Nico’s throat swelled with so much emotion he couldn’t talk.
“It will be our joy to see you married to the adorable Fausta. Knowing what I do about her, she’ll make the kind of loving companion Pippa has always been to me.”
When Nico could find the words, he said, “I couldn’t ask for more than that. Ci vediamo domani.”
* * *
At five to six the next morning, Fausta came out of the palace doors carrying her purse. Nico was already there. She climbed in his car, wearing jeans and a soft pink cotton top with short sleeves. His piercing dark eyes devoured her before he drove away. “How did you sleep?”
“I’ve been so excited, I couldn’t.”
“You look fabulous anyway.”
She laughed. “Thank you. I’m glad you like my wedding dress. It’s a Fausta original.”
A grin broke out on his handsome face. “I’ve got food and coffee in the back seat when you’re ready to eat.”
“Goody! I’m hungry now. I’ll feed both of us.”
“I was hoping you’d say that.”
Fausta reached around and put the sack and thermos in her lap. “You’re going to make the most satisfactory husband on earth.”
“Tell me that again in fifty years and I’ll believe you.” His gaze darted to her hand. “Where’s your ring?”
“In my purse.”
“I’ll need it to put on your finger during the ceremony.”
A small moan escaped. “I don’t have one for you yet. I wanted to ask Lanza for help but didn’t dare.” She took it out of her purse. He put it in his breast pocket.
“Don’t worry. Enzo will find something for you to give me.”
Fausta poured coffee in the cup and handed it to him. She couldn’t stop staring at her breathtaking fiancé. He smelled wonderful as always. Today he wore a tan jacket covering a button-up white shirt and dark trousers.
“What did Enzo say when you called him?”
“He and Pippa are overjoyed with our news.”
“They don’t think we’re crazy?”
He smiled. “I didn’t say that, but they’re happy for us.”
“I hope he doesn’t tell Lorenzo.”
“He won’t, but let’s not forget you came to my apartment last evening. Your parents couldn’t be happy about it since it was your second visit to enemy territory. This evening after work you’ll be driving to my apartment again. I wouldn’t be surprised if they send security to my door.”
Fausta handed him a ham-filled croissant and took one for herself. “Then we’ll phone the parents tonight and give them our glorious news. That is if our bodyguards haven’t caught on to our devious scheme before then.”
“Who knows?” After they’d eaten, he put a hand on her arm. “Any regrets?”
Her crystalline blue eyes clouded over. “How can you even ask me that? I’m so in love with you, it’s indecent.”
“That makes two of us. Do you know when I saw you in the cafeteria with Mia, I thought you were a celebrity because you seemed familiar? Your beauty, everything about you drew me in. The next time I saw you in Tommaso’s room, I couldn’t believe my eyes.
“But when he called you Fausta, my heart almost failed me because it was then I realized you were Princess Rossiano. By the time I’d recovered my wits, you’d left too fast for me to be able to catch up to you. I was haunted by you until your next visit to the ward. At that point I’d lain in wait for you. No way was I going to let you get away from me again.”
The intensity of his deep voice found its way to the deepest recesses of her soul.
“I didn’t want to get away. You were the most amazing man to come into my life. When you turned down my invitation to come to my apartment, I told Mia I’d made a huge mistake with you.”
“You know that’s not true.”
“I do now, but that night I was afraid I didn’t measure up to you. I worried that you didn’t find me interesting enough. Let’s be honest. In many ways I’ve led a sheltered life compared to yours. More than ever I hated it that I was a royal. I feared that you wouldn’t be back. The torture I went through.” She shook her head.
“You didn’t witness the torture I went through. While we ate at Prospero’s cantina, I sat there thinking that I’d met the woman of my desire. No other woman had ever come close or ever would. Prospero’s eyes lit up to see that the princess of the realm had honored him by eating at his restaurant.
“For that night you were my princess. I was the happiest man alive until I drove you back to the palace that represented the dividing line between us. For a time I’d forgotten. When you asked me inside—”
“Every lesson Angelo had tried to teach you got in the way,” Fausta broke in. “I didn’t know how to fight it.”
“You didn’t have to. You already had me hooked body and soul, and now you’re about to become my wife. Whatever happens, wherever we end up, I swear I’ll love you forever, Fausta.”
Too touched by his words, all she could do was clutch his hand for the rest of the drive to the castello.
After they arrived and Nico had parked the car in the courtyard, he grabbed his doctor bag and opened Fausta’s door. Enzo, looking sporty, was waiting for them at the entrance with a huge smile on his face. He hugged Nico before turning to her.
“You’re right on time for your own wedding. Congratulazioni, Fausta.” He gave her a warm hug, which she reciprocated. “Nico says you’re on a tight time schedule, so the priest has been warned. Since I’m taking your father’s place to give you away, I’ll walk you to the chapel where Pippa is waiting.”
“Thank you so much, Enzo.”
“It’s an honor.”
Nico left the bag in the foyer and they proceeded to walk down several hallways of portraits and tapestries to the small chapel on the main floor. With candles lit, the interior dazzled the eye like a jewel. Fausta adored everything, including the beautiful statues, but she didn’t see the priest yet.
Pippa sat in her wheelchair near the altar. While Enzo took Nico aside, she tugged on Fausta’s hands and pulled her down to kiss her cheek. “You’re marrying a veritable prince, but you already know that.”
She nodded. “He’s the prince of my heart.”
“You’ve caught the eye of a most amazing and wonderful man. I know you’re both going to be very happy.”
“Dear Pippa—grazie for arranging this for us.”
“We wondered if we would ever see this day. Nicolo seemed so determined to find his parents, I feared he would never find true love. Then he brought you inside the castello. The look in your eyes told me everything I wanted to know.”
Fausta struggled for breath. “He’s my life.”
Pippa handed her a man’s gold band. “This is the wedding ring I gave Enzo. He wants you to give it to Nico for the ceremony.”
“I can’t take this.”
“Yes, you can. It means the world to my husband. He loves Nico like a son.”
“You two are so dear.”
As she put it in her blouse pocket, the priest walked in. He was young and quite handsome. No doubt he was surprised she was wearing pants. Not even a veil.
“Father Pietro, allow me to introduce Princess Fausta Rossiano of Domodossola.”
“Principessa. I understand this must be a secret, quick ceremony. I’ll do my best.”
“You’re very kind to perform the service, let alone this early in the morning. We’re indebted to you.”
Enzo and Nico moved toward them. “Father? I’d like you to meet Dr. Nico Barsotti. How do you wish to proceed?”
“If you’ll sit by your wife, I’ll ask these two to stand in front of me. Dr. Barsotti, if you’ll take the right hand of Princess Rossiano?”
Fausta could hardly believe this was really happening. Nico gripped her hand, ho
lding it fast, but her heart was pounding much faster.
CHAPTER TEN
“DEARLY BELOVED, Nico and Fausta. Marriage is the most important of all earthly relationships. It should be entered into reverently, thoughtfully and with full understanding of its sacred nature. Your marriage must stand by the strength of your love and the power of faith in each other and in God.”
Fausta believed that to the core of her soul.
“Love is very patient and kind, never jealous or envious, never boastful or proud. Love is never haughty, rude or selfish.”
Except that she’d been selfish, but never again.
“Love does not demand its own way. Love is never glad about injustice but rejoices whenever truth wins out.”
Truth had finally won out and Nico now had full knowledge of his parentage. Fausta knew the news he’d waited for a lifetime had released him and had made him free.
“If you love someone,” the priest spoke on, “you will be loyal to them no matter the cost. You will always believe in them, always expect the best in them and will always stand your ground in defending them.”
Those were vows she would defend with her life.
The priest eyed Nico. “Knowing what is expected, do you, Nico, take Fausta to be your lawfully wedded wife?”
Nico answered in his deep voice, “I do.”
At that point the priest looked at Fausta. “Knowing what is expected, do you, Fausta, take Nico to be your lawfully wedded husband?”
“I do with all my heart,” she avowed.
A small smile broke out on the priest’s face. “You will now exchange rings.”
Fausta met Nico’s glance before they reached in their pockets. He put the diamond ring back on her finger and squeezed her hand. She followed by placing Enzo’s ring on Nico’s finger with trembling hands. He had to have been surprised but didn’t let it show.
“In as much as you have given each other these tokens of abiding love in the sight of witnesses, then by the power invested in me by the Church, I pronounce you man and wife. What God has joined together, let no man put asunder.”
He blessed them. “In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen. You may kiss your bride.”
The short, almost surreal yet perfect ceremony had come to an end.
She was so insanely happy she raised her head to Nico, whose eyes burned with desire for her. He pulled her closer and gave her a husband’s possessive kiss, thrilling her in every part of her being. Fausta clung to his hard, fit body, giving him everything she possessed to show him what he meant to her.
“Every dream of mine has come true,” he whispered before drowning her in passion that filled her with indescribable rapture. “We have two hours before we have to drive home. Come with me.”
Blind with love, she went where he took her. They left the chapel and ascended the staircase to an apartment on the second floor. After picking her up in his arms, he carried her through to the bedroom and followed her down on the bed.
“Mia moglie—” Nico cried against her mouth.
She really was his wife now! They couldn’t get close enough fast enough. No kiss lasted long enough.
“It should be a sin how beautiful you are. Love me, Fausta.”
“That’s all I’ve ever wanted to do since I first laid eyes on you, amore mio. Don’t ever stop loving me.”
“As if I could.”
The divine sensation of lying in his arms for the next two hours and knowing his possession sent her into ecstasy. Fausta had been able to only imagine what it would be like to know her husband’s possession. But her imagination hadn’t given her a clue of what really went on with this incredible man, who made her feel loved and immortal.
They groaned in breathless protest when the house phone rang. Nico didn’t pick up. They both knew it was Enzo reminding them they needed to leave for Domodossola if Nico wanted to keep his afternoon appointments at the hospital.
“We need to get up,” she whispered against his lips, but she couldn’t bear to move out of his arms.
“Not yet, squisita.” His mouth kissed every feature of her face as a prelude to making love all over again. But when the phone rang a second time, they both knew what it meant.
Fausta slid out of bed, provoking another groan from him, and hurried to the bathroom to shower and dress. Nico followed suit before engulfing her in one long kiss in the doorway before they left the bedroom. “This will have to last until tonight.”
Together they flew down the staircase to the salon where their two favorite people were seated. While Nico removed the ring and handed it back to Enzo, Fausta put the diamond ring back in her pocket. They all hugged.
“You’ll never know what you’ve done for us. This is the happiest day of our lives,” Fausta told them.
Pippa beamed. “To see you two this deliriously in love is pure joy for us. I have a gift for you. Open it when you get home.”
“You shouldn’t have.”
“When you open it, you won’t feel that way.”
Fausta kissed her again and put the small sealed sack in her purse. “I’m embarrassed we didn’t get to say goodbye to Father Pietro. Please tell him how much we appreciated his doing the service for us. We’ll send him a note and be in touch with you soon.”
After signing all the marriage documents, they rushed out to the car. Enzo brought Nico the doctor bag and saw them off, smiling at both of them. “You lucky people. I envy you. Let the adventure begin.”
After starting the car and driving out of the courtyard, Nico reached for her hand. “We’re on an adventure all right,” he declared. “I’ll never forget this day or the fact that Enzo let you put his wedding ring on my finger.”
“He loves you like a son.”
She heard him suck in his breath. “He and Pippa made it possible for us to become man and wife today. Are you happy, Signora Barsotti?”
“I think you know the answer to that. Do you have any idea how much I love the sound of my new name?” she cried emotionally. “I wish—”
“I know,” he broke in. “The last thing I wanted to do was leave the castello. We need weeks and weeks to be alone together. I’m in more agony now than ever before and would never suggest putting a two hour time limit on the wedding night.”
“No.” She squeezed his hand hard.
His car ate up the miles as they sped back to Domodossola. He darted her a glance. “We need all night tonight. After work I’ll come straight to the apartment.”
“You’ll probably be late seeing patients. I’ll need a key so I can bring some of my things over early and have dinner waiting.”
“I’m not sure I’ll be able to eat. One sight of you and everything else will go out of my head except to take you in my arms.”
“I don’t honestly know how I’m going to wait long enough for you to come home.”
“Tell me about it.”
As he drove over the speed limit, she looked at her watch. They were nearing the city. “If you’re supposed to be at the hospital at one, then don’t drive me to the palace. That’ll take too much time. I’ll go inside with you and call for the limo. It’ll look more natural since I’ve often gone there to meet with Mia.”
“Are you going to tell her about us?”
“I won’t say anything to anyone until you and I feel it’s right.”
“Your parents must be told first.”
“Agreed. We’ll talk about it tonight.”
Before long he pulled into the physicians’ parking lot and parked in his spot. Fausta got out on her own and walked inside the hospital behind him. Once inside the doors, he pulled a key off his key chain and handed it to her.
Their gazes fused with longing. “Until tonight, tesora.”
While he walked away, she put the key in her purse and pulled out her cell phon
e. In a few minutes the limo pulled up to the entrance. The driver opened the rear door for her.
Fausta climbed in, secretly overjoyed that she was now Dr. Barsotti’s wife. Was she ever! Visions of what had happened a couple of hours ago when he’d taken her to another realm of existence robbed her of breath. If the bodyguards following them knew about the marriage already, it didn’t matter.
She put her head back and closed her eyes, dreaming of the night to come. If Nico’s mother had been this in love with his father, Fausta couldn’t imagine the pain they would have gone through to say goodbye.
Thank heaven Fausta didn’t have to face a permanent separation from Nico. They were husband and wife forever. As the priest had said, “What God has joined together, let no man put asunder.”
* * *
Nico was just leaving his office at 7:30 p.m. after a packed schedule when Felipe showed up at the door. The two men gave each other a hug.
“I’m glad to see you back, amico. Let’s get together. Want to go out for a beer right now? I want to tell you about my wedding plans.”
Stifling a moan, Nico said, “There’s nothing I’d like more, but I have to go out on an emergency house call. Can we do it tomorrow night? Five thirtyish? I won’t let anything get in the way.” He hated lying to his buddy, but he had no choice.
“Sure. You have a sick patient?”
“Very sick.” I’m the patient and need to get back to Fausta or I’m not going to make it.
“Then I won’t keep you. Until tomorrow night!”
Nico patted his friend’s arm and dashed for the stairs. A whole evening and night to make love to his wife. Was there ever a more beautiful woman alive, inside and out, or one more loving?
He drove to his apartment and parked the car, eager to get her to himself. She’d left the door unlocked. Something smelled delicious. After hurrying inside, he found her in the kitchen by the stove wearing a white lace negligee that caused him to gasp.
“What took you so long?” She flashed him a seductive smile that melted his insides. “Our dinner is ready to be eaten. Why don’t you freshen up and then join me at the table for our first meal together as a wedded couple.” She’d set it with glasses of red wine and a vase of white roses.
How to Propose to a Princess Page 13