Total pages in book: 77
Estimated words: 75472 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 377(@200wpm)___ 302(@250wpm)___ 252(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 75472 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 377(@200wpm)___ 302(@250wpm)___ 252(@300wpm)
“Thank you,” I say, appreciating the warm reception we’re getting from his family. It makes me feel a hell of a lot better. “Please call me Tori.”
“Come, come, come,” Aunt Gloria says as she walks deeper into the mansion. “There’s so much to catch up on.”
We’re ushered through the house and out onto the veranda, where a pitcher of iced tea is waiting. I hardly get to see what the interior of the villa looks like.
As we’re all taking a seat, Aunt Gloria says, “We should’ve had a big wedding here at the villa.”
Angelo grips hold of the patio chair I’m sitting on and pulls it closer until I’m right next to him. He takes my hand and rests my palm on his thigh.
“I was so taken with Vittoria there was no time to plan a big wedding,” he explains. His eyes flick to my face. “It was love at first sight. I instantly became obsessed with her.”
My heart.
Learning that Angelo fell in love with me the moment he saw me fills my entire soul with warmth.
Angelo looks at his aunt and uncle as he mentions, “I thought we could have a party to celebrate our union while we’re here?”
“Yes! That will be perfect,” Aunt Gloria beams. “We’ll invite everyone.”
“Just arrange the party for when I’m done with my meetings,” Angelo says.
“Hmm…” Uncle Maurizio grumbles. He glances between Angelo and me, then asks, “What’s your family name?”
“Romano,” Angelo answers on my behalf. “She’s Tony’s daughter.”
Uncle Maurizio’s eyebrows lift. “Tony, who handled the collections for us?”
When Angelo nods, Uncle Maurizio lets out a deep breath. I can’t tell if it’s a good or bad thing.
Aunt Gloria pours iced tea into glasses, then says, “The flight must’ve been tiring.”
“It was the same as usual,” Angelo replies.
“Thank you for the iced tea,” I murmur as I pick up a glass and hand it to Angelo before helping myself.
Aunt Gloria waits for me to take a sip before she says, “Tell us about yourself, Tori.”
I let out an awkward chuckle. “I never know how to answer that question.”
“Vittoria is very active in the local Parish, and she’s an excellent cook,” Angelo informs them. “She’s also shy, so you’ll have to be patient with her.”
I squeeze his thigh to say thank you for answering on my behalf.
“If you like cooking, I’d love to show you some Sicilian recipes I got from my grandmother,” Aunt Gloria mentions.
I smile widely. “I’d love that.”
Even though I still feel awkward because I’ve just met Angelo’s family, I’m hopeful we’ll get along. Knowing how important his uncle and aunt are to him, the last thing I want is to drive a wedge between them.
Aunt Gloria starts telling me about all the traditional dishes she wants to show me while the men discuss business. Not even ten minutes later, I find myself alone in the kitchen with Aunt Gloria, looking at her vast collection of recipes.
“We have to make caponata,” Aunt Gloria says. “There’s a secret ingredient my grandmother added that gives the dish a lovely tang.”
Feeling excited, I nod as the last of the tension leaves my body.
Chapter 28
Angelo
Introducing Vittoria to my family went much better than I expected.
In the past, Uncle Maurizio mentioned several times it would be to our benefit if I married a woman from a family with business ties to the Cosa Nostra. Someone like Valentina Toscano.
Aunt Gloria took Vittoria to the kitchen to show her the recipe collection she’s so proud of, and I’m expecting some kind of blow-back now that we’re alone.
Uncle Maurizio glances over the backyard, then lets out a sigh and murmurs, “You’ve always had an eye for beauty.”
A grin tugs at the corner of my mouth. “Right? Vittoria is exquisite.” When my uncle’s gaze meets mine, I say, “I love her.”
It’s the first time I’m saying the words out loud. I know Vittoria is taking longer to develop the same feelings for me, but I feel I’ve made significant progress with her in the past few weeks. It’s only a matter of time before my wife will love me the same way I love her.
His eyebrow lifts. “When did you marry the girl?”
“It’s been three weeks.”
Another heavy breath escapes him. “I understand you’re taken with her, but don’t you think it’s a little too soon to talk about love, Angelo?”
I shake my head. “No.”
I don’t elaborate because there’s nothing to explain. I love my little temptress. End of story.
Needing to make sure everything is okay between us, I say, “I know you were hoping I’d marry Valentina, but she’s bat-shit crazy. Vittoria is perfect, and she’s an amazing wife. I want you to be happy for me.”
My uncle nods as his eyes flit over my face. “I understand.” He’s quiet for a moment, then he nods and changes the subject. “Do you want me to accompany you to the meetings?”