Total pages in book: 123
Estimated words: 118245 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 591(@200wpm)___ 473(@250wpm)___ 394(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 118245 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 591(@200wpm)___ 473(@250wpm)___ 394(@300wpm)
During the familial onslaught, she had pressed closer to my side with her arm wrapped around my middle and her head tucked against my shoulder. Her eyes were wide as she silently took in the chaos.
I leaned over and kissed her temple. “Don’t worry, colomba mia. You’ll get used to them in time.”
She gazed up at me with trusting eyes.
As she did so I stroked her hair, then cupped the back of her head. “Until then, just stay close to me.”
Ella nuzzled her head against my chest, as Aunt Gabbie approached us both, a drink in each hand. “Of course she looks beautiful, Alfonso. She’s wearing one of my dresses. Auguri ai novelli fidanzati!”
“Grazie,” I responded to her congratulations as I accepted the drink.
Surrounded by my amazing family, with the woman I loved tucked under my arm.
There was nothing I wanted more than to savor this incredible evening with us all together.
At least for now… everything was perfect in the world.
CHAPTER 39
ELLA
There was nothing I wanted more than for this evening to be over.
Everyone was just so warm and friendly. Even with all the teasing, it was obvious they all loved one another and were comfortable in each other’s company.
It was really weird. Almost unnatural.
While the others chatted animatedly, Alfonso approached us. Remembering the embarrassing circumstances of my arrival in Cavalieri, I sidled closer to Matteo as I shifted slightly behind his protective body.
Alfonso smiled as his gaze moved over my attire. Not in that creepy way my father’s friends would look at me, always stopping at my chest for longer than was polite, but more in a polite, appreciative way. As I slipped my hand into his outstretched one, he bowed and kissed the back. “May I offer my congratulations, signorina. And may I say, you look beautiful tonight.”
Matteo’s arm tightened across my back. “Don’t go trying to compete for my girl, old man,” he teased.
Alfonso winked at me before placing a hand on Matteo’s shoulder and shaking his head. “As if there would be a competition.”
Matteo nodded. “Exactly. Wait…”
I covered my mouth as I laughed.
Matteo moved his hand to pinch my ass. “Don’t you encourage him.”
“Afraid I’ll choose a better option?”
He leaned in close. “Yes. That’s why I’m not giving you a choice.” He then gave me a hard kiss on the mouth.
The whole room burst into a round of cheers, applause, and shouts.
Completely embarrassed, I buried my face against Matteo’s chest.
I was saved by a matronly woman announcing dinner. I later learned her name was Rosa, their beloved housekeeper, but everyone treated her like the de facto nonna of the family. Just like they treated Alfonso, their general operations manager and head mechanic, like family.
As Matteo led me into the sprawling dining room, I shook my head.
Everything about this was weird.
My offer to help was ignored as each family member filed into the kitchen and returned holding a platter.
For the antipasti course alone, there was asparagus with a Parmesan butter sauce and caponata di melanzane. The roasted eggplant was garnished with farm-fresh boiled eggs. Then came a brightly decorated porcelain bowl piled high with acciughe fritte. The lightly tempura-battered anchovies were served with a garlic aioli on the side. There was even a wooden board with pesche grigliate con Burrata e prosciutto.
And this was just the appetizers.
I glanced at the antique grandfather clock tucked into the far corner of the dining room.
It was already past six thirty p.m.
Fino would be waiting for me on the veranda off the library in an hour and a half.
As his cousins circled the table pouring glasses of Cavalieri Montepulciano, Matteo lifted my plate and asked what I wanted to eat.
Knowing he wouldn’t take no for an answer, I pointed to the Burrata. “I’ll take a half of a peach and some Burrata but no prosciutto, please.”
After selecting the prettiest peach half on the platter, he spooned some creamy Burrata next to it. He then forked several spears of asparagus on my plate. With a wink, he said, “Rosa would have my head if you didn’t have at least a little of the asparagus. She’s very proud of her butter sauce.”
I gave him a slight smile.
After his Uncle Barone led everyone in grace, they all started talking at once over each other.
Alfonso, Enzo, and Matteo talked about the status of clearing the brush and overgrowth from the vineyard fields. Apparently they were concerned about the pace of the project and resolved to start a controlled burn of the dried brush as soon as possible.
Bianca and Amara chatted about new artwork for a set of special edition wine labels.
While Gabriella and Milana talked about the latest fashions and what she’d be able to wear once the baby was born.
Rosa and Cesare debated the old Italian wives’ tale that a baby would be born with birthmarks if the mother didn't indulge in her pregnancy cravings.