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His dad sighed. “I wouldn’t worry about treading on his toes. He needs help—with the winery and with his personal life. He’s too proud to let me do anything, or your mom. You’re probably the only person who can help him through this.”
“Okay. Let me get a few things in order and I’ll be there.”
“Thanks, son.”
“Of course. Is Mom around?”
“She’s out. She’s at her craft group. I’ll get her to call you.”
“Okay. Thanks. I’m going to call Marcos and tell him I’m coming.”
“Good. See you soon. Love you, son.”
“Love you, too, Dad. Bye.”
Antonio hung up and stared out of the window. He shook his head sadly. He felt for his brother and hoped he could help him. He wanted to be there for him, but at the same time, the timing wasn’t wonderful. He wanted to be here with Mary Ellen, too. He wondered what she’d think. He hoped she’d understand, and that it wouldn’t make her think he was backing off or wanting to slow things down between them. He smiled as a thought struck him. There was one way he knew he could prove to her that him leaving for a while didn’t mean that he didn’t want to be with her. He checked his watch. He’d call Marcos now and then get out of here. He’d need to make a stop on his way home.
~ ~ ~
Mary Ellen smiled to herself as she opened the front door and let herself in. She’d gotten used to coming home here after work. Antonio had given her the spare key that had been behind the light on Monday, and she’d come back here every night since. She turned around to take everything in as she entered the grand foyer. Could this really be her home? “Why not?” she asked out loud. It was a beautiful home, and it belonged to a beautiful man. A man who loved her. She hugged herself at the thought. He loved her. He told her every chance he got—and she loved hearing it every single time. She had a plan tonight. When he came home, she was going to tell him that she loved him. She’d told him she was falling for him, said that she could see herself loving him, but she hadn’t yet come out and said, plain and simple,I love you. And she knew she did. She might have wrestled with how fast things were happening between them, but she couldn’t deny that she’d fallen head over heels in love with him. He’d been her fantasy guy, and now her fantasy was a reality—only the reality beat the fantasy, hands down. Not only was he a great guy, when she’d thought him not to be, but even all her old sexual fantasies paled in comparison with the reality. The imaginary guy who’d helped her fill her nights had only been as good in bed as she could imagine. It turned out that her imagination had been sorely lacking, and the real Antonio had opened up a whole new world in the bedroom.
She went through to the kitchen and put her purse down on the counter. He’d said he was going to cook for her tonight—the Chicken Marsala that they’d never gotten around to eating the first night she came here. She didn’t know what time he’d be back, but he’d called her earlier to say that he shouldn’t be too late, so not to go snacking on anything and spoil her appetite. She smiled. She didn’t need to eat, but she did want her usual Friday night treat. He’d very sweetly bought everything she needed to make her Margaritas and she fixed herself one and took it out onto the terrace. She loved it out here. The view was amazing. She sat down on one of the loungers, but couldn’t settle there—apparently, she wasn’t totally relaxed here yet. Instead, she took her drink and sat at the table. She blew out a big happy sigh and took in the view. Who would ever have thought that this would be her life? She smiled as she remembered what Antonio had said about being grateful to David. He was right. She was grateful to him now—if he hadn’t dumped her she wouldn’t be sitting here right now, sipping her Margarita, and waiting for her wonderful man to come home to her.
She had to wonder what her mom would make of all this. She’d only spoke to her a couple of times since that night at Molly’s. She wasn’t angry at her, but her feelings were still a little hurt that her mom thought she should take David back and be grateful that he wanted her again. She pulled her phone out of her pocket. She should give them a call, maybe she’d even tell them about Antonio. Though she wouldn’t expect too much enthusiasm.
She set her phone down on the table when she heard the garage door open. He was home. She could call her parents another time. Right now, she had to go tell a certain Sicilian that she loved him.
She met him in the kitchen and he came and closed his arms around her. There was a gleam in his eyes that made her wonder what he was up to.
“Hey, bella. I love coming home to find you here.”
“I love being here.”
“You do?” The way he smiled made her more curious as to what he had up his sleeve.
“I do. I love being with you.”
He smiled and planted a kiss on her lips.
She decided she might as well go for it. There was no point waiting. “I love being with you because I love you.”
He cupped her face between his hands and kissed her. Then he lifted his head and looked into her eyes. “You do? You’re sure?”
She laughed. “I’m sure. I wouldn’t tell you if I didn’t know for certain.”
He kissed her again and wrapped her in a big hug before holding her at arm’s-length. “You just made me the happiest man in the world. I love you, Mary Ellen. I love you and I always will. I’m a lucky man.”
She put her hands on his shoulders and reached up to kiss him. “And I’m a lucky lady.”
~ ~ ~
After they’d eaten, Antonio led her out onto the terrace and sat her down at the table. “Wait here. I’ll be right back.”
She gave him a puzzled look, but did as he asked.
He hurried back into the kitchen to fetch the Tiramisu and the items he’d picked up after work. He opened the fridge and then closed it again. Was it tempting fate? No. He opened it again and took out a bottle of champagne. He had to believe they’d be celebrating after dessert.
She laughed when he came back out. “You should have let me help out.”
