Secrets of the Heart (Brie's Submission Book 20)

by Red Phoenix

  Brie squeezed her hand gently before she left.

  Distressed, Brie headed down the stairs to rejoin the men. This was not the surprise they had envisioned.

  She found Sir outside, talking in hushed tones to his grandfather. Sir nodded to her as she approached, then turned his attention back on Nonno.

  “Her eyesight has been slowly deteriorating, but the last few months it suddenly changed.” He grimaced, choking on the words, “My beautiful wife is blind.”

  “You should have been honest with us, Nonno,” Sir told him. “I’m positive a vision specialist can help her.”

  “You don’t understand. She has refused all treatment and will not leave our home. Nothing I say reaches her anymore.” He paused for a moment, his voice breaking. “It’s as if the light has gone out of her spirit.”

  Having seen it for herself, Brie wrapped an arm around him in support.

  “I felt certain that the baby could reach into her darkness,” he told them, smiling sadly at Hope. “Today was the first time I have seen her smile in…months.”

  “I will start making calls, Nonno. If she isn’t willing to leave her home, I’ll find a doctor who will come to her.” Sir looked his grandfather in the eyes. “We will get her the care she needs.”

  Nonno nodded stiffly. It was obvious that all of this had taken a toll on him, both physically and emotionally. “I’d better return to my wife. I hate when she’s alone.”

  Brie understood that feeling, remembering her time in the ICU when Sir lay unconscious and fighting for his life. “Yes, go to her and remind her how much we love her.”

  He kissed Brie on both cheeks before returning inside.

  After his grandfather shut the door, Sir rubbed the back of his neck, letting out a troubled sigh. When they turned to leave, they spotted a crowd of concerned neighbors looking at them from their windows.

  Bouncing Hope in his arms, Sir raised his hand up to them. “Everything is fine. No need to worry.”

  He took Brie’s hand and murmured under his breath, “Give them a reassuring smile, my love.”

  Brie did as she was told and waved, touched by their obvious concern for his grandparents.

  As they walked away, Sir told her, “I need to speak with my Aunt Fortuna.”

  They headed directly to her house. The moment Sir went to knock on the door, it swung open and Aunt Fortuna pulled Sir inside while simultaneously taking the baby from him.

  “Oh my, she’s grown up so much!”

  Aunt Fortuna smiled at Brie. “Come in, Brianna.”

  She led them into her home where they found the entire family waiting. When she noticed Sir’s look of surprise, she explained, “We were told about your visit, but knew you would not be there long. My sister won’t let any of us in.”

  Sir shook his head. “I had no idea, Aunt Fortuna…”

  “No one would if it was up to Rosanna,” Aunt Fortuna lamented. “My sister has shut everyone out of her life these last few months—even God.”

  Brie noticed everyone making the sign of the cross over their hearts as they looked down at the floor.

  Sir told his family, “I will see to it that Nonna gets the medical care she needs.”

  Benito, Sir’s cousin, spoke up. “She has refused to see a doctor, Thane. She told us she would rather die than live in the dark.”

  Many of the women muttered sorrowfully under their breaths.

  Sir frowned. “It’s unlike Nonna not to fight.”

  “She’s given up,” Aunt Fortuna cried mournfully. “And she refuses my help—her own sister! It hurts my heart more than I can say.”

  Brie could feel the weight of the family’s grief settling in the room. With so much love for Nonna, it was heartbreaking that she was unable to feel any of it.

  “I will not lose Nonna this way,” Sir proclaimed. “And I will do everything in my power to prevent that from happening.”

  The men in the family nodded in acknowledgment, but Aunt Fortuna’s husband, Angelo, stood up. “Rosanna Davis has been an important part of this family for years. When someone we love is suffering, it is important we continue to pray on their behalf.”

  The family voiced their agreement and bowed their heads. Brie noticed that Sir immediately bowed his. She joined him and listened in awed silence as they filled the room with heartfelt prayers in the lilting language of their homeland.

  Brie closed her eyes, touched by the powerful energy of so many souls concentrating their love onto one person. It was inspiring.

  Opening her eyes, she saw Hope with her mouth open as she listened, completely entranced by it. Brie hoped her daughter would know this level of love all of her life.

  When they finished the prayers, Sir said an ardent “Amen”.

  She could tell that he was deeply shaken by this unexpected turn of events. Sir couldn’t afford to lose the woman who had always loved him unconditionally when his mother had not.

  After the meeting with his extended family, Sir spent the night contacting highly experienced specialists in Italy until he found one near enough who was willing to make the trip to the island.

  The relief on his face after he hung up the phone revealed how profoundly troubled he was. Being a man who constantly kept his feelings in check, Brie knew how much today had cost him emotionally.

  The moment she laid Hope down to sleep, he called her to the bed. “I need you.”

  Brie slipped under the sheets, needing to comfort Sir and wanting to ease her own battered heart. He pulled her to him and held her so tightly that she found it difficult to breathe.

  “I never even questioned…” His voice trailed off, the guilt consuming him. “If I had, I would have come immediately.”

  “There was no way for us to know.” Looking up at him, she said, “But at least we’re here now.”

  He closed his eyes, his brow furrowed in pain. “I can’t lose her.”

  “I know,” she murmured softly, settling her head on his chest.

  “I want Hope to know Nonna. Not just know of her.”

  Tears came to Brie’s eyes and she choked out, “Me, too.”

  “I was so distant from my father’s side of the family after his death. I couldn’t handle it, but I never once thought about how hard that must have been on Nonna.”

  “I’m sure she understood, Sir.”

  “I should have been there for her.”

  Brie looked up at him. “You were just a child then.”

  “Who grew into a selfish prick.”

  She looked at him in concern. “No, Sir. You were deeply hurt by his suicide, and you had to protect yourself from your mother. You are a survivor. That’s all your grandparents cared about.”

  She smiled, thinking back on her first trip to Italy with him. “I was there the day they received you with open arms. I will never forget the joy on their faces.”

  Sir sucked in his breath, then let it out slowly.

  “We’re here now,” she gently reminded him.

  “I solemnly vow to make it up to her, Brie—to both of them.”

  Bella Donna

  Sir was a man of his word. Two days later, they greeted the renowned vision specialist, Dr. Ricci, at the dock and escorted her to his grandparents’ home.

  Although his grandfather had been told about the visit, they had purposely left Nonna in the dark. “I am not giving her the chance to refuse care,” Sir told Brie.

  Sir knocked on the door. As they waited, he nodded to the neighbors who had peeked their heads out of their windows. “I’m uncertain I could handle such scrutiny by my neighbors,” Sir muttered under his breath.

  Brie looked around at all the friendly faces and smiled. “I think it’s sweet.”

  Dr. Ricci nodded. “I grew up in a small village and have come to miss the feeling of community I experienced there.”

  Nonno opened the door and immediately invited the doctor inside, kissing her twice on the cheeks. “I’m grateful you were willing to come to our
home.”

  “It is my pleasure and duty, Signore Davis,” she answered, holding up her medical bag. “I hope to determine the nature of her eye condition so we can work toward a solution.”

  Carrying Hope, Brie followed them up the stairs. She sincerely hoped Nonna would be open to receiving the doctor.

  She was rocking back and forth in the chair but turned her head when they all entered the room.

  “Amore mio, Thane has brought a doctor to see you,” Nonno told her gently.

  She didn’t even bother to answer him, turning away from them all with an angry huff.

  “Signora Davis, I’ve come here to help.”

  Without turning to face her, Nonna said in a frightened voice, “God blinded me. No one can help.”

  Brie felt goosebumps rise on her skin. She suddenly realized that Nonna’s self-inflicted isolation had not been out of pride but deep shame.

  Dr. Ricci’s voice was commanding but kind. “You may not be aware of this, but eyes have remarkable healing power and there have been great advances in the medical field the last few years.”

  Nonna appeared unmoved by her assurance.

  Sir walked over to his grandmother and knelt beside her. “Nonna, I am sorry I failed you.”

  She turned her head toward him, frowning. “No, Nipotino.”

  “It’s true. As Alonzo’s son, it was my duty to be there for you when he could not, but I have been absent most of my life.”

  “You are a good boy.” She reached out and touched his cheek, patting it gently. “You have a happy wife and a healthy daughter. That is enough.”

  “But I am losing you,” he whispered hoarsely, his voice heavy with emotion.

  Tears formed in her sightless eyes. “I am drowning in this endless darkness, Nipotino. I want to be free.”

  Sir groaned, unable to handle her statement.

  Growing restless in Brie’s arms, Hope cried out in protest.

  It drew Nonna’s attention and she turned toward the child. “The bambina is here?”

  “Yes, Nonna.” Brie walked over to her, setting Hope on her lap.

  Nonno stared at his wife and said with pride, “She is part of Alonzo and the love we share, amore mio.”

  She nodded, her lips trembling.

  “I want Hope to know you,” Sir told her.

  Nonna squeezed Hope against her as she began rocking, a troubled expression on her face.

  “Signora Davis, may I examine you now?” Dr. Ricci asked gently.

  Nonna was silent for a long time.

  Brie was afraid she would send Dr. Ricci away, but she suddenly held the baby out so they could take her.

  “Does that mean you’ll do it?” Sir asked as he took Hope from her.

  She nodded curtly.

  “It would be best if this was done in private,” Dr. Ricci told him.

  “Certainly,” Sir replied.

  “I want my husband to stay,” Nonna insisted, her voice trembling with fear.

  “Of course, signora,” Dr. Ricci agreed.

  Sir put his arm around Brie as they quietly left.

  “She’s terrified,” Brie told him, giving Hope a kiss.

  He nodded. “I think she would rather live with the uncertainty rather than to know that she is permanently blind.”

  An hour later, the doctor emerged from the house with Nonno.

  The smile on his face instantly relieved Brie of her fears.

  Dr. Ricci explained, “As I suspected, your grandmother has cataracts. The good news is that we can treat it with surgery and there is a new medication that has been found to heal eyes within days after corneal surgery.”

  Sir let out a sigh of relief.

  “So, Nonna will see again?” Brie asked for reassurance.

  “Yes, barring any unforeseen complications. I suggest we schedule a complete diagnostic and set up the surgery as soon as possible.”

  “Agreed,” Sir replied, hope shining in his eyes.

  He turned to his grandfather. “I would like to handle the travel and care, Nonno. With your permission, of course.”

  Nonno frowned, staring at Sir as he contemplated the request. “This is not easy for me, Nipotino.”

  “Trust me, I understand. I would feel the same way if the circumstances were reversed. But, I need to do this for her as much as for myself.”

  The old man crossed his arms, obviously struggling with the idea of letting Sir take on that role. “I will speak to Rosanna and let you know.”

  “Thank you.”

  Grasping his shoulder, his grandfather said in a gruff but tender voice, “I see your father in you.”

  That night, Sir and Brie were invited to a meal at Aunt Fortuna’s. The rest of the family came to join them in celebration of the good news that Nonna would see again.

  The way that Sir’s family rejoiced was with food and Brie was impressed by all the Italian dishes laid out on the table. It warmed her heart that Hope would grow up knowing what true Italian cooking was—every dish made with love.

  As she went to sit down at the table, Aunt Fortuna asked if she could hold Hope. “I cannot get enough of this little girl.”

  Walking to the head of the table, Aunt Fortuna pointed out all of the dishes to Hope, explaining what each one of them was.

  Once everyone was seated and Uncle Angelo said grace, Aunt Fortuna told Hope, “This one will be your favorite because it is my specialty.” Scooping a healthy portion of risotto onto her plate, she scooped up a spoonful and put it to Hope’s lips.

  “Please don’t be offended if she spits it out,” Brie warned her. “Hope hasn’t had risotto before.”

  Aunt Fortuna laughed. “All babies love my risotto.”

  The other family members nodded in agreement.

  Brie watched anxiously as Hope opened her mouth and took the first bite. After hesitating for a moment, Hope got a surprised look on her face then started chewing. After she swallowed it, she opened her mouth wide for more.

  Everyone at the table smiled in approval.

  Aunt Fortuna announced proudly, “There is no doubt that Hope takes after Alonzo.” She winked at Brie. “He never could get enough of my risotto.”

  Brie grinned, knowing she never should have doubted it. It was clear as day that Hope was a part of this big, beautiful famiglia.

  Before the meal was finished, Sir received word that Nonno had approved his plan.

  “When will Nonna be leaving for the operation?” Benito asked.

  “I’ll be leaving with Nonna tomorrow to begin tests, with the surgery tentatively planned for the end of this week.”

  Sir turned to Brie. “But while I’m gone, I would like you to visit Gino and see what he has to offer for your documentary.”

  As touched as she was by Sir’s suggestion, Brie did not care for the idea of being separated. “It’s more important that I remain with you and act as support for Nonna.”

  Sir shook his head. “This is a rare opportunity for you, Brie. It would be a shame to pass it up.”

  She shrugged. “Family is more important.”

  Sir took her hand and squeezed it. “I agree. However, this trip has reminded me of how fleeting life can be. Only one person is needed to care for her, and there are certain things I wish to discuss with Nonna.”

  Brie nodded, understanding that this unexpected change of plans had a dual purpose. Not only would it provide her with an opportunity to gather materials for Alonzo’s documentary, but it would also allow Sir to spend time alone with his grandmother—something he clearly needed.

  Placing her other hand on top of his, she said, “Fine. While you care for your nonna, I will see what hidden treasures I can find about your father.”

  “I look forward to hearing about what you discover…” Sir leaned in close and whispered, “…babygirl.”

  Brie felt pleasant tingles. It was going to be hard being apart, even for a few days, when they had such an urgent need for each other. However, the reasons for their
separation were too important to ignore.

  “What about Hope?” Aunt Fortuna asked forlornly. “Surely you are not taking the baby away so soon?” She snuggled Hope tight. “I forbid it.”

  “Are you offering to watch her?” Sir asked with an amused smirk.

  “It is my duty as her great aunt to love her every minute I can.”

  “Are you sure, Aunt Fortuna?” Brie asked. “She can be a handful sometimes.”

  She smiled at Hope and said in a sweet, cooing voice, “I watched over your grandfather and your father when they were babies. Don’t you think it’s only right that I watch over you, too?”

  Brie was touched by the idea that two generations of Davises had known her love and care. “It would be an honor to have you watch our little girl.”

  “Bene!” Aunt Fortuna cried happily.

  The genuine love that Sir’s Italian family showered on Hope moved Brie to tears, and she found herself dabbing her eyes.

  “Are you okay?” Sir asked in a hushed voice.

  She smiled up at him, laughing. “I’m perfect.”

  Brie’s jaw dropped when Gino’s driver pulled up to his home. She was so not expecting this…

  This wasn’t a home; it was an imposing mansion—even bigger than Durov’s in Russia. Brie walked up to the grand doors with her suitcase and laptop and stared at the nine-foot wooden doors in awe.

  Not one, but two servants greeted her. One took her luggage and laptop while the other escorted her to the library and instructed her to wait.

  Brie stared at the massive walls lined with old books. The smell alone was divine. Curious about what treasures the shelves held, she walked over to find first editions of the greats like Charles Dickens, Leo Tolstoy, Mark Twain, and Mary Shelley. But, what shocked Brie even more was the book sitting on a stand, encased in glass. Leaning in for a closer look, she realized she was looking at a partial copy of the Gutenberg Bible.

  She had done a research paper on it in high school and as far as she knew, there were only forty-eight in existence. Yet, here she was, looking at one in the Mancini’s personal library. The penmanship and artwork on the pages were exquisite, but the colors had been added by hand, making each copy a unique piece of art.