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AIMEE’S BIRTHDAY fell on a Saturday.
Which was, Nicolo said, perfect for their visit at the house in Tuscany.
“There’s an infinity pool and a hot tub, and a terrace that looks out over the valley. No servants, just a housekeeper who comes in only a couple of times a week.” He took Aimee in his arms and kissed her. “We’ll have all the privacy we could want, cara, so I can teach you some new words in my language and, better yet, show you exactly what they mean. How does that sound?”
It sounded wonderful. Almost too wonderful to be true, but then, the last several weeks had all been like that.
The only thing that could be more perfect would be if Nicolo said he loved her. Aimee hoped that might be the special gift he had for her. A sweet declaration of his love.
Then, life would be perfect.
They planned to leave early Friday morning but Nicolo had to go to his office first to sort out a minor emergency.
Aimee walked him out the front door.
“I’ll be back in an hour, no more,” he said, as he kissed her goodbye.
“Not a minute more,” she answered, kissing him back.
He smiled, but then his expression grew serious. “Are you happy here, with me, cara?”
She answered by pressing her mouth to his again.
“Sometimes,” he said, his arms tightening around her, “sometimes I think it was fate that sent you on a collision course with me in front of that hotel, and sent us to the same club that evening.” He took her face in his hands. “And, lately, I think, too, that we should repay fate’s kindness to us by making peace with your grandfather.”
Aimee sighed. “I know. I’ve thought about it. He’s old. And frail. And I suppose, in his own way, he did what he thought was right.”
Nicolo brushed his mouth gently over hers.
“I am glad you feel that way, cara, because—because that plays into my birthday gift for you.”
“Making peace with James? I don’t understand.”
“You will,” he said, and kissed her again. “I will explain this weekend, I promise.”
“Nicolo! That’s not fair. At least give me a hint.”
“A hint. Hmm.” He grinned. “All right.” He put his hand on her rounded belly. “Part of your gift is as much a gift for our baby as for you.”
“Some hint! I’m more confused than before!”
Nicolo rolled his eyes. “One more hint, woman, and then my lips are sealed. Let’s see…” He took her hand, turned it over and touched his finger to a line across her palm. “I see a journey in your future,” he said, his tone as solemn as any fortune-teller’s. Then he looked up and grinned. “No more questions, Principessa. Nicolo the Magnifico has finished telling the future for now.”
Aimee laughed. “You’re a hard man, Nicolo the Magnificent.”
“And you are soft, cara,” he said huskily, “as soft as silk in my arms.”
A long, deep kiss. Then he trotted down the steps, got into his Ferrari and roared away.
She looked after the car until it vanished through the gates. Then she went back into the palazzo, out onto the terrace overlooking the rear gardens, smiling as she gazed over the riotous colors of the flowers.
A hint? Nicolo had given it all away. Her “special birthday gift” was a trip to New York and a reconciliation with James.
It was a generous gesture for her husband to make.
Nicolo was a proud man. Her grandfather’s attempt to manipulate him had
backfired because of that pride. Now, he’d overlook it and make peace for her sake, and for the sake of their child.
