After he’d made his purchases, he parked in the loading zone and got out to watch people as they exited the clinic. Eventually he saw her emerge dressed in a yellow top and white skirt. She looked fabulous in anything, but her features were drawn and pale. To know she was so ill squeezed his heart to a pulp.
“Clara?” he called to her.
She glanced at him, then picked up her pace in order to get away from him. In a few swift strides he caught up to her and spun her around gently.
Her eyes looked tormented. “You shouldn’t have come.”
“I told you I’d be here for you no matter what.”
Clara shook her head. “This has to stop, Tino.”
“Let’s argue about it in the truck. Come on. I brought food. I know you’re starving and so am I after putting in a full day of work at the restaurant. You’ll be pleased to know I got the inventory done for my father.”
“I’m sure that made him happy.”
“We’ll see.” He helped her into the cab, then walked around and got behind the wheel. “I thought we’d eat at the park by our old school before I take you home. It’s on the way.”
As they drove off she stared out the passenger window not saying anything. “Was it a bad day, piccola?”
“I’d rather not talk about it.”
“Then we won’t.”
Before long they wound around to a grassy section of the park. He slowed to a stop beneath some shade trees. “I think you’re too tired to get out, so we’ll eat right here.” He handed her a sandwich and drink from the bag sitting between them.
Her hunger won out and she ate. After they’d both finished their food he turned to her. “I didn’t get to say all I needed to say to you last night.”
“You said enough and I told you no.”
“Five more minutes is all I ask. If your answer is still no, I won’t bring it up again.”
She lowered her head. “What is it?’
“I want to tell you the secret I couldn’t tell Father Orsini.”
“Tino—”
“It’s about the details of my mother’s death.”
Here came his tentacle hooks, grabbing hold of Clara so she was a captive audience, but she kept telling herself she was going to wake up at any second and find herself at home in bed, or at the clinic.
“Did I ever tell you Mamma was a diabetic?”
“No.” She hadn’t heard that.
“She suffered from dizzy spells, a lot, and was battling a severe one the day she slipped on one of my toys and fell down the stairs. We were alone in the house. I was only five at the time and tried to get her to breathe again, but she wouldn’t wake up.”
Stop talking, Tino.
“I can still remember my terror because I didn’t know what to do. I didn’t know how to use the phone and there weren’t any neighbors close by. A helplessness went through me the likes of which I’d never known. I loved her so much and remember lying down next to her, sobbing. Cristiano was supposed to be home. I prayed for him to come.”
You’re breaking my heart.
“The second I heard him come in the house, I ran screaming to him and told him what had happened. He took one look at Mamma and called for the ambulance, but when it came, it was too late. The look he gave me made me want to shrivel up and die.”
A moan escaped Clara’s throat.
“Her death has plagued me all my life. I always felt the family blamed me, especially since I wasn’t Papa’s real son.”
Her head flew back. “But you were his son in all the other ways that counted.”
He shook his head. She still couldn’t reach him on that point.
“From then on I stayed away from the house as much as possible. You were always kind to me. You were so good and pure and you accepted me for the way I was. I found myself clinging to you.”
“Oh, Tino—” Clara had had no idea of the depth of pain he’d suffered.
“I figured that one day when I was older, I would go away so no one would have to be reminded of what a terrible person I was.”
“But you didn’t do anything wrong!” she cried, shaking her head in despair.
“When I grew to adulthood, I gained an intellectual understanding of what had happened, but emotionally…? To make matters worse, my long absences from home did a lot of damage to the rest of the family. My aunt Lisa took great satisfaction in letting me know I’d let everyone down.”
She held her head in her hands. “All this was going on inside you and you never said a word.”
“I couldn’t. I felt too frozen inside. Isabella kept begging me to come back and help with Papa, but I was too torn apart by my fears to do what she asked. I know Cristiano hasn’t come back because deep down he still blames me and would rather not be around to be reminded of what happened.”
“That couldn’t possibly be true!”
“She was our mother, Clara. He adored her, too. I should have done something—I should have been able to find a way to get help—”
She couldn’t stand to hear him go on like this. The torment in his voice was too much. His features were etched in the kind of pain and deep-seated sorrow she wished she could take away.
“Let me ask you a question, Tino. If it had been Cristiano instead of you who was home that day, would you still be blaming him?”
He took a fortifying breath. “You already know the answer to that. He was older and could have prevented her death.”
“How do you know she didn’t die on impact? If that’s the case, then no one could have saved her. Did you ever see the coroner’s report?”
Valentino stared at her as if he’d never seen her before. “No,” he whispered.
“Then I suggest you ask to see it before you go on crucifying yourself.”
Before she could countenance it, he grasped the hand closest to him. “You see how much I need you? How good you are?” He squeezed her hand tighter. “There’s only one reason I told you about Mamma’s accident. When I saw you lying there getting a treatment the other day, that same feeling of helplessness and despair swept over me. Do you know why?”
She shook her head.
“Because you are part of that part of my life, Clara.”
“I—I don’t understand.” Her voice faltered.
“In my mind I can’t separate you and our memories from those early years. Since we met again in town and I felt you push me away, a sense of panic took hold of me until I could get to the bottom of your behavior. I swear it was like the angels had shoved me away from heaven’s door.”
“I’m sorry.” Clara bowed her head, her emotions in utter chaos.
“Maybe what you’ve said is true and no one could have helped my mother stay alive. It’s all in the past now anyway, but if I’m your husband, I can help you stay alive. I can be there night and day for you to do things no one else can do to ease your burden.”
What Valentino was saying went through her like a thunderbolt.
She wasn’t prepared for him to pull her into his arms. He buried his face in her hair. “Let me do for you what I couldn’t do for my mother,” he begged with tears in his voice. “I need to do this, Clara.”
His entreaty reached down into her soul. Given the option of being with him all the time, there was no other choice for her, not now that he’d opened up all of his soul to her. He was tortured by his mother’s death and the guilt that went with it, but then her soul was tortured, too.
She stayed in his arms for a long time. Last night she’d been so tormented, she hadn’t been able to sleep. Though she’d been tempted to accept his proposal, she’d kept remembering her mother’s comments about being Valentino’s crumbs.
But just a little while ago she’d felt the terrible guilt he carried over his mother’s death. It went so deep she couldn’t ignore his plea.
“While your father’s alive, you need to make peace with him, Tino. Otherwise you’ll always be unhappy.”
“I know,” came the surprisin
g admission. “Because of you, I’ve already begun.”
Eventually she lifted her head. Pulling out of his arms, she moved herself next to the door. There was something else he had to understand before things went any further. “You do realize that if we were to get married, you could be a widower within the next six months.”
The blood left his face. “That’s how long Dr. Arno has given you if you don’t get a new kidney?”
“Yes.”
His features hardened. “I need you in my life, Clara, so that means we’re going to have to find you a new one fast!” Valentino’s declaration exploded with a ferocity she didn’t know he was capable of. He was a fighter; she’d give him that. To have him on her side was like being handed a precious gift. She felt the blood pounding in her ears.
The next thing she knew he started up the truck and they headed for the road leading out of town. He didn’t speak again. They eventually turned into the farm and he pulled up to the house.
“Forgive me for keeping you from your bed. I know you’re exhausted.” He got out of the truck and went around to help her down. “I’ll call you tomorrow.”
As he started back to the driver’s side of the truck she cried, “Don’t go yet—”
There was a sharp intake of breath before he wheeled around. She saw a flare of light in the recesses of those dark brown eyes. His reaction astounded her. “I take it that’s a yes.”
He knew it was.
“Shall we go inside together, or do you want to alert your parents first that they’re about to have company?”
Her family would be gathered around the table for the evening meal. She couldn’t believe this was really happening and moistened her lips nervously. “I’ll tell them you’re outside waiting to talk to them.”
“I swear you won’t regret this.” Before she could think, he cupped her face between his hands and pressed a warm kiss to her mouth, the first one he’d ever given her. It brought heat to her cheeks she could feel as she broke away from him and hurried inside.
Everyone greeted her as she walked in the kitchen filled with noisy conversation. Her mother eyed her with an anxious expression, probably noticing her heightened color. “You were gone so long, we got worried you missed the bus.”
Silvio cast her a questioning glance. Her father patted the empty chair next to him. “Come and eat.”
“I’ve already had dinner, Papa.” Her heart thundered in her chest. “Valentino is outside and wants to speak to you and Mamma. Is it all right if he comes in?”
She watched her parents share a surprised look before they nodded.
On less than sturdy legs, she hurried back out to the hall and opened the door. “Tino?”
He came inside and followed her through to the kitchen. After all these years the moment was unreal to see him enter her parents’ home at last. Her father stood up. Silvio and Tomaso followed suit.
“Please sit down,” Valentino urged them. “Good evening,” he said to all of them. “Excuse us for this interruption, but Clara and I decided our news couldn’t wait.” He moved closer and put his arm around her waist. “Today she agreed to become my wife.”
Immediately she heard gasps from everyone, her mother’s the loudest.
“There’s nothing I want more than to take care of her. With my help, I’m hoping we can find her a matching kidney donor as soon as possible.”
She saw her father cross himself.
“You have a right to know my plans. I’ve given up racing. From now on I’ll be helping my father at the restaurant and doing consulting work for my business. For the time being we’ll be living at the villa here in Monta Correnti. That way Clara can remain close to all of you.”
Silvio paled while her father looked knocked off balance.
“I’ve already asked Father Orsini to marry us.”
At that news Clara almost fainted from shock. He held her tighter.
“Because of her condition, he’ll waive the normal waiting period and perform the private ceremony at four o’clock on Saturday at the church. He’ll make it short so it won’t be hard on her.”
She saw her mother start to weep.
“The only people we want in attendance will be your immediate family and mine, provided my father is well enough. If everyone will agree to keep this a secret, there won’t be any paparazzi around to ruin it. Do we have your blessing?”
Clara saw her parents stare at each other in amazement before her father turned to them. “Is this what you want, figlia mia?”
She took a deep breath. This was truth time. It’s what you feel that matters! her mother had counseled her earlier.
“Sì.”
Her father’s dark moist eyes swerved to Valentino. “Since my daughter says yes, then I say welcome to the family.” He walked around to embrace him and kiss him on both cheeks. Clara’s mother joined them.
Valentino kissed her on both cheeks. “Earlier today I told Clara that when I was a boy, I envied her belonging to a happy family like yours. Sometimes she let me eat the delicious food you made for her lunches.”
“That’s true,” Bianca chimed in with a smile on her face. “I watched it disappear, Mamma. Clara made me promise never to tell.”
“You’re the best cook in Monta Correnti, Signora Rossetti, but I’ve never told my father that. I let him think the food at Rosa is superior. Secretly I have to tell you I like the idea of belonging to your family.”
Clara knew he meant what he was saying. The loss of his mother and the tragic circumstances surrounding her death had blighted his life. She could also see his natural charm was lethal. Already he’d seduced everyone in the kitchen except Silvio, who eyed both of them with a hostile expression.
Valentino turned to her. His gaze played over her with relentless scrutiny. “You look tired. I’m going to leave so you can get to bed. I’ll let myself out.”
After kissing her cheek, he left the kitchen. She didn’t want him to go, but, with the family clamoring to talk to her, it was the only thing to do.
“So,” her mother said with a new sparkle in her eyes, “we will have to buy you a wedding dress. I always hoped you would wear mine, but look at you—you’re so thin it would fall off you and lie in a puddle on the floor.”
Everyone laughed including Clara, who needed to be satisfied with the reason Valentino was marrying her and allow her family to be happy for her. Until a few minutes ago they couldn’t have imagined another wedding taking place in the Rossetti family. Neither could she.
“Doesn’t it bother you that he didn’t propose until you lost all your weight?” Silvio’s question stunned everyone.
“No,” she answered in complete honesty. “If all he’d wanted was a thin wife, then how come he never married one of the film stars or top models he’s been seen with over the years? He’s had ample opportunity.” He could have married the girl you wanted, Silvio—but of course Clara would never have said anything that hurtful to her brother.
His face screwed up in pain. “Just tell me one thing—”
She knew what he was going to ask and took him aside out of earshot. They weren’t twins for nothing. Forestalling him, she said, “He needs me, Silvio.” Until she’d heard him talking to her mother, she hadn’t realized just how much.
Her brother didn’t say anything after that, but she knew what was on his mind.
Is he in love with you, Clara? Did he say those words to you? Because if he didn’t…
CHAPTER SIX
VALENTINO drove to the restaurant and parked the truck behind the Ferrari. When he stepped inside, he walked over to Giorgio. “The truck’s outside filled with gas.”
“You didn’t have to do that.”
“I wanted to. I’m grateful for your help. Do you know where Isabella is?”
“Out in front tabulating the receipts.”
“Good. I need to talk to her. See you later. Thanks again for everything.” They traded keys.
“Ciao, Valentino.”
<
br /> With a nod to the others still cleaning up, he walked through the door into the restaurant.
“There you are,” his sister said as soon as she saw him. “Papa is anxious to talk to you.”
“Did he find mistakes in the inventory?”
“No. He sounded sorry you ran off so fast.”
“That would be a first.”
“I told him you had to leave to meet up with Clara.”
“Clara’s the reason I’m here now. There’s something I have to tell you.”
“I’m all yours.” She finished the last of the receipts and closed up the register. “What’s going on?”
He eyed her directly. “Maybe you should sit down. This is important.”
A look of alarm crossed over her face and she did his bidding. For the next few minutes he told her about Clara’s kidney failure. As he explained the gravity of her condition tears rolled down Isabella’s cheeks. “Oh, Valentino. That poor, dear girl.”
“I have more news.” He sucked in his breath. “Father Orsini is going to marry us in a four o’clock ceremony on Saturday afternoon at the church.”
Isabella looked thunderstruck. His stunning revelation actually caused her to drop the money bag she’d been holding. He picked it up for her and put it on the counter.
“I’m not going to let her die if I can help it,” he vowed. “Until a kidney is available, she needs help around the clock. The only way to give her the kind of attention she requires is to be with her twenty-four hours a day, so I am going to become her husband.”
His sister stared at him in shock. “I don’t doubt your sincerity, but what about your racing?”
“Those days are over.”
“Just like that?” came her incredulous question.
“I’ve been considering it for quite a while now.”
“Will you live in Monaco?”
“No. At the villa here.”
“You’re serious—”
“Clara needs her family around. You and Papa need my help at the restaurant.”
The blue eyes studying him swam in liquid. “I take back the ugly things I shouted at you the night of Papa’s birthday party while you were driving away.” So saying, she threw her arms around him and gave him a surprisingly strong hug.
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