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‘I’m not due for another two weeks yet, Antonia. And, given the fact that first babies often come late, you might be in for a wait before Lily comes and stays with you.’
Selecting a strawberry from the fruit platter, Catherine bit into it, enjoying the sweet ripe taste, enjoying this lazy Saturday afternoon with her family by her side and a glimpse of the exciting times that lay ahead, and trying not to spoil this precious time with the pensive mood that had taken her today.
‘Maybe Lily should have a trial run?’ Ri
co’s voice was so casual, his stance so nonchalant anyone else would have missed the meaning behind his words, and Catherine’s eyes darted nervously to Antonia, watching the older woman’s reaction as Rico’s words hit home. ‘Maybe she should go home with you both tonight?’
‘You mean it?’ Antonia didn’t wait for an answer, scooping Lily up in her arms, ordering Carlos to load the car and showering her beloved granddaughter with kisses as Catherine packed an overnight bag. She slipped in a couple of bedtime stories for Carlos to read to her, albeit slowly. But Three Little Ducks was somehow so much more romantic with a Sicilian accent, and Lily was eternally patient, delighting in her doting grandfather’s efforts, the perfect audience as he falteringly discovered the joy of reading.
‘You’ve made their day.’ Catherine sighed as they waved them off, leaning back on Rico, resting her head against his chest as his hands cupped her swollen stomach.
‘It’s the right thing to do,’ Rico murmured, more to himself than to Catherine. ‘Anyway, I had an ulterior motive. Do you realise this is probably our last night alone for a very, very long time?’
‘Night feeds, dirty nappies.’ Catherine sighed again. ‘Are you sure you’re ready to do it all again?’
‘More than ready,’ Rico affirmed. ‘Aren’t you?’
She was! Oh, for a while she’d been scared to glimpse the future. Rico’s multitude of tests had consumed them, brave words no barrier against fear, but they had faced it together. Dark times were so much easier shared, and the blessed relief of a clean bill of health was so much sweeter with a family beside you.
‘I’m ready, Rico.’ She nestled against him, forcing herself to continue, forcing herself to share what was in her mind, as they had promised each other they would—only Rico got there first.
‘Just not today, huh?’
‘Just not today,’ Catherine whispered back, grateful for his insight, and glad, so glad, she didn’t have to hide her feelings any more.
‘I’ve got something for you,’ Rico said solemnly, turning her around to face him, pulling a piece of paper out of his pocket and handing it to her with trembling hands. ‘I know it’s going to make you cry, but it’s something I think you should have—something I think we should have.’
She stared at the paper for an age and Rico was right, it did make her cry—but then every thing made her cry at the moment. Since Rico had switched on her emotions the world seemed to be a vivid contrast of delicious highs and lows, and she relished the rollercoaster she rode alongside him.
Somehow she even managed to relish standing in their courtyard on a Saturday afternoon, remembering the child they had lost one year ago on this day.
‘I named a star.’ Rico’s voice wavered as he spoke and she waited patiently for him to continue. ‘It was meant to be, Catherine. Our baby brought us together, made us the family we are today, and though I couldn’t see it at the time I can see it so very clearly now. Our baby had a purpose.’
It was the most beautiful thing he could have said, the most beautiful thing anyone could have said, and as he took her hand and led her back to the house—a house that was now a home, filled with love, blessed with their beautiful Lily and a new baby soon to follow—Catherine knew the future was there for the taking, and that she was the luckiest woman in the world.
Tonight, though, was for them.
* * * * *
ISBN: 978-1-408-93964-2
THE SICILIAN’S BOUGHT BRIDE
© Carol Marinelli 2006
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Now, read on for a tantalizing excerpt of USA Today bestselling author Carol Marinelli’s next book,
