breath on my neck made me all shivery.
I nodded, and he helped me up.“We're going for a stroll.”Everyone smiled at us.“We might hang out in the rec room after.”He looked straight at Nick—and no one else.
Nick smirked at him.
And then at me.His eyes traveled down my body.“I look forward to it.”
Then Stefan whisked me away.He led me down the small hill that led to the vineyards.
“We haven't had much time to ourselves since we arrived,” Stefan said, his hand squeezing mine.It was a beautiful evening.Not even a breeze to speak of.
“It's been busy.But good.Really, really good.I'm glad Carlo and Giselle got married,” I said, and I meant it.For a couple of reasons.First, because it was what Giselle wanted.Now, anyway.
And secondly, because when she found out that her husband was sleeping with her best friend—Giselle would be well taken care of.Financially, anyway.
“I don't know how you worked your magic on them.”Stefan chuckled and shook his head.“But you did.Somehow, you managed to get them married in twenty-four hours.And the rest of us have been trying to do that forever.”
I shrugged and answered back, “It wasn't me.It was Carlo finally making the decision to move forward.”I smiled up at Stefan.“And they haven't fought once.In over a day.”
He laughed, and his eyebrows rose.“Definitely a large benefit.”
He guided me into the rows of vines, and explained how they grew, and what kinds of wine each variety would eventually make.It was fun to hear about how long this property had been in their family.And how he and his brother had helped this vineyard to grow and prosper over the years.
His fingers touched my wedding ring and played with it.And then, a moment later, he stopped walking and turned to me.“I have a question for you.”His eyes grew serious—and it almost scared me.“And I need you to answer honestly.Can you do that for me?”
I rested my hand on his arm and said, “Of course.What is it?”I asked, feeling all sorts of worried.
“You won't hurt my feelings.I promise.All I want is for you to be happy.”He held up my left hand and touched my ring with his thumb.“Every time you look down at your ring, I want you to be happy.”
I frowned slightly and looked off to the side, trying to understand what the heck he was talking about.My eyes landed back on his.“I am happy, Stefan.I love this ring.”And I did.I mean, who the heck wouldn't?It was gorgeous.
He gazed down for a long moment and dug into his pocket.And pulled out—
Holy.
Crap.
That was a huge diamond ring.
“I picked this up for you when Nick and I went into the city.If you'd rather wear it—or we can go to whatever jewelry store you want.And pick out anything you like.”
He looked so nervous.
