A Map for Bella Books 1-4

by Paula Kay

  “It was divine. Amalfi is such a sweet place—the whole coast, really. If you have time, you and Thomas really should try to make the drive.” She saw Isabella’s eyes look down toward the floor, a flicker of something. “Honey, Gigi filled me in about the house. I’m really sorry, sweetheart.”

  “Thank you. I’m feeling better about it now. It was just all a bit of a shock when I first heard. It had taken me so long to wrap my head around in the first place—really settling down there after we’re married—so now that it seems we’re going to be back in New York for a while yet, I just need to get used to the idea.” She sighed and took another sip of her wine as Lia watched her.

  Lia reached out to cover her granddaughter’s hand with her own. “Honey, it’s going to be fine. You and Thomas love one another and really, that’s the most important thing. Trust me on that. And you have to keep the lines of communication open. I know you don’t like to stress Thomas out when you’re feeling bad, but in the long run talking everything through is what will lead you to be even closer together. Take if from someone who knows.”

  Isabella was watching her intently. Lia had always been very open with her granddaughter. She’d shared everything about Arianna’s birth and the silence over the years in regards to Antonio. The hurdle that they’d had to cross when they’d finally reunited had been a big one—one that Lia hadn’t been at all sure that they’d recover from. As a result, Lia had become much more honest in her relationships in general, and it was something Antonio encouraged all the time between them, and with those they loved.

  “How would you cope if Antonio ever wanted to leave the vineyard? Of course he never would, but would you be able to adjust?”

  Lia was quiet for a moment before she answered Isabella. It was a fair question and one she hadn’t really considered as it related to Isabella’s difficulty. “If it were years ago, I’m not so sure, to be honest. I think, like you, I would be devastated. Maybe I’d cry a lot and try to convince him otherwise.” She laughed lightly.

  “Like me.” Isabella laughed too.

  “I guess after you go through some things together, though—some major things—everything else becomes less important. Truly the most important thing is being alongside this man that you love, because you know that you mean everything to one another.”

  Lia felt her body tensing as they talked. Maybe Antonio was right about her telling Isabella that she’d been sick. She felt like a hypocrite sitting here talking to her about honesty and everything that she and Antonio had been through without filling Isabella in on something very major that had happened in her life this past year. It was wrong. Lia could feel it in her gut.

  “I know that you’re right, and I’m so thankful that I have such good role models around me when it comes to love and strong marriages. Thank you for that.”

  After a few moments of silence between them, Isabella reached her hand out to touch Lia on the arm. “What is it? You look like you have something more to say, and it’s not like you to hold back with me.” She smiled.

  “Honey, I didn’t intend to tell you this tonight. I—I wanted to wait until after the wedding. I didn’t want you to worry, but now…I don’t know. I’m not used to keeping secrets from you and it feels wrong to me.”

  Isabella’s brow furrowed. “What is it? Lia, you’re scaring me. Tell me.”

  Lia set her wine down on the small table in from of them and took Isabella’s hand in her own again. “Honey, I’m okay. I really am. That’s the most important thing for you to know.”

  “Okay…”

  “But almost a year ago when I went to the doctor for a routine exam, they discovered a lump—in my breast. Of course it was very scary at first, but they caught it so early. It was cancer and I’ve been treated and I’m fully recovered now. There’s no reason to think that it will come back. I did have some dark nights, mostly just worrying about the worst-case scenario, but that’s what I mean about love being enough, you know? Antonio was such a rock to me during that time. He tried very hard to make it impossible for me to let my mind go there.” She finally stopped to catch a breath and take in Isabella, who was wiping at some tears under her eyes.

  “And you’re sure you’re okay now? You’re telling me the truth?”

  Lia nodded her head. “I am. Truly.”

  “And why didn’t you tell me, Lia? I would have liked to know—to have been there for you.”

  “I know and I’m sorry, honey. It was something I really struggled with because Antonio didn’t want me to keep it a secret from you, but with the wedding planning and all of the happy things happening in your life, I just didn’t want you to worry—not when it wasn’t necessary. Had the prognosis been more dire, I would have told you. I promise you that.”

  Isabella leaned forward to hug her. “Well, I’m glad that you’re telling me now. And I do wish that I could have been there for you during those times—at least that I could have been there for you to talk to.”

  “I’m glad too, Bella. And I am sorry. And now that I’ve completely taken the attention off of your concerns…” She smiled as she lifted her glass of wine out in front of her. “To you, my darling, and this exciting new adventure ahead of you. I know that you and Thomas are going to make one another very happy.”

  “And to you—and Antonio—for showing us the picture of what a happy marriage looks like.”

  They clinked glasses and finished their wine in easy silence, a weight lifted for Lia that she hadn’t even been aware was there.

  Chapter 20

  Isabella sat across from her friend at her favorite beach cafe. She’d been completely surprised when she’d seen Nina come through the villa doors earlier that day. Jemma had told Isabella weeks ago that it looked like they wouldn’t be seeing Nina until the wedding—that she had a photo shoot in Bali that she couldn’t get out of. It had been a wonderful surprise to be able to spend the entire day catching up with her friend over good food, wine, and a view that they both agreed rivaled any that they’d enjoyed on their travels.

  Isabella and Nina had remained good friends throughout the years ever since they’d met in Greece. Nina had visited her in New York on numerous occasions and Isabella and Thomas had been back to Thailand a few times, which was where Nina had chosen to base herself.

  Now Isabella was watching her friend carefully. Something was up. She could spot it a mile away.

  “So, you’re looking mighty cheerful, young lady.” Isabella grinned at Nina as she sipped her drink.

  “What’s not to be cheerful about? I’m sitting here on a gorgeous beach with my gorgeous friend who’s about to enter into wedded bliss.” Nina laughed.

  “And no words of warning from you?” Isabella was teasing with reference to Nina’s more than slightly aloof stance when it came to relationships and matters of the heart. Having met her not so long after a difficult divorce, Isabella tried to understand the perspective that Nina was coming from whenever she spoke about her own policy on dating and marriage in general.

  “About you and Thomas? Never! But you know how I feel about the two of you. I’m expecting nothing less than a lifetime of wedded bliss to make me jealous for years to come.” She laughed.

  “Ever the optimist, you are. And thank you for that. Now I wanna know what it is that you’re not telling me. Spill it!”

  Nina laughed. “Okay, so I may have met someone myself—someone who’s pretty wonderful, actually, and quite possibly we’ve thrown the word marriage around a few times—just in conversation, of course.”

  “Really? Do tell.” Isabella reached for her friend’s hand. “And you have no idea how happy this makes me.”

  “So, he’s a journalist. We met while I was on a press trip in Japan a few months ago—like around four months ago, I guess it’s been. He’s been living in Tokyo for years. And he’s come to visit me already about six times. Yes, so we’re pretty smitten with one another, I guess you could say.” Nina laughed. “Who would have thought you’d
ever hear me utter those words, right?”

  “Oh, I’m so happy for you. Nina, invite him to the wedding. We’d love to meet him, of course.”

  “Oh, thank you for that, but I want to be able to focus on taking your pictures and besides that, he has a business trip during that time anyway. But you’ll meet him soon. I’ll make sure of it. For now, I shall contemplate love and the idea of marriage through your lovesick eyes. Now tell me everything that’s been going on around here. The villa is absolutely spectacular and Positano is one of my favorite places, so coming here was easy once my schedule cleared.”

  “It is beautiful. I understand why you’ve talked about it so much. And I’m so glad you’re able to be here—for the shower and just to be able to spend a little extra time together.”

  “So tell me, what is the order of events happening around here? Has it been difficult being away from Thomas these past few weeks?”

  Isabella had spoken with Nina shortly after she’d made the decision to stay on in Italy. Nina had always been one to give her good advice—even with the slight chip on her own shoulder when it came to matters of the heart—and she’d empathetically given a big thumbs up to the idea of a girls’ pre-wedding trip for Isabella.

  “Yes, it has been difficult, but as you’d suggested, I know that it’s been really good for me too. Spending this time with Lia and the others has been exactly what I needed. Mom is coming in the morning and I believe Jemma has the festivities starting off with a late afternoon tea in the garden.”

  “Yes, that’s what she told me. It all sounds lovely. I know that she was so happy that she was able to make it out here earlier than you’d expected. Bella, you look really happy. I’m delighted for you and always extremely grateful that we met that fateful day in Santorini.”

  “The fateful day when you nearly broke your ankle?”

  “Thank goodness you were there—for many reasons.” Nina laughed. “I count you as one of my best friends. I just want you to know that.”

  Isabella smiled back at her friend. “I feel the same about you.” She thought for a second about how much more time she wanted to spend talking about the situation regarding the house falling through. She’d moved on from it, but if felt like an important thing to discuss with Nina who always had such an interesting outlook on life and a strong belief that everything happened for a reason.

  They spent the next hour talking about the house, future plans, and their mutual love for Italy. As always, Nina offered an interesting perspective to Isabella, one that spoke to allowing her life to be as fluid as possible.

  Really, she and Nina couldn’t be more opposite in their general way of facing the world. Nina was a complete free spirit, possessing characteristics typical of artistic types. Isabella was creative also, but her life had always been much more structured and organized—or that was the way she’d been before Arianna’s gifts had come to her—before Isabella had come to know about her birth mother and the wonderful extended family that would forever change her life.

  Nina was trying unsuccessfully to stifle a yawn.

  “You should nap, don’t you think? You must be exhausted after your flight.”

  “Well, I was trying to stay up—to get right on local time, but now that you mention the word nap—and now that I’ve seen that spectacular-looking bed of mine—well, it’s starting to sound pretty good, I suppose.”

  Isabella stood up from the table. “Let’s get you back then. Have a short rest, and then I’m pretty sure that Lia has a dinner plan for tonight—something lovely that may or may not include a beautiful sunset.”

  They’d been enjoying the prettiest skies from their outdoor patio night after night. Most evenings, rather than go out for dinner, they all opted to stay in because everything at the villa was so lovely. Lia and Gigi had even let Isabella and Jemma hire a chef to come in a few nights a week during their stay. It had been important to Isabella that this time away feel like a holiday for all the women, and she knew that Lia did appreciate dining as a guest on occasion.

  Everything about Isabella’s time in Positano had exceeded her expectations. Now that it was almost time for her shower and then to see Thomas again, it felt like the weeks had flown by.

  They made their way outside and began the short hike back up the hill to the villa.

  Isabella would see Thomas again in only two days, and in less than a week she would become his wife. She smiled, as she suddenly realized how close she was to all her dreams coming true.

  Chapter 21

  Blu looked over at Jemma as they worked together to place the tablecloth over the large garden table. Jemma had taken one look at the garden when she’d arrived, declaring it the perfect place for Isabella’s wedding shower festivities.

  They’d all talked to Isabella about what kind of party she’d like to have and in the end, she and Jemma had decided that it would just be something simple—enjoying the view and their time together. There’d be good food, some wine and, of course, the fun lingerie gifts that the women had picked up for the occasion.

  After much debate with Lia, she’d finally agree to let Jemma hire a local restaurant to cater the evening. Jemma had really wanted Lia and Gigi to be able to relax and enjoy the time with Isabella.

  Blu stood back a bit, watching Jemma arrange the flowers for the table. Jemma had consulted with a few local florists, but in the end, she’d found her way to the local market where she could pick out and arrange them however she liked. It was something they had in common—a love for color and beauty. It was something that always surprised Blu a little bit, as she discovered the different layers of Jemma’s talent.

  “Honey, those are beautiful.”

  “And they smell gorgeous, don’t they?” Jemma said. “Hey, Mom? Do you want to see what I made for Bella? Before I wrap it?”

  She nodded her head and Jemma walked inside the door, coming back with a small canvas.

  Blu knew that Jemma had a secret project going on the balcony off her suite. She’d seen her out there in the early morning hours and heard the instruction that Jemma had given Isabella about the space being off limits.

  Jemma turned the canvas around for Blu to see. “What do you think? I wanted something to commemorate our time here together.”

  The painting was the view from Positano, with the sea stretched out into the horizon and the beach and little shops lining the beach below.

  “That’s really good, Jemma.” Blu ran her fingers along the blue of the sea. “Your work just keeps getting better and better, honey.”

  “Well, I’m not sure about that, as I’ve hardly had any time to paint lately.”

  Blu saw the look of concern pass across her daughter’s face. “What is it? What’s wrong?”

  “Oh, nothing.”

  “No, not nothing. You know I can tell when something is bothering you.” Blu tilted her daughter’s chin up just a bit so that she was forced to look Blu in the eye. “What is it?”

  “Well, I was just thinking about how hard it’s probably going to be after I have the baby. I mean, I have a hard enough time as it is trying to find time to paint. I can only imagine that it’s not going to get easier, is it?”

  Blu smiled. Jemma had divulged her surprise about their decision to move in above the garage. Blu could probably share a secret or two with Jemma.

  “Well, now that you’re going to be moving in with us, I think it’s safe to say that you are going to have some help with this baby of yours. We will help you, Jemma. You know that, right?”

  Jemma smiled. “Yes, I do know that. And thank you. That’s a good reminder actually—of how things are going to be a lot different now that we’re moving. I can’t wait. It will be so good to be back here with you all—especially with the baby coming. I’m sure I’m going to have lots of questions for you.”

  “Well, I hope that I can help to ease your mind. Now, what I was going to tell you—about your painting. You know we’re having the place remodeled—pretty much as
we speak.”

  Jemma nodded her head.

  “I’m having them create the most beautiful studio for you—there’s lots of light and a gorgeous view. You’re going to love it, Jemma.” Blu grinned as Jemma hugged her close.

  “That sounds amazing. I’m not sure what I ever did to deserve you—both you and Chase—but we sure do appreciate it. I hope you know that.”

  “We do, sweetheart.” Blu smiled. “Oh, and I also wanted to let you know—we’re going to talk to Linda—to Mom—at the wedding. Of course, we’re going to invite her to come also, and there’s plenty of space for her in the main house.”

  “That’s nice. You can try, but to be honest, I have a feeling that she’s been quite taken with the kids at the orphanage. She’s staying there now, and Tori wrote me to say that she’s been such a big help to her.”

  “Now, that makes me happy to hear. I can only imagine how good it must feel to her—being around the kids.”

  Jemma was nodding. “Yep, there’s a lot of love to go around there. Those kids are hungry for it, and the most loving of any kids I’ve known.” She laughed. “It makes me miss them, just thinking about it.”

  Blu hugged her one more time before she looked at her watch. “Well, I think Isabella and the others are due back any minute, yes?”

  “Wow! Yes, it’s almost time to start. How does everything look out here?”

  “Like something out of a dream.” Blu smiled as she surveyed the garden.

  There was quiet classical music playing over the outdoor stereo system, the table look beautiful with big vases of pink and white flowers, and the view of the sea below was visible from every chair around the table.

  “You’ve really done a fantastic job, honey. Now why don’t you scoot? Go get ready. I’ll mind the fort and not let anyone out here until it’s time.”

  “Thanks, Mom!” Jemma blew her a kiss as she started walking toward the door. “You’re the best!”

  Blu watched Jemma go and then sat down on one of the chairs, her daughter’s words echoing in her mind. Yes, they’d come a long way over the years.