After a few minutes, when she started nodding over her shoulder, Afonso wrapped up the last few notes and stood to nudge her. “Let’s get you upstairs, mamã.”
Her eyes opened, heavy with sleep, and she stretched, yawning. “I guess I am the mommy, aren’t I?”
“Yes, you are.” With a steady grip, he supported her up the stairs and down the hallway to the west wing.
When they arrived at her suite, Afonso switched on the light.
Catarina watched him for a moment, then stepped closer and kissed him on the cheek. As he walked to his bedroom, he took a breath.
It didn’t feel right to be apart from her.
On the morning of the baby shower, Catarina awoke to a knock on the door. Dona Madalena followed with a tray in her hands. “Bom dia. I figured you’d want an early start today.”
Dona Madalena set the tray on the empty chair next to the bed, then lent a hand to Catarina to help her up.
The baby shower was today. Catarina smiled on her way to the bathroom, and she was still smiling when she walked back to the edge of the bed, where she sat down.
“Thanks for getting me up. I was so excited about the baby shower that I had a hard time falling asleep.” She spread the fig jam on her toast and took a sip of the honeyed milk. The warm beverage tasted good. The days had shortened gradually in the past weeks, and the temperature had already dropped from the hot days of summer to the cooler ones of mid-September. She had also added a thin blanket to her bed. Even with the central heating in the house, she’d found that extra blankets, throws, and rugs throughout the rooms added a touch of coziness and comfort that was much needed.
Dona Madalena stood at the west window, cracking it open, as she always insisted on letting in fresh air in the morning.
Catarina took a large bite of the breakfast quiche, and Dona Madalena chuckled. “It’s good to see you still have your appetite.”
Maybe too much appetite. Catarina had moved her thirty-two week appointment to two days earlier in the week, from Friday to Wednesday, on account of the baby shower. Dr. Paula had measured her belly and declared it to be in the same small range as before, but to Catarina her belly had visibly grown larger this week. The baby complained of the tighter quarters as well, stretching and kicking and pushing around for space that was only growing smaller. Eight more weeks.
Dona Madalena and Catarina worked through the morning finalizing the last touches in the guest bedrooms. Afonso and Senhor Francisco had set up the new beds earlier in the week, and Dona Madalena had placed freshly washed sheets on each one. Afonso would be staying with Matias and the other guys in Castelo Branco, offering the use of his bedroom. As of last night, Luciana still didn’t have an exact count on the number of family members coming to Sunset Manor, and the thought made Catarina nervous. Thankfully, the pantry and fridge had been stocked to capacity, and lack of food would not be an issue.
She and Afonso had kept to their after-dinner tradition and spent some time outside at sunset. A much shorter time, now the evenings were colder. Once inside, Afonso had played the piano, and she’d watched him from the upholstered chair. The thought had occurred to her that even if given the chance to hear him play every day, it was unlikely she would ever tire of it.
Catarina and Dona Madalena talked about her family, and Catarina was grateful for the older woman’s company while she waited for them to arrive. Excitement mingled with anxiety. They were coming to see her, to celebrate her baby’s upcoming birth. After everything she’d done, and the lack of contact for the past seven years, Catarina didn’t feel like she deserved the attention. Since Luciana’s visit the month before, Mom had been calling her every few days, but they had yet to meet in person.
The sound of car horns interrupted her thoughts, and Catarina sat up. “They’re here,” she said to Dona Madalena with a nervous smile.
As Catarina rose from her chair, the back door opened wide, and Luciana entered, carrying bags in her hands. “We’re here, querida.” She dropped the bags on the floor and stepped forward to embrace Catarina. “Coragem, prima,” she whispered in her ear.
Catarina nodded and pulled away from her cousin, taking in a deep breath. She needed courage, especially to face her mother.
Her cousin Jacinta and a blonde woman came in next, also carrying bags.
Catarina greeted her cousin. “Jacinta, it’s so good to see you.”
Jacinta kissed her cheeks, then stepped back and introduced the woman. “This is Vanessa Clark, soon to be Vanessa Romano. She’s Matias’ fiancée and practically one of us,” she said in English.
Vanessa smiled and hung back. “I hope I’m not intruding.”
Catarina turned to Luciana. “My English is terrible.” Spanish was second nature to her, but English came harder. She’d had a few years of classes in high school but hadn’t had the chance to practice in a long time.
Jacinta replied in English. “Vanessa has Portuguese family too, but she was raised in America. Her Portuguese is getting much better and she understands well enough.”
Vanessa wiggled her hand. “Um pouquinho.” She reverted to English. “I understand a bit, but speaking is harder.”
After greeting Catarina, Jacinta and Vanessa walked to the pantry to leave the bags they carried.
Tia Celestina and cousin Gabriela greeted Catarina with kisses, hugs, and smiles as if they’d last seen her seven months ago, instead of seven years. The emotion welled in Catarina’s heart, and when they stepped away, Mãe and Avó Teresa stood in front on her, already with tears in their eyes. Her own tears stained her face, and when they opened their arms, Catarina stepped forward and threw her arms around them both.
Words didn’t come. She felt nothing but the love surrounding her.
After a moment, mom’s hands rested on her cheeks, then on her belly. “My first grandchild.”
“Is it a boy or a girl?” Avó Teresa asked.
“I don’t know yet. I’m waiting until the birth.” Catarina wiped her tears.
Avó Teresa placed a hand on Catarina’s belly. “You can start buying blue. It’s a boy.”
“How can you be sure, Avó?’
Avó Teresa raised an eyebrow. “I’m only wrong fifty percent of the time.”
Catarina laughed, and her family joined her.
“This is it,” said Luciana. She looked around, including everyone. “Tia Glória wanted to come, but she couldn’t get time away from the salon this weekend. Juliana is working too, and Susana and Anita are away at the university. As for the guys, only Matias and Knox came. They’re staying in Castelo Branco tonight, and they’ll come by tomorrow.”
“Who’s Knox?’ Catarina asked.
Luciana gestured to Jacinta, who raised her hand. “He’s my boyfriend.” Her cheeks colored.
“You’re stuck with us.” Luciana grinned.
Catarina chuckled. “I’m glad I am. I just can’t believe all of you came all this way for me.”
The rest of the day went by too quickly amid food and laughter, stories and tears. These women were her family and her friends, and the bonds that linked them together went beyond years of separation and long nights of grief. Catarina took strength from them, from their presence and their hugs, and deep down she knew this was how she wanted her child to be raised, among women who’d love the baby as much as she did.
In the evening, after another round of cooking and eating, the Romano women moved to the music room for the baby shower. Afonso had temporarily moved the sofa and leather chairs from the library to add more seating options.
Luciana brought her gift first. “I’ve knit a lot of baby clothes, but this one is for an extra special baby.” She placed a shallow box tied with a yellow satin ribbon on Catarina’s lap.
“I didn’t know you knit.” Catarina tugged at the ribbon, then drew apart the layers of white tissue paper. Inside, nestled on clouds of more paper, the softest green knit romper was folded along with matching booties and a little cap with ear flaps
. The delicate yarn and even stitches showed remarkable artistry.
“This is exquisite,” she said at last, holding the little outfit in her hands. Catarina glanced at Luciana. “You knit this?”
Luciana nodded, a large smile on her face. “Do you like it?”
“I love it. It’s so amazing.”
“I’d like to knit your baby’s christening set too, but I’ll wait until the baby is born to see if I need pink or blue for the embellishments.”
Catarina returned the ensemble to the box and passed it for the others to see. “Of course I’ll let you.”
Gabriela pushed a wrapped box in Catarina’s direction. “After Luciana’s amazing gift, none of the other gifts will compare, but here’s mine.”
“Gabriela, I’ve got nothing for this baby. You have no idea how much it means to me that you came from Porto to be here for the baby shower.”
Her cousin blushed. “I’m glad I came.”
The door squeaked, and Afonso’s face peeked through the crack.
Luciana stood from her spot on the rug. “It’s about time you got here.”
Catarina couldn’t have said it better.
Before Afonso had a chance to retreat, Luciana pulled him into the room. “Come on, I’ll introduce you.”
Afonso glanced at Catarina, his expression hesitant and almost timid.
Catarina winked at him.
Luciana turned to the room. “Everyone, this is Afonso Cortez, Filipe’s groundskeeper. Among other things,” she added with an eyebrow waggle toward Catarina.
Catarina ignored it.
Afonso took the introductions in stride, going around the room and greeting everyone with air kisses, charming them with his attractive smile, especially Mãe and Avó Teresa. When he got to Catarina, he brushed his cheeks against hers, and she flamed with a blush immediately. He’d shaved since she’d seen him last night, and the familiar scent of his aftershave filled her senses.
He reached for her fingers and gave them a squeeze, then straightened and faced her family again. “Ladies, it’s been a pleasure, but I’ll leave you to it.”
“You’re welcome to join us,” Tia Celestina offered.
He took a step toward the door. “I still have to drive to Castelo Branco.”
“We have tons of leftovers.” Tia Celestina rose and took Afonso by the elbow. “Why don’t you take some?”
“It’s okay.” He sent a pleading look toward Catarina. “I think we’re going out.”
Afonso kept edging toward the door, and Tia followed him.
Luciana stood and winked at Catarina. “Catarina is dying to know if you’ll play something for us.”
Oh no, she hadn’t. Catarina waved him off. “Don’t worry about it, Afonso.”
His expression softened, and he smiled at Catarina. “How about I play something tomorrow?”
Catarina nodded back at him, smiling as well, and he waved at everyone.
After he left, with Tia Celestina right behind him, she found the rest of her family looking at her with knowing smiles.
“Look how cute you two are. You don’t even need words between you,” Avó Teresa said.
Mãe leaned forward in her chair. “How long have you two been living together?”
Catarina threw her hands in the air. “Not this again. We’re not living together. Just living in the same house.”
“And that’s been how long?” Avó Teresa insisted.
“Since the end of May.” Catarina said. Had it really been that long? Soon his contract would be over, and her baby would come after that. The emotion lodged in her throat.
“Almost four months.” Avó said. “That’s plenty of time.”
“Plenty of time for what?” Gabriela asked.
Avó Teresa smiled and winked at Catarina. “To fall in love, of course.”
Vanessa and Jacinta looked at each other and smiled. “More than enough time,” said Jacinta.
Catarina knew that very well.
She’d had plenty of time to fall in love with Afonso.
Luciana reached for a small box and started passing white votive candles to each woman in the room. They sat in a loose circle around Catarina.
“In honor of the upcoming birth of the first Romano grandbaby, I propose a new tradition,” Luciana said. She stood next to Catarina with a candle in her hand. “In the olden days, families lived much closer to one another. When the time came for a woman to give birth, her mother, grandmother, and sometimes older sister were in attendance. Other women in the family, such as aunts, cousins, and younger sisters wouldn’t be. Because giving birth was always risky to the mother and the baby, the other womenfolk lit candles and prayed for a quick delivery and a healthy baby.” She turned to Vanessa and spoke English. “In Portuguese, to give birth is dar à luz, which literally means to give to light, meaning the baby comes to light in the world.” She went on in Portuguese. “When Catarina goes into labor, we’ll send the word out to everyone and we’ll each light our candle as a way to keep Catarina and her baby in our thoughts and prayers. Even if we can’t come support Catarina in person, she will know we’re thinking of her and she’s not alone.” Luciana smiled at Catarina.
Catarina wiped under her eyes. An overwhelming feeling of peace and love filled her heart, and she rested a hand over her chest. “That may be the most beautiful thing I’ve ever heard.”
The sound of sniffling from around the room confirmed she wasn’t the only one crying. Catarina stood to hug Luciana,
and soon her mom, grandma, aunt, and cousins surrounded her as well.
This was the love of strong women. The love of her family.
*
Her family’s departure weighed on Catarina, and she missed them dearly in the days following the baby shower. It didn’t help that the weather turned rainy the next week, adding to her melancholy.
Unable to work outdoors, Afonso stuck to the house, rearranging furniture under her direction and helping her organize the baby gifts she’d received at the shower. He set up the bassinet and disposed of all the empty packaging, making a list she could later use to write the thank you cards. Catarina had him tuck the car seat and the baby swing into a corner of the suite, not knowing what else to do with the pieces. For all the sketches she’d drawn, she hesitated decorating a space for the nursery. How much longer would she stay at Sunset Manor after the baby’s birth?
Afonso was patient and tender with her, assuming all the cooking and cleaning while the Silvas stayed in the village. He played the piano more often, and on the second night of being rained in, he set up a movie showing in the library, complete with popcorn and her favorite candy. Catarina moved aside the pillows he’d brought down and snuggled next to him. She ended up falling asleep on his chest, more content and at home than she had been in a long time.
The sun returned on Wednesday morning, and the Silvas followed a few hours later. Catarina hid a pout, wishing she and Afonso could have had more time alone. But reality had a way of opening her eyes to the naïveté of her dreams, and wishing for what she could not have only brought heartache.
On Thursday, Dona Madalena persuaded Catarina to walk to the swing after lunch. Afonso would be taking it down for winter soon and she wouldn’t have many more chances.
When she returned inside to rest, he sat on the top step near the landing to the west side.
Catarina stopped short. “I thought you were working at the main gate today.”
“We got the gate down and the new one will be here tomorrow.” He stood and took her hand. “Can I walk you to your room?” A twinge of nervousness clouded his voice.
“Is everything all right?”
“All the times I went with you on furniture hunting trips rubbed off on me.”
“Excuse me?” She arched an eyebrow at him.
He pushed open the door to her bedroom and gave her a lopsided smile. “Ordinarily, I wouldn’t invite myself inside, but if you don’t like it, I’ll take it back down.”
<
br /> “Don’t like what?”
Afonso gestured to the bassinet. Next to it, a midcentury dresser in a deep mahogany captured Catarina’s attention.
They approached and Catarina stroked the gleaming wood. “This is beautiful, Afonso.”
“I cleaned it and restored the finish, but it took longer to dry with the humidity this past week.” He pulled a drawer in and out. “Do you think there’s enough room for the baby’s clothes?”
She nodded. “It’s perfect.” With three wide drawers on each side, she wouldn’t be lacking space. “Thank you.” She went on tiptoes and kissed him on the cheek.
Afonso dropped an arm around her back and brought her in for a side hug. “Now I’m trying to find a rocking chair before the baby’s born.”
Catarina rested a hand on his chest and closed her eyes, unable to form any words.
What would he say if she told him she loved him?
Catarina didn’t sleep well. She thought about telling Afonso of her true feelings. All night she weighed the pros and cons, asking herself if she had the courage to do it. In the morning, she hadn’t reached a decision.
When the Silvas left after lunch, Catarina walked to the library. Afonso and Matias had brought the boxes of books down from the attic the week before, and they’d filled the shelves on top. Catarina had been staging the lower shelves, having promised Afonso she wouldn’t use the stepladder or lift boxes. She was glad to see the project nearly finished with only half a box worth of smaller volumes left.
Her phone pinged. Catarina drew it out from her pocket and swiped at the screen. It was Joana, the woman from the furniture warehouse.
Olá, Catarina. Are we still on for today?
Catarina suppressed a groan. With her family visiting for the baby shower last week, Catarina had rescheduled her appointment with with Dr. Paula for a different day.
Hi, Joana. I’m sorry. I won’t be coming to Castelo Branco today.
That’s okay. Is there another time that works better for you?
Catarina pulled up the calendar on the screen. With a few more weeks of work, she could finish the last of the decorating. Then the interior photos would look more professional.
Love Me At Sunset (Destined for Love: Mansions) Page 15