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“Why did you stop reading?” Leo queried, leaning forward to see the article over her shoulder.
“It’s the interview now. And you were there for that.”
He smiled. “But I like the sound of your voice. I’m smitten, remember.”
She rolled her eyes, but continued reading. The article went for four pages, and photographs were interspersed with the text.
She got to the last paragraph, sipped her water, and continued.
“With the wedding less than a week away, the lack of nerves is worth commenting on. When I asked the groom about his appearance of calm, he gave the following response: Life, by its very nature, is riddled with uncertainty. None of us has a guarantee, as to how long we’ll live, and how happy we’ll be. All we can do is make decisions that give us the best chance. I’m marrying Aurora because I love her, completely. Because I know that my life, without her in it, is pale and boring. Why would that make me nervous? It makes me excited. It thrills me. It makes me feel lucky and alive. Not nervous.”
Aurora turned to him, her blue eyes tinged with moistness. “I didn’t hear that.”
“You were changing into the hundredth outfit for the photo shoot at the time.”
Aurora sighed. “You’re really very sweet, you know. It’s just as well you quit racing. I really think your talents were wasted.”
He grinned. “I’m glad. I have ideas for how I’d rather spend my time, and they all focus on you.”
Aurora snuggled deeper into the comfortable leather chair. “Imagine if Beatrice hadn’t met Peter. If she hadn’t got married. Do you think we’d have worked out that we were meant to be together?”
“Undoubtedly. It was only a matter of time.”
His confidence pleased her. “I think so too.” She reached down and rubbed at a crease on her dress.
“It was Betty,” he said. “I saw her clutching your skirts as though you were her lifeline.”
Aurora smiled, thinking of Beatrice and Peter’s dear little three month old. “In that case, the creases can stay.”
“Our niece is quite delightful,” he agreed. “Though I predict she’ll be just as troublesome as her mother.”
Aurora nodded. “I hope so. Nothing better than a girl with spirit.”
“Speaking of which,” Leonardo asked softly, “do you approve of Alec’s new flame?”
“Not only do I approve of her, I set them up.”
Leonardo’s brows shot up. “I didn’t realise.”
“We have to have some secrets, you know.” She winked. “Alyssa is perfect for him. And he for her. I think they’re a good match.”
“I’m glad. I would like him to be as happy as we are. Well, that is probably not possible. I at least want him to find someone he cares for, who returns the sentiment.”
Aurora tilted her head, just as the spectacular and unmistakable sight of Rimini loomed into view.
“The island!” She squealed, squeezing his fingers. ?
??It’s perfect.”
He nodded. “I have long been tormented by memories of that very perfect time we spent together here. I thought it was time to add to the collection.”
Aurora sighed. “It’s funny, I never really believed in fairy tales, but now I’m living one.”
“This is better than a fairy tale,” he demurred, lifting her hand to his lips and kissing it softly.
“How so?” She asked, her eyes clinging to his.
“Because fairy tales always have a happy ending.”
