by Paula Kay
Thomas had that look on his face that Isabella loved. Sometimes she could feel him looking at her like that, without even having to face him. It was the look that made her feel completely assured of his love for her. And now she waited for him to speak as he took her hand.
“Iz, you could go with them to Positano. I can handle everything back home.”
Isabella’s heart beat faster as she squeezed his hand tight. “No, I couldn’t do that. It’s too much for you to do on your own. It’s—”
“Yes, you could. And I can handle everything. I have so much more time now. It’s not a problem, Iz.”
Isabella looked at him carefully. “Really? You wouldn’t mind?”
“Will I mind you being away from me for that long? You know I don’t like our separations.” He winked at her. “But considering what’s at the end of the waiting this time—you becoming my bride—yes, if it’s what you want, I think it’s a good idea.”
“Thomas.” Isabella hugged him tight as she felt her eyes grow wet with tears. How did she ever get so lucky, to be loved by him?
“I think it’s sweet—that they want to give you that time together. They all love you so much, and it sounds like the perfect, stress-free way for you to spend the weeks leading up to our big day.”
“The weeks leading up to the rest of my life with the man of my dreams.” Isabella kissed him passionately, her heart bursting with love for him. “Thomas, you really are the best.” She tilted her head back to look at him “And you’re saying that there are no strings attached, nothing that you’re going to be expecting down the road?” She was teasing him. There were never strings when it came to Thomas’s love for her.
“Oh, I didn’t say that at all.” He laughed and swatted her gently on the backside as they started walking toward the house. “Now, let’s go tell the others that you’re staying. And then you have to promise me one full day together before I leave. Maybe I’ll book something in Florence and we’ll get a driver to bring you back the day I fly.”
“Done!” Isabella grinned back at him, and then, as if on cue, took off running toward the house with Thomas keeping pace right beside her.
Chapter 8
Isabella looked across the table at Blu as they both started moaning in delight over their pasta at exactly the same time. “What are you so surprised about, Blu? I assume you get this every night.”
Chase laughed as he reached around Isabella to place another platter of meat on the table before he found his seat next to Blu. “Unfortunately, I’ve been pretty busy at the restaurant most nights of the week—so we’re missing our home-cooked meals together.”
“Hey, Mom and I cook!” Twelve-year-old Kylie elbowed her dad playfully.
“If by cook, you mean frozen pizza and ordering Chinese.” Chase laughed. “I’m joking. Bella, did you know that Kylie has actually turned out to be our little French chef in the house?”
“Is that right?” Isabella grinned at the little girl, who always seemed so happy and full of energy.
“Well, it’s been one of my areas of focus for camp. And Gabby is learning it too.” Kylie looked at the young girl sitting next to her. “But you prefer to cook Italian, right, Gabby? Like your mom?”
Gabriella nodded her head. “Mostly I just like to cook with my mom in the kitchen here.”
“Music to my ears.” Lia bent down to kiss her daughter on the cheek as she handed the wine she’d been carrying over to Antonio. “Honey, do you want to refill glasses and then let’s have a toast, shall we?” Lia sat down between Antonio and Isabella and gave Isabella’s hand a quick squeeze. “Any occasion that we’re all together like this is cause for celebration. Isn’t that right, Gabriella?” she said, grinning at her daughter.
“Yep! Or like Dad always says—any time we’re together is an occasion fit for the best bottle from the vineyard.” Gabriella laughed and lifted her glass of sparkling cider.
Antonio laughed too, as he stood up and motioned for Lia to join him. With one arm around her and the other raising his glass out in front of him he looked around the table. “We have a lot to be thankful for today. Lia and I are always so grateful to have you here in our home. The vineyard belongs to all of us, and nothing makes us as happy as having you all here.”
“And we are so grateful to the two of you for always making us feel so welcome,” Richard said with Emily nodding right beside him.
Antonio nodded and continued. “So today I’d like to toast friendship and family and the sweet anticipation of the union of this lovely young couple.” He smiled at Isabella and Thomas. “Cheers to you.”
They all clinked glasses as Lia and Antonio took their seats to begin passing the platters of food around for second helpings.
As Isabella looked around the table, once again she felt contentment like she’d not known before. There was something about Tuscany and the magic of the vineyard that made any of her worries lessen. She caught Blu’s eye across the table and grinned.
“I suppose I have a bit of an announcement.” All eyes turned toward her and she looked at Thomas, who nodded before she continued.
Gigi looked back over her shoulder, as she’d just gotten up from the table. “Oh my, do I need to be sitting down for this?”
Isabella laughed, only just then realizing all the thoughts that could be racing through everyone’s heads. “Oh, no. And it’s nothing that isn’t great or in line with our plans. Thomas and I talked about it, and we’ve decided that I’m going to stay here until the wedding—that is, if it’s okay with you two?” She turned toward Lia and Antonio, and Lia was out of her seat coming toward her before she’d even finished the question.
“Are you kidding? That’s the best news I’ve heard all day.” Lia bent down to give Isabella a hug. “Well, it would only be better if you’re both staying…” She looked at Thomas.
“No. No, of course I’d love to, but I’ll go back to New York, pack up the rest of our things, and close on the house. All the while counting the days until this one is back in my arms.” Thomas leaned in to kiss Isabella on the cheek. “But if I have to share her, I’m happy that it’s with you all.”
Gigi and Blu were speaking quietly to one another.
“So does this mean that we’re on for our girls’ trip to Positano?” Blu asked.
Isabella grinned. “You’re on, and I’m really looking forward to it.”
Lia lifted her glass. “Cheers to Positano and our Bella.”
Isabella lifted her glass and looked around the table at each of the women. “Cheers to the greatest women I’ve ever known.”
Chapter 9
Isabella looked out at the sea as she sipped her coffee. The villa that Blu had found for them in Positano had completely blown away all their expectations. They’d arrived late the night before when it was too dark to see the magnificent scene that Isabella now witnessed before her.
She’d been the first one up and was enjoying the time to herself. The past few weeks had gone by so fast that she hadn’t had a moment to properly process all the events that were taking place.
She turned her head slightly to admire the expansive patio that led into the main living area of the villa. The house was located high above the picturesque town of Positano, which Isabella was anxious to explore.
A month. They’d have a whole month together in this beautiful spot.
Isabella still couldn’t get over the fact that Thomas had been so agreeable to her staying. Her heart ached a bit just thinking about him. It had been hard to say goodbye—it always was hard to say goodbye to Thomas. She smiled. But they had their whole lives together to look forward to.
She pulled her sweater just a little tighter and reached to get her phone out of her pocket, bringing up the photos of the past two weeks. Thomas had taken her to a sweet B&B he’d found just outside of Florence. They’d spent two full days together there, enjoying hikes and long talks over dinner and wine.
She laughed at the picture on her phone of the
two of them after they’d done a short hike together. She was looking hot and tired. Thomas had his typical goofy grin on his face while he pretended to be about to lick her cheek.
Flipping to the next photo, she caught her breath. It was one that she’d snapped of Thomas without his knowing. He was sitting at his computer, looking down at the screen with his eyebrows furrowed just a bit. Isabella knew that look because she’d seen it hundreds of times over the past four years as Thomas pored over his studies, feeling the pressure of impending assignments and exams.
After she’d taken the picture they had talked about what was bothering him. Isabella knew that he’d gotten an email from his father earlier that day about his start date at work being pushed up a few days. She’d reassured him that it wasn’t a problem to cut down their long honeymoon a bit, but she could tell that something was still bothering him.
Why he wasn’t sharing something with her, she wasn’t sure, but she’d learned over the years that sometimes Thomas needed a little space when it came to managing his stress and worries. Eventually he’d come around and share with her, but he was always so guarded about his feelings affecting her in a negative way. She had to appreciate that about him even if it did frustrate her at times.
She shivered slightly. Despite the briskness of the air, it was her favorite time of day. She’d typically be running at this time of day—but not this morning. This morning was about taking a bit of time to relax.
She turned back to her phone and the pictures of her with her mom. Blu had invited Emily to join them in Positano, but Isabella’s parents had friends coming to visit them in Spain. Richard had gone ahead while Emily and Isabella grabbed a quick trip to Siena together.
Isabella looked up as she heard the door to the patio slide open.
“Morning, early bird. Mind if I join you out here? I’m dying to see the view,” Blu said as she walked across the patio toward her.
“Morning. Yes, please, and the view is spectacular.”
Blu sat down across from her and Isabella watched her take in the panoramic scene.
“Wow! Of course, I’d seen the pictures that the realtor had sent me, but really, they don’t even begin to do it justice, do they?”
Isabella shook her head. “It would be hard to describe to someone—just the kind of thing that you really do need to see in person.” She sighed. “I wish Thomas could come—later, I mean.”
“So, that’s for sure then. He won’t be able to make it when the guys join us?”
“No, he doesn’t think he’ll have everything finished in time. But it’s okay. Maybe I can convince him to add this spot to our secret honeymoon he’s planning.”
“So you have no ideas where he’s taking you? It will be a complete surprise?”
Isabella laughed. “Well, I may have some ideas. I know that’s it going to be in Europe. He’s told me that much. I have my suspicions that Paris might be on the itinerary. Knowing Thomas, he may be working to recreate some of our favorite memories together.”
“Then I suppose a stay in London might make the list too.” Blu smiled.
They all knew how much London meant to the couple. Isabella’s first trip there had been both difficult and exciting. Having to navigate her relationship with Thomas while he’d dated someone else had been beyond frustrating, but at the end of it all, their unexpected first kiss had more than overshadowed the trying time they’d been through there.
“Yes, that’s possible too, I suppose. I don’t know. Thomas has been known to surprise me.” Isabella giggled.
“Surprises will keep you young and free, Bella darling.” Blu grinned and then gestured to Isabella’s phone where she’d set it on the table. “Are those pictures of your Siena trip?”
“Oh, yes. It was great. I think Mom had a really good time. I know I sure did. Wanna see?”
Blu nodded, and Isabella thought about how lucky she was that her adoptive parents had been so easily folded into the mix of her birth mother’s family. From the moment she’d first spoken to Douglas and then the rest of them, everything had been so smooth and effortless amongst them. They truly had become one very large extended family. Emily and Richard, as well as Isabella’s birth father, Lucas and his family, had been welcomed with open arms, and they’d often come to the Tuscan villa to stay even when Isabella wasn’t able to make it.
Somehow, Isabella just knew that this was the one thing that would have made Arianna the happiest. She’d learned a lot about love and family over the years and she had her birth mother to thank for that.
She scooted her chair closer to Blu and together they looked through the pictures she’d taken over the past few days, Blu chiming in with fun stories about a recent fashion show she’d been a part of in the same location.
Isabella put her phone back in her pocket and reached over to take Blu’s hand. “I can’t thank you enough for this—for everything—the dresses, this place, your friendship.” She wiped at a tear. “You and Jemma are both so important to me. I really want you to know that.”
Blu smiled and reached over to pull her in for a hug. “You, my dear, mean so much to us. And you don’t need to thank me but you’re welcome. It’s my greatest pleasure to be able to make your dress. I only hope that I can do you justice. You’re going to be a beautiful bride, Bella.” Blu wiped at her own cheek. “And I know what goes for me, goes double for Jemma. She misses you terribly and can’t wait to be a part of everything.”
Isabella couldn’t wait to see her best friend. They’d chatted a few days ago, and Jemma had said that she was really going to try to make it to Positano for their final week there. It all depended on when Tori got back to the orphanage. Isabella couldn’t fault her friend for wanting to help Rafael even though Isabella would bet money that he’d been encouraging her to go. Rafael was very sweet and supportive like that. He and Thomas had a lot in common when it came to how they treated the women in their lives.
Isabella smiled at the thought and turned her attention back to Blu. “And I can’t wait to see her. Do you know when it is that she thinks she’ll be arrive—?”
“Morning, you two.” Lia’s voice interrupted Isabella’s question, as she walked out onto the patio with Gigi directly behind her.
“My, look how lovely it is out here and the weather…” Gigi stretched her arms up toward the sky. “I think I’ve died and gone to heaven.”
They all laughed, and both Lia and Gigi bent down to give quick hugs to Isabella and Blu.
“Blu, can you help me with something—in the kitchen?”
Isabella didn’t miss the telltale smile of mischief on Gigi’s face as she spoke quietly to Blu.
“Hey, no secrets here.” Isabella laughed. “I’m going to guess that this has something to do with a lovely breakfast coming soon—maybe those scones I can already smell from here.”
Gigi laughed as Blu got up from the table, grinning ear-to-ear herself.
“Well, let’s just go see what we can do about breakfast then, shall we?”
Isabella and Lia scooted their chairs close together as they sipped their coffees. Within minutes of Gigi and Blu’s leaving the patio, Isabella heard the sound of the patio door opening again.
“That was fast! And great, because I’m starv—” Isabella nearly dropped her coffee when she turned toward the door. “Jem!”
Chapter 10
Jemma loved the look of surprise that she saw on her best friend’s face as Isabella ran across the patio to hug her. It had been difficult keeping the secret from her, especially when they’d last video-chatted a few days ago. But now it was all worth it.
“Jem!” Isabella hugged her tight. “What are you doing here and why didn’t you tell me you were coming?”
Isabella seemed to be both laughing and crying at the same time, and Jemma found herself having to swipe her hand across her own cheeks to wipe the tears coming now. It had been too long and she’d missed her friend. They had a lot to catch up on. Jemma smiled just thinking abo
ut all the news to cover between them, not the least of which would be all of Isabella’s feelings about her upcoming nuptials. It would be good to talk about everything in person.
“How are you doing? And I must say you are looking beautiful as ever, particularly with this gorgeous sea as a backdrop.”
“Oh, you should talk. You look great, Jem. I feel like I need to pinch myself that you’re actually here right now. How did you manage that and—wait—how long are you staying?”
Gigi and Blu joined them on the patio.
“Well?” Blu smiled mischievously as she hugged her daughter. “Are you finally going to tell this poor girl or should I?”
Jemma laughed. “Sorry. Poor Mom—and you all—having to keep the secret. And thank you.”
Lia hugged Isabella to her. “No worries. I’m sure it was worth the surprise, wasn’t it, Bella?”
Isabella nodded, still looking a bit shocked. “Yes, it certainly is worth it.” She laughed. “Now is someone going to tell me how long you’re staying—how long I get to look forward to having you here—or are you all going to just keep me out of the loop?”
“I’m here for good—well, until after the wedding, I mean.” Jemma grinned at the expression on Isabella’s face.
Yes, it had all been worth surprising Isabella. She and Rafael had gone back and forth about her coming so early. She’d had to convince him that there was nothing to worry about—that she was perfectly capable of taking care of herself while in Italy. She grinned as she thought about the additional secrets to reveal, but there’d be time for that later. First she wanted to hear everything that was going on in her best friend’s head.
“I really can’t believe it! You have no idea how happy this makes me.” Isabella hugged Jemma close once more. “Come sit. You have to tell me absolutely everything.”