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"You're getting more family by the minute."
"I know, and I kind of love it.So, our grandmothers are pretty happy we're going to spend time together.They think their plan worked."
He grinned."I know.We can let them have that."
"I agree."She gave him a speculative look."Did you just decide two seconds ago that you were going to your parents' vow renewal?"
"Actually, I started thinking about it when I watched you and your mom reconnecting.You were both trying to accept each other as you are, and I thought maybe I should stop acting like my parents don't exist and support their choice to renew their vows."
"That sounds very adult."
"It's about time, right?"he said with a grin."Any chance you'd go with me?There will be great food and drinks.I can't promise anything else."
"I don’t need anything else."
That wasn't actually true, because she did need him, but she wasn't quite ready to say that.
Four days later, in a beautiful hotel in Milan, Nick put on the suit and tie he'd bought for the charity event almost a week ago.Isabella had opted to purchase a new dress, one that wouldn't remind her of murder, and was wearing a beautiful dark-red gown that set off her hair and her eyes and made him catch his breath every time he saw her.
They'd had an incredible week together.They'd driven through Tuscany, gone wine tasting, and had ridden bikes through the countryside.They'd had the picnic he'd promised her, with local wine and savory cheeses.Then they'd stopped in Florence to spend a day with her mother.They'd gone to the gallery where she worked and watched her paint on her patio with so much joy on her face that it had made Isabella cry.
After the Florence stop, they'd gone out to the coast, to the Cinque Terra and hiked along the water, explored the five villages, eaten more pasta and gelato than he had in years, laughed until their sides hurt, talked until they were hoarse, and made love as often as possible.
They'd checked in a few times with Captain Lavezzo, who had finally located their family paintings and would keep them safe until they returned to pick them up.So, they'd accomplished what they'd initially set out to do, and hopefully their grandmothers would be happy to end this chapter of their lives.
They just had one more thing to do before they went back to LA.
"Are you ready?"Isabella asked as she walked over to him and gave his tie a tweak."That's better.It was slightly crooked."
"I'm glad you fixed it.My father probably would have noticed and been horrified.As a conductor, he likes to orchestrate everything around him."
"I can't wait to meet your parents.Have you told them we're here?"
"No.I haven't spoken to them, but I did officially RSVP, so I'm sure they're aware I'm coming."
"Did you say who you were bringing?"
"I did not."He smiled at the look of concern in her eyes."Don't worry, Isabella.There won't be any drama.We'll probably be lucky if they even acknowledge we're there.Actually, we might be luckier if they don't.Then we can just enjoy the party."
"You want to talk to them.That's why we're here."
"Honestly, I'm not sure why we're here."
"Because you want to try.So, let's go try."
He let out a breath and followed her out of the room.When they got down to the patio of the hotel, most of the seats were already taken, so they headed for a row in the back.But then his father's long-time assistant, Jeff Gordon, spotted them and came over.
"Good to see you, Nick," he said."There are seats for you in the front row."
"Really?"he asked, not super thrilled about that.
"Come with me."
"Go," Isabella urged, giving him a little push in the back.
They followed Jeff to the front row and sat down.He saw his mother's sister and two daughters in the front row on the other side.His aunt gave him a small wave, which he acknowledged with a tip of his head.
"Who are they?"Isabella asked.
