AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Or else. You know what that means.” He slid his hand under my dress, cupping and squeezing my bottom, the grin on his face returning. “I do so enjoy punishing you.”
I pushed against him, pursing my lips. “Let me guess. The refrigerator is stocked, the pantry as well.”
“Of course. I am going to be a full-service husband.” He let me go and I immediately skipped toward the fridge, throwing one of the doors open.
“Oh, goodie. I’ll keep that in mind when I develop a list of chores.”
“Very funny.” I noticed wine and beer, steaks and vegetables. Yogurt and berries. And milk. I pulled out the carton, glancing at him. “Milk? I learn something new about you every day.” Then I moved to the pantry, laughing as I saw a combination of cookies, rice, and cereal. Including Cap’n Crunch. A sudden tickling sensation tore through me.
When I glanced back in Francesco’s direction, he was actively opening the bottle of wine from the basket, his face turned away from me.
Backing away, I pressed my hand against my lips then walked out of the kitchen without saying anything. What I found was equally gorgeous, a living room that wasn’t stuffy but inviting, as if it was meant for a coastal area. Light and bright, I was able to see the entire porch and front yard, the lovely lawn well-manicured but not fussy.
Then I headed into another living space, a family room that had a deck attached, chairs and a table with an umbrella already positioned in the center. There were already books in the bookcases, a television and surround sound system ready to enjoy nights of movies. As I walked closer to the floor-to-ceiling shelves, I realized there were already several dozen DVDs waiting to be watched.
Then two of them caught my eye. Toy Story. Cars. There were also other Disney movies. Another shiver tore through me as my eyes fixated on a shelf with books. Children’s books.
I backed away, shaking my head, my heart thumping. Then I fled the room, racing down the hallway to an open door. I stopped just as I stepped inside, the master bedroom gorgeous and inviting.
But I couldn’t care less about it.
I passed a bathroom to the single closed door, drifting in front of it, suddenly frozen. I glanced down the hall, wanting nothing more than to call for Francesco, but I didn’t have a voice. With my hand shaking, I reached for the handle, slowly turning it. Then I closed my eyes as I opened the door, willing myself to walk just inside.
When I opened them, I almost crumpled to the floor. It was a perfect room created to look like a fantasy with a little racecar bed complete with a colorful comforter. There was an autographed picture of a racecar driver on the wall and toys. My God, the number of little boy toys was unreal. Cars. Trucks. Lego sets. Books. So many books. A choke left my throat and I gasped for air.
“I don’t know very much about him other than he loves cars. The people caring for him said he’s well adjusted, highly intelligent, and always laughing.”
I heard Francesco’s voice, but it was as if the sound was echoing. I couldn’t move, my limbs paralyzed. Then I sensed him standing right behind me and finally found the courage and energy to turn around. Yet I still couldn’t talk, tears streaming down my face. “How?” I finally managed.
He cocked his head, his eyes darting back and forth. Then he rubbed his thumb through several tears, bringing it to his mouth. I pressed my hand against his shirt, crinkling my fingers around the material.
“The man who betrayed me gave me a beautiful gift. For that, I allowed him to live.”
I gasped. “He knew all along?”
“Not directly. Your father didn’t want the child found, not really. He left a riddle, knowing it would drive us both to madness. My traitorous soldier read books about Smith Mountain Lake, this quaint city, and figured it out.”
As my knees started to buckle, he wrapped his arm around my waist, holding me close. Then he guided me out of the room, pressing kisses against my forehead. I was still in shock, unable to say anything as he led me toward the front door.
“What are you doing?” I no longer recognized the sound of my voice.
The entire world seemed to be enshrouded in shadows, the reflection of the waning afternoon sun hiding the view. But I heard a noise. An approaching vehicle.
“We’ll be here for a few days,” he continued. “There are a few legal issues we need to work through. I already have my attorney working on them. In the meantime, we’ll have a chance to bond with our son.”
I lifted my head, trying to look into his eyes as the sound of brakes being applied sent a wave of apprehension straight through me. I couldn’t stop the tears from falling as I heard doors open and close. Francesco guided me down the stairs, still holding onto me with a firm grip. Within seconds, the light had shifted enough for me to see in front of me.
As a man and woman walked forward, I sucked in my breath. They were both smiling; the woman had her hand wrapped around a little boy’s.
She bent down, whispering in his ear. The sweet child had no expression at first, merely staring at us. Then he cocked his little head, nodding to something she was saying. In his hands was a stuffed animal that he clung to. Dark curls framed his cherub face and I noticed a slight dimple in his chin.
Just like his father had, although it was usually shadowed by two- or three-day stubble.
I pulled away from Francesco, moving closer very slowly then crouching down.
The couple approached, the man nodding toward Francesco.
“Mr. Arturo. I’m Frank Walker. This is my wife, Angela. We spoke several times on the phone.”
