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“What’s the emergency?” he demanded in an alarmed tone.
Jewel slid a private glance toward Rogen and smiled. He’d been right. Their parents still cared enough about one another to worry if something might be amiss at the others’ estate.
Conversely, and with a scowl, Vin announced, “I didn’t say it was an emergency, Mr. Catalano. I just told your assistant that it’d be a good idea for you to come over.”’
“That would indicate an emergency, Vin,” Anthony shot back. “It’s good to see you, by the way. Been too long.” His gaze shifted. “Rogen. You’re looking well.”
“As are you, sir.”
“Little late in the day to be calling me that, don’t you think? ‘Anthony’ is fine.”
Rogen nodded and gave a shadow of a grin. Jewel’s father wasn’t about to throttle him. She sighed with relief.
As Sophia went into her husband’s arms, Rose-Marie crossed to Jewel, taking her hands in hers.
“I’m so very sorry,” the older woman said, choking on a sob. “For everything.”
“I don’t need you to apologize. I just want you to feel better. And let my parents be your friends again.”
Rose-Marie folded her arms around Jewel. It was a fragile hug, but a comforting one.
When Rose-Marie eventually released her, Jewel added, “And try to understand that I love your son and the man you helped to raise. Not one more than the other. But equally. I always have.”
“They’re very fortunate for that.” Glancing over at Jewel’s parents, Rose-Marie told them, “You have a very beautiful and compassionate daughter. A woman with a heart big enough to offer double the love—to my two treasures.”
“I think that’s as much information as we need to know on the matter,” Anthony dryly said. “Sometimes ignorance truly is bliss.”
Jewel laughed softly.
Rose-Marie joined Rogen and Vin. “I couldn’t be prouder of you two. And despite what I told you earlier, please know that you and Gian are what I live for. I love you all so much.”
Rogen embraced his mother. Held her tight. Then stepped away so that Vin could get in his time with the maternal presence in his life.
“Jewel,” Gian said. “Are you really serious about the inn and winery? Committed to them?”
“Absolutely. Fully.”
His attention shifted to Rogen. “And you?”
“One hundred percent.”
With a decisive nod, Gian announced, “Then I’ll relinquish the Angelini portion of the property to both of you. Will you do the same, Anthony?”
Jewel held her breath. Her heart skipped several beats.
Anthony grinned. “Of course. I think their vision for that land is the best damn idea any of us have had in a long time.”
“Agreed,” Gian said. Then he closed the gap between him and Jewel’s father in three wide strides and extended his hand. “I’ll never forget what you and Sophia did for us. I hope you know that we’re appreciative. And sorry. Truly and deeply.”
“It was necessary,” Anthony contended, demonstrating his own compassion. And the lengths he’d go to for people in need. Jewel was immensely proud he was her father. “Especially for Rose-Marie. Her well-being was worth the sacrifice. Though … I have missed you, my friend.”
“No more than I have you.” They shook. Then clasped each other on the shoulder.
“This is lovely,” Rose-Marie said with a sniffle. “Except … aside from the business aspect, I’m not quite sure Rogen, Vin, and Jewel have reconciled their issues.”
Jewel told her, “I heard every word you said to me yesterday. I’m sorry I didn’t have any answers to give you. The truth is … Those are things Rogen, Vin, and I have to work out. Together. Just the three of us.” To her two men, she said, “I’ll admit that in Paris I wasn’t thinking of consequences or reality. But now I am. And I do understand what you were saying to me.… We’ll have to make a lot of decisions. Fortunately, in the end … we all want the same thing.”
“And you can handle that?” Rogen asked.
