Page 301 of Valentino

“I would like that too.” We walk down one of the winding stone paths through the vegetable patch and Val gets to picking the basil, he pulls out a few weeds.

I glance over to see a chicken coop. “There’s chickens?” I gasp as I walk over to peer in. “Where are they?”

“They are long in bed by this time. Early to bed and early to rise.”

“Oh.” I beam, I imagine growing up here with homegrown vegetables and chickens and lake views. “How wonderful.”

Val keeps weeding a little.

“You should tell your dad,” I say.

Val looks up. “Tell him?”

“That we’re getting married.”

His eyes hold mine. “Really?”

“Really.”

He goes back to loading his herb basket and we make our way back inside.

“Papa,” Val says. “Ho alcune novità” (translation) “I have some news for you.”

His father looks between us, seemingly worried. “Yes?”

“Anna ha accettato di diventare mia moglie” (translation) “Anna has agreed to be my wife.”

His mouth falls open. “Vi sposerete?” (Translation) “Married?”

“Yes.” Val smiles, he kisses my temple. “Siamo molto felici” (translation) “We are very happy.”

“Per fortuna” (translation) “Thank you, God.” He does a cross across his chest, claps his hands together and cries out in joy, he hugs us both and is so overwhelmed with emotion that he starts to cry.

Oh.

“Sorry, sorry.” He wipes his eyes with the back of his forearm and I find myself welling up too.

“Finitela, tutti e due” (translation) “Stop it, you two.” (translation)

“Sono solamente lacrime di gioia” (translation) “Happy tears, happy tears.” His eyes light up. ““Ah.” Solleva un dito. “Soltanto un attimo”” (translation) “Ahh.” He holds up his finger. “Just a minute.” He disappears up the hall and Val pulls me into his arms and kisses me. “Thank you, this means a lot.”

Val refills our wineglasses and stirs the pot on the stove.

“Where did he go?” I whisper.

“Who knows.” Val smiles as he sips his wine.

He reappears and proudly puts something into Valentino’s hand, Val looks down at it and then screws his face up in tears.

What is it?

“Ah.” Solleva un dito. “Soltanto un attimo” (translation) “I cannot, Val whispers. “Papa.”

“Prendilo” (translation) “Take it,” is father pleads.

“I….” Val looks down at whatever is in his hand.

“What’s wrong?” I frown.