by Paula Kay
Isabella stood with Thomas on what seemed to be the highest point of the property. There was a little slope to the yard, close enough that Isabella could imagine looking out from the kitchen window at children playing in the grass. She smiled at the thought and felt Thomas’s hand tighten around hers.
“What do you think, Iz?”
“Oh, Thomas, I think it’s beautiful—really beautiful.”
“Good. I had a very strong suspicion that you’d like it here as much as I do.” He grinned.
Isabella stretched her arms up high, feeling the sun on her face and the light breeze in her hair. “What do you think about this spot? It feels like we can see everything from here.”
Thomas nodded and placed the single remaining small bag of Arianna’s ashes in Isabella’s palm. “Are you sure, Iz? That you don’t want to keep some?”
Isabella thought about the question. She’d thought about keeping some of Arianna’s ashes before but something about releasing her to the ground and wind here felt right. It felt like she’d been on a long journey with her mother, one that had led her to knowing Arianna, but maybe more importantly to her birth mother, it had been a journey to learning about herself.
Isabella shook her head. “No. This feels right to me.”
She opened the small bag and scattered some of the ashes upon the ground where they stood. Then she took Thomas’s hand in hers as she released the remaining ashes into the wind.
“Welcome home, Arianna.”
Epilogue
~ Four Years Later ~
Isabella sat on the bench as she watched Thomas across the yard, his arms tanned and muscular, his smile wide as he waved at her. Isabella smiled and waved back, an intense feeling of complete contentment coming over her.
She ran her fingers over the engraved words along the bench. In loving memory of Arianna Sinclair—The best journey leads you home.
“We did it, Arianna.” She whispered the words and took in the villa and vineyard all around her. They’d built a home here together—she and Thomas—filled with laughter and love, friendships and family—it was a dream come true for her, a life she’d only ever imagined having as a young girl.
“Mommyyyyyy!”
It was an instant—and welcomed—interruption from her pleasant thoughts.
Isabella laughed as her three-year-old daughter—dark pigtails flying behind her—came running toward her across the yard.
“Yes, honey? Be careful now. Don’t run so fast. Remember what happened yesterday?”
She saw Thomas grin as the little girl stopped in her tracks to point to and examine the bright pink band-aid on her knee.
“I fell down but Daddy made it better.” She erupted into giggles as Thomas ran up behind her, scooping her into his arms for several kisses before placing her on his shoulders.
Isabella laughed watching the pair as Thomas made his way toward her.
“Arianna, honey, hold on tight to daddy.”
Thomas set the little girl on the bench in between them as he leaned over to give Isabella a quick kiss on the lips.
“Mommy?”
“Yes, honey?”
“How much longer until the girls get here? Our tea is getting cold.”
“So, you’re inviting the twins to one of your famous tea parties, are you?” Thomas asked.
“Yes, but Daisy doesn’t like the tea—only me and Chloe drink the tea.”
“What does Daisy like to drink, then?” Thomas asked, kissing the tip of his daughter’s nose.
“Coffee—black.” She turned toward Isabella. “But don’t worry, Mommy. It’s only pretend. Aunt Jemma really doesn’t let Daisy drink coffee.”
Isabella and Thomas both laughed at the same time and Isabella leaned down to kiss her daughter.
“Jemma and the twins should be here any minute. But honey, don’t forget that everyone is coming—Blu, Kylie, Grandma Lia and Gabby—”
“—And Grandma Gigi and Grandpa Douglas?”
Isabella nodded.
“And Grandma and Grandpa that come on the airplane?”
“Yes, honey. Everyone’s coming to celebrate your birthday today. Are you excited to be turning three?”
“Yes!”
Three already. Where had the years gone? As her daughter chattered about the party, Isabella reached behind her to massage her husband’s neck just in the spot he liked her to. They caught one another’s eye and smiled.
“Ari, honey?”
“Yes, Daddy.”
“I think you should go set your table for a few more places, don’t you? Maybe Kylie and Gabby are going to want to join your tea party, and you wouldn’t want to be rude, would you?”
Arianna jumped off the bench. “Oh, Daddy! That’s a great idea!” She started running toward her little table.
Isabella laughed as she scooted over toward Thomas. “Honey, stay where Daddy and I can see you in the yard.”
Thomas reached out to take Isabella’s hand and bring it to his lips. “How are you doing, love?”
“I’m fine. A little tired, maybe, but nothing a big family birthday party won’t cure.” She laughed and then shifted her weight suddenly. “Oh, Thomas!” She grinned and took his hand, placing it on her stomach. “Can you feel him?”
They were quiet for a few moments, Isabella holding still until their son kicked inside her once again. “There!”
Thomas grinned. “This one’s gonna be a soccer player, I think.”
They both laughed and Thomas’s hand went to Isabella’s cheek, turning her face gently toward his lips and his kiss that had only grown sweeter over the years.
“Iz, do you know how crazy about you I am?”
Isabella smiled. “If it’s even half as much as I love you, darling, I’d say we’re doing alright.”
“I’d say we’re doing alright then, my love.” He kissed her again. “Much better than alright.”
Thomas squeezed her hand and Isabella sighed.
Thomas laughed. “Was that a sigh of contentment or are you thinking about the nap you’d like to be taking?”
Isabella smiled as she watched their daughter play across the yard. “Total contentment.”
Please enjoy the following preview for
Christmas in Tuscany (A Legacy Series Reunion, Book 1)
Chapter 1
Isabella smiled as she watched her daughter from across the room, her thick dark curls wild and framing the most beautiful face that Isabella had ever known.
Arianna.
The day that Isabella had married Thomas had been the happiest day of her life—until the day she’d given birth to their daughter. Three-year-old Arianna seemed to have them both wrapped around her little finger but she had such a sweet way about her—a disposition that made her a delight to be around.
“Arianna, honey? Are you sharing with the girls?”
Jemma’s twins, Chloe and Daisy, seemed to be waiting patiently at the small table, while Arianna stood beside them with her tray of cookies.
“Mommy!” Arianna turned toward Isabella, her forehead creased. “I’m only trying to find the very best cookies for them. They aren’t all the same, you know—and Daisy doesn’t like the ones with nuts.”
Isabella laughed and looked at Jemma, who was grinning beside her on the sofa where Isabella sat opening a big box of Christmas ornaments. “Okay, honey. When you three finish your tea party, we’re going to start decorating the tree, so don’t go running off.”
“We won’t, Mommy.”
Isabella placed her hand on her stomach as she felt the sharp kick from inside her. “Listen here, you little soccer player, don’t get any wild ideas.”
Jemma reached out to touch her arm. “Are you feeling okay? I can handle the three little amigas if you want to go lie down for a little bit.”
“Thanks, Jem. I’m fine. I’m just not at all sure if this little guy of ours is going to wait until after Christmas to make his appearance. On the one hand, the closer to the due dat
e the better; on the other, I feel as big as a house and my ankles might never be normal again, so you know—maybe get this child out of me already.”
Both women laughed and Thomas entered the room, crossing it in quick even strides to sit down beside Isabella and pull her in for a hug, barely fitting his arm around her very large stomach.
“Oh, man. Be careful there, mister. I don’t want to squish you.” Isabella laughed and allowed herself to close her eyes and relax against the broad chest that had become home to her.
She felt Arianna’s presence next to her, before she opened her eyes to see her daughter standing beside them, her little hands on her hips, studying them carefully.
“Mommy, please don’t squish Daddy.”
Thomas laughed. “Don’t worry, honey. Daddy is too strong to be taken down so easily.”
Arianna did not look convinced. “Daddy, look how big Mommy’s tummy is.”
Isabella laughed and sat up so that Thomas could pull Arianna up into his lap, his kisses smothering her face as she giggled, filling the room with the sound that brought them endless joy.
“Daddy, stop. Please.” Arianna quieted herself enough to get the words out and then gently placed her head on Isabella’s lap, turning her face toward Isabella’s stomach. “Hello, little brother.”
Isabella ran her fingers over her daughter’s hair, careful not to get caught up in the tangles. She felt that overwhelming surge of love—the kind that seemed to literally make her heart beat faster. She’d never known love like the love she had for her daughter. Was it even possible that she could love their son—that they could love their son—even half as much? Everyone assured her that it was true about the depth of love for a child knowing no bounds—that their love would only expand as their family expanded.
She leaned down to kiss Arianna on the head. “Can you feel those kicks? I think your baby brother knows your voice, sweet girl.”
Arianna sat up and put her hand gently on Isabella’s stomach and then giggled. “I do, Mommy! I do feel him kicking. I wish he would come out soon.”
Isabella looked at Thomas and then put her hand in his that reached for her. “I do too, honey. Any day now he’s going to make his appearance.”
Arianna kissed first Isabella on the lips and then reached for Thomas with a big hug and a quick kiss. “I have to go play with the twins now. They’re waiting very patiently for me.”
Thomas laughed and set her down on the floor. “Go ahead then. Have fun and play nice.”
Arianna turned as if on cue, hands on her hips, which seemed to be a signature stance of hers lately. “Daddy! Why do you say that? You know I always play nice.”
Thomas laughed, as did Isabella.
“Honey, you do play nice. Daddy is only kidding.”
Thomas nodded his head and squeezed Isabella’s hand as Arianna ran over to where the girls were playing. He pulled Isabella in for a kiss, wrapping his arms tightly around her.
“Ugh—I might not ever be able to get off you, you know,” said Isabella.
Thomas kissed her on the nose as he looked into her eyes. “That is not so bad, my love. And have I told you how absolutely gorgeous you look today?”
Isabella smiled, thinking how just a moment earlier, she’d felt not the least bit gorgeous. Somehow Thomas made her feel like the most radiant woman in the room—always—no matter the crowd or circumstances. She always felt special when he looked at her, and after four years of marriage, that feeling of total love and adoration had only grown stronger between them.
“You’re too sweet to me.” She kissed him back. “Somehow I have to muster the energy to get the decorating done today. I promised the girls, and they can’t wait to see the lights on the tree.”
“Are you feeling okay, honey?” Thomas looked at his watch. “Maybe I can move my meeting and help you out here.”
“No. No, it’s okay. I’ll be fine and Jemma is here. Maybe I will steal away for a small nap before Lia and Gigi come with lunch. Ooh, that sounds delightful, actually.”
Thomas leaned down to kiss her on the neck—in just the place that he knew drove her crazy. “Maybe I have time to join you for that nap.” He winked.
Isabella laughed. “I don’t think so, honey. I mean, I really need to try to catch a little sleep.” She tilted her head back a little to look at him. “But I’ll certainly take a rain check on whatever it is you have in mind.”
Her added weight and lack of energy did not keep her from wanting her husband. Thomas had only grown more romantic over the years, something that Isabella never tired of.
He grinned back at her and gently helped her to sit up before rising and reaching for her hands to help her up off the sofa.
“That’s a deal. I shouldn’t be gone long. Dinner is at Lia’s tonight?”
“Yes, Mom and Dad get in around two, I think and—Jemma? What time is the rest of your gang coming?”
“Chase is coming with Kylie this afternoon. Mom has that show in Paris. I think she gets in tomorrow.”
“And Rafael?” Thomas asked. “Have you heard from him how things are going?”
Just days earlier there had been an earthquake in Guatemala—one that had affected the orphanage. With Jemma’s blessing and the promise to be back before Christmas day, Rafael had gotten a flight out straight after they’d heard the news.
“I spoke with him shortly after he arrived. Things aren’t great but they’ve gotten a lot of help with the rebuilding—at least until they can get something more permanent in place. And no one at the orphanage was hurt, thank God.”
Isabella sat down on the sofa next to her best friend, putting her arm around her. Jemma and the twins had come to stay with them the day that Rafael had left, and she knew that her friend had concerns that Rafael might not make it back in time for Christmas. Isabella knew that look on her friend’s face. Jemma was worried.
“Are you okay?” Isabella said.
“Yeah. Well, I’ve texted Rafael a few times this morning and I haven’t heard back from him.
Thomas walked over and placed a hand on Jemma’s shoulder. “Don’t worry, Jem. He’ll get back in time.”
Jemma smiled. “I know. I’m okay. Really. And the girls love being here.”
“And I love having you here—you know that!” Isabella laughed.
“And on that note, my friend… Why don’t you go have that nap I heard you mentioning? The girls seem pretty content right now and we can decorate the tree after.”
Thomas held his hand out to Isabella and she grabbed it, letting him pull her to her feet.
“Well, I will not say no to that idea. Arianna? Mommy’s going to go lie down for a few minutes. You mind Aunt Jemma, okay?”
“Okay, Mommy.”
Thomas kissed her on the lips. “Have a nice rest, my darling. I’ll see you all later this afternoon. Thanks, Jemma.”
Isabella turned back toward Jemma before she made her way upstairs to the bedroom. “Thanks, Jem. I won’t be long.”
“No worries, Bella. Get a good rest while you can.”
Chapter 2
After checking in on the girls, who seemed to be content playing house in one corner of the large family room, Jemma grabbed her phone and flopped down on the sofa. Still no word from Rafael. She bit her bottom lip as she punched in another text asking him if everything was alright. It wasn’t like Rafael not to respond right away, and she was trying not to feel nervous about it.
She didn’t have another second to think about it before she had an incoming call from her mother.
“Hi, Mom.”
“Hi, honey. How’s it going there?”
Blu’s voice sounded strained to Jemma even in the few words that were spoken, and it was very noisy in the background.
“Everything’s good. I’m just hanging out with the girls while Bella has a little nap. How’s the show going?”
Blu said something that Jemma couldn’t make out.
“Mom, I’m having a hard time h
earing you. Can you say that again?”
“Let me step outside for a minute.”
Jemma waited the few seconds that it took for the line to grow much quieter.
“Sorry, honey. It’s a bit crazy here right now, but things are winding down. I was asking you—honey, have you had the news on? Have you heard from Rafael?”
“No, I haven’t and I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t getting concerned. I know he’s busy there right now but it’s just not like him…” Jemma suddenly realized how silent her mom was on the other end of the line. “Mom? What’s on the news? Has something else happened?” She felt her heartbeat quicken as she waited for Blu to respond.
“Jem, I’m sure he’s fine—”
“Mom, you’re scaring me.”
Jemma saw Chloe’s eyes on her from across the room and attempted to quiet her voice. The last thing she wanted was for the twins to see her upset about Rafael. They’d already expressed their fears that their father was going to be away from them at Christmas. She turned her head slightly so that the girls could no longer read the emotions on her face. “Mom, what is it?”
“Honey, there’s been another earthquake—a pretty big one, I’m afraid. But I think it’s also affected communications—they said that on the news—that a lot of the phone and Internet might be down now. I’m sure you’ll be hearing from him soon that everything is alright.”
Jemma felt her breath catch in her throat. She couldn’t bear it if anything happened to Rafael. She could hardly remember her life without him and the girls—he just had to be okay. But why wasn’t he answering her texts?
“Honey? Are you okay? Is someone there with you now? Jemma, try not to think the worst. I’m sure you’ll hear from him soon.”
Jemma took a deep breath in and willed herself to answer. “Yes, I’m okay. I mean, I’m not but I guess I just need to keep trying to get a hold of him. Bella’s resting upstairs but Lia and Gigi are due any time for lunch.”
“I’m sorry, but they’re calling me to come back inside. Please text me as soon as you hear anything, and I’m going to call you back as soon as I’m done here, okay?”