I laugh. “No need to resort to violence Cass. I’m good. Call me when you can come, and we’ll book your tickets.”
“Sounds good. Oh Ava this is so exciting!”
“I know. See you soon Cass.”
One more call to make.
“Hey Gabs, what are you doing October 20th?”
“I don’t know yet. Whatcha got?”
“A wedding.”
She squeals. “I’m definitely available.”
“Great. I’ll let you know what’s going on later. You’re a bridesmaid you know.”
“Wouldn’t miss it.”
Enzo is working diligently on the sofa when I finish all my calls. I snuggle up next to him and bury my face in his chest.
“Am I bothering you?”
“You never bother me.” He plants a kiss on top of my head.
“Thank you.” I whisper.
“For?” He reaches down and pulls my chin up so my eyes meet his.
“For loving me.”
His lips find mine and smother me in their warmth.
“It’s easy Ava. Loving you has been my greatest joy in life. The fact that you love me back is my greatest accomplishment.”
What can you say to that?
“Right this way Miss Bradshaw.” A svelte young woman directs me into Genevieve’s office.
I’m surprised that the commanding voice I heard on the phone came from the petite blond who rises from the desk to greet me.
“Ava, how wonderful to meet you in person.” She extends her hand. “Please sit down.”
She must be only five feet tall, and I would guess she weighs about a hundred pounds. Her platinum blond hair is a tousled mess, like she rolled out of bed, but it looks great on her. Her dark-gray sheath dress hugs her tiny form, and she teeters on incredibly high stilettos. I’m not sure what I was expecting, but it wasn’t her. She leans against her desk across from me and folds her arms.
“So Ava, I have ten dresses for you to try from all the best designers. I thought it would be easier for you if I brought them here to avoid publicity.”
“People are interested in my dress choice?”
“Oh yes. And the longer it’s a secret the more fun it is for me.” She laughs. “My office gets about five calls a day trying to find out if I’m covering your wedding. We’ll make an official announcement in one week.”
I shake my head. I can’t believe I’m a news item.
“The dresses will be here next week. We’ll have you come here and try things on. Also, I would start getting Mr. Milano’s driver to take you places. Once they figure out what kind of car you have, you’ll likely be followed.”
“Sure, okay.”
Genevieve shows me her plans. She’s designed an elaborate Tuscan theme on the grounds of Girasole. The wedding will be outside, and the reception will be in the two large ballrooms. Her drawings are amazing. She’s even drawn me and the wedding party in what she envisions. The wedding party is dressed in a soft yellow and dark brown palette, emulating the sunflowers I love so much.
“It’s beautiful Genevieve.”
She beams. “You like it? You’re sure?”
“Yes, very much.”
She shows me her idea for centerpieces. Each table has a very tall glass vase filled with clear marbles. An elaborate flower arrangement juts from the top. It reminds me of the photo spread in the magazine. It’s beautiful but feels overbearing.
“I’d rather have something smaller here.”
She smiles and shows me her second drawing. This one is of glass bowls with a single floating sunflower in the middle surrounded by smaller white roses. Creamy yellow candles sit on each table and create a sweet and romantic mood.
“Yes. This is it.”
“Perfect. Now I know more about what you want. Elegance, romance, and intimacy.”
“As intimate as a party with five hundred people can be I suppose.”
“You’d be surprised Ava. I’ll make it work.”
“I’m sure you will.”
“Okay I’ll call you next week when the dresses are in.”
“I look forward to it.”
I walk back to my car in a daze. This is the same woman who works with celebrities, and she’s planning my wedding. I don’t even want to know what this is costing Enzo.
I need to head to Girasole to meet Enzo for cake tasting. It’s so sweet that he wants to be involved in the details.
I pull up into valet. Enzo is waiting for me just inside the doors.
“Ciao amore.” He kisses my cheek.
“Ciao tesoro.”
“Andiamo. We’re going to Milano. Paolo has five cakes for us to taste.”
“Are we going to taste the whole reception menu?” I really don’t want to. I know it will all be tasty, and this is the one time I would like to lose a few pounds so I look as good as I can on my day.
“No. Just cake. I told Paolo to do whatever he likes for the reception. We’re going to have an antipasto station then a sit down dinner. Is that good for you?”
“Yes. Of course.”
“Ciao fratello.” Paolo welcomes us as we enter the restaurant and hugs his brother.
“Ava.” He kisses me on both cheeks. “Welcome to la famiglia.”
“Grazie Paolo. Sono contenta.”
Paolo’s eyes light up. “You learned Italian?”
“Well some at least.” I offer a shy smile.
“She learned a lot. She speaks very well.” Enzo smiles with pride.
“Brava.” Paolo praises my efforts. “Come. I have the cake for you.”
We sit at Enzo’s table. Paolo rolls a cart over with several trays set out.
“This is vanilla bean cake with prosecco buttercream.” Paolo cuts two thin slices and sets them on a plate.
“You taste it first.” Enzo hands me the plate.
I take a bite and let the moist cake settle on my palette. It’s luscious, rich, and not overly sweet. The prosecco in the buttercream is subtle. I can just taste it as I swallow it down.
“Very good.” I smile at Paolo.
Enzo takes a bite and nods in approval.
The next cake is chocolate with a chocolate mousse filling and chocolate hazelnut buttercream. It’s freaking divine.
“I love this one Paolo.”
“Yes, it came out very well.”
Next, we taste a strawberry cake, then a carrot cake, and finally, a pistachio cake. All of them are amazing. I don’t know how I can pick.
“What do you think Ava?” Enzo asks.
“I really like them all. I don’t know which one to pick.”
Enzo smiles. “I agree. Let’s have one of each then.”
“Oh no, that’s too much work for Paolo.”
Paolo stands and waves his hands in the air. “No, it’s not too much. My brother gets married only once, no? I make them all.” He grabs a notebook from the cart. “Here, my designs.”
I glance at the notebook and feel my eyes tear up. The picture shows a five-tiered white cake covered in fresh sunflowers.
“I can do this for each cake. Or I can use different flowers on each cake. But Enzo says you like the girasole, no?”
“Yes I do.” My voice is soft.
Enzo strokes my hand. “What do you want to do bella?”
“I want one large cake in the center. The vanilla bean and prosecco. That one should have the sunflowers. Then I want the other cakes slightly smaller and less elaborate…maybe with simple ribbons or something like that.” And I better get a slice of each one of them on my wedding night.
Paolo nods his head and smiles. “Yes, I understand. I like it. I will draw it and show it to you next week, va bene?”
“Sì, va bene.” I love the way Enzo looks at me whenever I speak Italian.
“Okay, ciao Paolo. See you next week.” Enzo stands to leave.
“Thank you for being so involved Enzo. It means a lot to me.” I kiss his handsome face.
“Of course.
I wouldn’t miss any of this. I enjoy it.”
“Well you are a planner I suppose.” I poke his side, and he laughs.
“I suppose I am my love. After all that sugar, I could go for some regular food. I’ll cook.”
“Yum. You cook. I’ll eat.”
“I like that about you.”
“I need to work off some of these calories though. Got any ideas?”
“I’m sure I can think of something.” He winks. “I’ll meet you at home. I need to go sign off on some permits for the downtown hotel first.”
“Sure babe. I’m just going to chill on the couch.”
He wraps his arms around my waist while we wait for valet to bring the cars. “I hope this is an enjoyable experience for you.”
“It is. What could be more fun than planning my wedding to the man of my dreams? It’s a lot of work, but it’s good work.”
“Are you going to have a bachelorette party?”
“I honestly hadn’t thought of that. With only a few friends in Arizona, a spa day sounds more exciting. Besides my whole life has been a bachelorette party. I’m over it.”
He flashes his brilliant smile. “I feel the same way. The only party I’m interested in is the one with you after we are married.”
I smother his face in sweet kisses.
A few hours later, Enzo returns home to find me sitting on the couch.
“What are you looking at amore?”
“Wedding dresses. Trying to get an idea of what I want.” I stare intently at the computer screen.
Enzo leans over and kisses me on the cheek. “Checca is coming tomorrow morning. I’ve asked her to get the guest room set up for Cassandra and Chris. I didn’t think you needed the extra work.”
“Great. Thank you.”
He sits down and peers over my shoulder. “I like that one.”
He points to a gown on the page that is strapless with a long cathedral length train. It dips low in the back with tiny silk buttons that tumble down the back of the dress. The front is a sweetheart neckline but has an extra detail of chiffon at the top that keeps the cleavage respectable. It clings to the upper body with pleating at the waist and then falls into an A-line skirt. It’s breathtaking, but I won’t tell him that.
“Hey, this is supposed to be a surprise for you.” I push him away playfully.
“I just want you to know what I like. It’s still a surprise, no?”
“Shoo.” I motion at him to go away while I make a bookmark of this page. That has to be the dress. I’ll tell Genevieve tomorrow.
He’s still leaning against the wall staring at me.
“Enzo.”
“Yes amore?”
“You’re staring at me again.”
“I am and you’re stunning.”
I laugh. I’m wearing yoga pants and a tank top with my hair piled in a messy bun on top of my head. “Stunning huh?”
“Do you want me to come over there and show you how stunning you are?”
“No. I’m busy. Don’t you have something interesting to do?”
“There isn’t anything in this world more interesting to me than you.”
“Flirt.”
He winks and heads into the kitchen.
Now that I found a dress I like, I feel like I can relax a little. The only things left are approving the final plans, arranging all the travel, and getting the place for my parents.
I walk into the kitchen to see what Enzo is making. The room is so huge, five people could easily cook in here without bumping into each other. The walls are covered in stone and distressed stucco, giving the appearance of an elegant villa. A wine room dominates one corner and keeps the whites and reds at the perfect temperature. We have state of the art appliances of course, and gorgeous copper fixtures. It has to be the most Tuscan kitchen this side of the Atlantic.
Enzo is unaware of my presence. He moves gracefully, alternating between whisking a sauce, stirring the pasta, and opening a bottle of wine. He looks so comfortable and calm in this moment. He is such a physically beautiful man. He’s just so…male. Every so often, he runs his hands through his jet-black hair. He finally notices me.
“Bella, what are you doing there?” His face spreads into the sweetest smile I’ve ever seen.
“Just watching the man I love.”
“Are you enjoying the show?”
“I am. You really are the most spectacular looking man I’ve ever laid eyes on.”
He stops stirring the pasta and for a moment, I swear he’s speechless.
“That is very flattering Miss Bradshaw. Coming from you, it’s the finest compliment I’ve ever received.” His eyes soften into lovely blue pools.
I walk behind him and wrap my arms around his waist, inhaling his amazing scent. “I mean every word of it.”
“I know you do. Ready to eat?”
I nod. “You know, you better get the whole Miss Bradshaw thing out of your system soon.” I tease him as he plates my food.
“This I know. It’s such a lovely name, it’s a shame it will be retired soon.”
“Yes, but Ava Milano sounds nice too, no?” I’ve picked up the Italian habit of asking no when I mean yes at the end of my sentences.
“Music to my ears.”
“Smells delicious. What is it?” The aroma of roasted garlic fills the air. I cut into the thin chicken breast and swirl it through the rich, amber sauce.
“Chicken Marsala. I make the sauce with a sweet Sicilian wine. It was always a favorite growing up. After my mother died, I learned to make it.” His voice is suddenly melancholic.
I bite into it and smile. “This is so good. It’s sweet and tangy, and the chicken is so moist.”
“I’m glad you like it. Make sure you get some pasta too.”
I twirl my fork around the pasta and take a huge bite.
Enzo is watching me eat, smirking. “I don’t believe I will ever tire of watching you enjoy your food.”
I laugh. “I’m glad you like it, but I do need to slow down a bit if I plan to fit into a wedding gown.”
“The gown should fit you not the other way around. Besides you have the most beautifully shaped body, your curves are in exactly the right places.”
I take another bite. “Thank you my prince.”
“After dinner I’d like to show you just how much I appreciate those curves.”
“Bring it on.” I giggle.
We finish eating, and I sit back in my chair and watch Enzo clear the plates. I’m feeling a little tipsy from the wine and all of a sudden, I feel overcome with emotion. I can’t stop the tears from falling down my cheeks.
Enzo turns around and rushes to me. “Amore, what’s the matter?”
“Please Enzo, make love to me now. Here.” My body shakes with tears. I don’t even know why I feel the way I do right now, but I just want his skin pressed up against mine. Enzo wraps his arms around me, lifts me from my chair, and lays me against the wooden table.
His mouth meets mine, and I feel something inside me burst. Another wave of tears flows over me as my tongue explores his mouth. I feel Enzo’s hands pulling my pants off my hips, his magnificent erection pressed against my thigh.
I reach down to tug at his pants, our hands fumble and slide over each other as we desperately try to connect.
“Ava,” he whispers between kisses, “Ava.”
I take his erection in my hand and rub it against the hot opening between my legs. My body begs to feel him inside.
“Now Enzo.” I breathe against his neck.
He pushes into me, and our bodies move rhythmically. We know each other so well now. I know what to do to please him, and he knows just what my body craves. His hips push against me, and I wrap my legs around him, drawing him closer to me. His arms reach behind me and pull me up to him.
He stares into my eyes. “I love you so much Ava. It’s amazing. I can’t get enough of you.”
“I know.”
“I can’t believe you’re mine. You
’re just for me.” He pumps harder and faster.
I dig my nails into his back. He’s hitting me in just the right spot, and I know my climax is coming.
“I am just for you Enzo. Forever.”
He presses his forehead against mine. “Yes, forever.”
He throws his head back and grunts. “Ah…Ah…oh yea.” He continues grinding into me. “Come on… come for me.”
My orgasm explodes inside me. A fresh wave of tears falls from my eyes as I writhe against him. I can’t speak. I can’t do anything but try desperately to come back from this intense emotional landslide.
He falls on top of me and pulls me tight. “Please stop crying Ava. I’ll do anything for your happiness.”
“I’m not sad…I…I’m so happy I can’t keep it in me. It’s so much…everything…it’s so much.” My voice is a whisper as my tears finally subside.
“Is it too much? Are you scared?” He wipes tears from my face.
“No tesoro, not too much. Just so much and I think it just had to come out. I needed to feel you inside me. I needed you to know how much I love you and how much I want you.”
“You’re sure these are happy tears? Tell me the truth.” He looks at me with anxious eyes, the hint of vulnerable Enzo returning.
“I swear I will always tell you the truth, no matter what. I am happy, so much so I overflowed with it.”
He covers my face with kisses, his body still connected to mine.
“Everything I do is for you, for your happiness. You deserve it. I can’t repay you for how you’ve opened up my life. I was dead inside. Do you understand me? Dead. I’m alive again and feeling and loving. I experience joy and happiness now because of you. All I can do is try everyday to bring you the blessing you’ve brought me.”
“That is so beautiful Enzo. And you do bring me that happiness. Everyday.”
He buries his face in my neck. “I prayed once, a long time ago. I prayed that if someone special came along that I would know it. I prayed that she wouldn’t pass me by and I would know in my heart she was there. God brought you to me Ava. You’re my angel. My prayer was answered.”
I burst into tears again. He scoops me up into his arms and walks to the bedroom, then lays me on the bed.
“Just a little longer Ava.” He whispers.
I sniff. “For what?”
Turn Towards the Sun Page 29