The Italian's Unexpected Heir

by Jennifer Faye

  Each new bouquet came with a note:

  I’m working on a surprise.

  Please give me another chance.

  It won’t be much longer.

  And finally...

  I miss you.

  She had to admit it was like getting pieces of a love letter. She grew anxious to know what today’s message would be. She realized that a true love letter should say he loved her and so far that hadn’t been the case.

  She moved to the door and opened it. There stood Vincenzo, who worked downstairs in the flower shop. He was the owner’s grandson, who was planning to one day take over the family business.

  He smiled. “These are for you.”

  She accepted the red rosebuds. She paused to sniff them. They made her smile. Red roses meant love. Was Enzo working up to tell her he loved her?

  She turned and paused, trying to figure out where to put them. “You do know I’m starting to run out of room.”

  “I think the guy has it really bad for you. Maybe you should give him another chance.”

  She had to admit the flowers were wearing down her resolve, but she had to wonder when Enzo was going to make his plea in person. “I just might do that.”

  She was anxious for Vincenzo to go. She wanted to read the attached card in private, even though Vincenzo was the one who had written it and attached it to the bouquet.

  Vincenzo hesitated as though he wanted to say more, then he wished her a good day and moved on.

  Sylvie closed the door before rushing over to the small kitchen table. She placed the vase on the counter and then reached for the envelope. With each bouquet and note, she felt her excitement rise. What would he say today?

  She opened the little envelope and pulled out the card.

  The surprise is ready. Below is the address and time. Please come.

  Frustration balled up in her stomach. She didn’t want to wait. What exactly did he have planned? With Enzo it could be anything. But she’d never been so excited for anything in her life.

  She placed her hand over her tiny baby bump. “We’re going to see your daddy today, little one. I don’t know how it’ll work out, but I promise, no matter what, we’re both going to love you with all of our hearts.”

  * * *

  He wasn’t sure this was going to work.

  He wasn’t even sure she would show up.

  Enzo straightened his tie for the fourth or fifth time. Maybe he should have invited her to dinner in person. But he’d hoped to capture her attention with the notes. But did it work? Would she show up?

  He’d been working nonstop on this surprise since he’d arrive in Florence a week ago. Gia had phoned a few times to ask his input on the renovations at the villa. They were growing closer once more. It sounded like she already had a line on some workers to launch the project. With the villa safely in his sister’s hands, he could focus on his own work.

  He’d paid double-time to have a crew work round the clock on his surprise for Sylvie. It wasn’t complete, but it was far enough along that she would get the idea.

  He moved to the table in the middle of the room with the white tablecloth and two red taper candles. He’d already lit them. Maybe that was a mistake. What if she was late? The candles would melt down and not look nice. But he’d wanted to have the mood set for when she arrived—if she arrived.

  “Mr. Bartolini—” the head of a string quartet approached him with a violin in hand “—would you like us to begin playing?”

  “Not yet. You can start just as soon as—” What did he call her? His girlfriend? The mother of his baby? “—as soon as my guest arrives.”

  If she shows up...

  He had caterers in the back keeping food warm to serve an elegant, hopefully long dinner. He’d tried to pull out all of the stops tonight, but to be honest, he’d never planned an evening like this so he wasn’t sure if he was missing anything or not.

  He started to pace. He yanked at his buttoned collar. It felt too tight. He wasn’t sure about any of this, including his suit. Maybe he should—

  Tinkle. Tinkle.

  The bell above the front door alerted him that someone had arrived.

  Please let it be Sylvie.

  He turned and in the dimmed light, he made out her very familiar petite form. Boy, had he missed her. He’d missed everything about her. But tonight wasn’t about him; it was about her. And showing her that he was the right man for her.

  * * *

  She’d checked the address three times.

  It was a storefront. And it didn’t look occupied. Though the soft glow of light shone through the white curtains over the windows.

  Certain she had the right place, Sylvie opened the door. A little bell rang out her arrival. She stepped inside. The overhead lights were dimmed and a violin started playing. What in the world...?

  Her gaze moved to the single table in the middle of the room. There were two table settings and candles. In the center of the table was a bud vase with a single long-stem red rose. Her heart swooned. Had Enzo set all of this up for her? And where was he?

  It was then that he stepped out of the shadows and approached her. He smiled but it didn’t quite reach his eyes. Was he as nervous as she was?

  “Thank you for coming,” he said.

  “Enzo, what is all of this?”

  “This is my new store, Barto Wines.”

  “You’re opening a wine store?”

  He nodded. “It’s something that I’d been planning to mention to my father when he had his accident. I abandoned the idea while trying to navigate the aftermath of my parents’ deaths. But now seemed to be the right time to move to Florence—”

  “You’re moving here?” That was something she hadn’t expected. Not at all. “But why not France, like you’d talked about?”

  He peered deep into her eyes, making her heart beat faster. “I have an apartment upstairs. No matter what you or the baby need, I will be here. Day or night.”

  “But...but you can’t do that. What about your life? Your dreams?”

  “That’s what I’m trying to tell you. My dreams revolve around you.” He stepped closer. “I’m sorry for how I handled things. It took my sisters and my parents to point out the mistakes I’ve been making. I’ve talked to my sisters about the past, like you suggested.”

  Hope swelled in her chest. “How did it go?”

  “It wasn’t easy, but just like you predicted, they forgave me.”

  “I’m so happy to hear that.”

  “And now it’s time I apologize to you, for being such a fool.” He stared deep into her eyes, making her heart pound. “I’ve made one mistake after the next and I probably don’t deserve a second chance, but I’ve learned my lesson and I promise I’m going to be honest with you and support you, no matter what. And I’ll always be there for our little one.”

  He was saying all the right words. Perhaps she should say something, too, but she didn’t want to interrupt him, not when she had the feeling he was about to tell her something very important.

  “Sylvie, I love you.” Her heart swooned as he continued. “I think I’ve loved you since you arrived in Tuscany. How could I not with your glowing smile and infectious laugh? You light up my days like no one else has ever done. And without you in my life, it’s all shades of gray.”

  She stared into his eyes, making sure she hadn’t just imagined the words he’d spoken. But his eyes showed his love. “I love you, too.”

  He let out a visible breath. “I was hoping you’d say that. You don’t know how worried I was that I’d screwed up everything.”

  “You didn’t screw anything up. Things are working out just like I always imagined they would.”

  He leaned toward her just as she lifted up on her tiptoes and pressed her lips to his. Tears of joy dampened her eyes. Right now she wa
s a trembling ball of excitement. Her dream was coming true. And then much too soon, Enzo pulled back.

  “Hold that thought. I have one more surprise.” He pulled a small remote from his pocket. With the press of a button, a dazzling array white lights in a star pattern moved across the ceiling and walls. He held out a hand to her. “Would you dance with me?”

  She nodded, afraid words would fail her. She placed her hand in his and he pulled her close. Her heart was pounding so hard in her ears that she couldn’t hear the music. She followed Enzo’s lead as they made their way around the floor.

  This was what her mother had always meant about finding that one great love in your life. Sylvie never could have guessed it would feel this good. She was head over heels in love.

  When the music stopped, Enzo dropped to one knee just like in a movie. “Sylvie, I haven’t always said the right thing or done the right thing, but I hope you’ll be able to see past my mistakes and know that I love you with all of my heart.” He reached in his jacket pocket and held a diamond ring out to her. “Will you do me the greatest honor of being my partner in life?”

  Tears of joy clouded her eyes. She blinked because she didn’t want to miss any of this. “Yes. Yes, I’ll marry you.”

  He slipped the ring on her trembling finger and then he straightened. He smiled at her as she swiped away her happy tears. “How did I get to be so lucky?”

  “I’m the lucky one to have you in my life.”

  “But where will we live? Your apartment? Or mine?”

  He smiled. “Wherever you want, but I do know of this villa and vineyard that would be perfect for a growing family.”

  “Really?” She felt so very blessed in that moment and hoped her mother was looking down over her, seeing her get her happily-ever-after.

  He nodded. And then he leaned forward, pressing his lips to hers.

  EPILOGUE

  Kingdom of Patazonia, December 20

  THIS WAS IT.

  The big day had arrived.

  Bianca Bartolini’s stomach shivered with nerves. She stood in the preparation room in the Grand Cathedral of Patazonia surrounded by the family she’d been born into and those she chose to call family. And as much as she wished her parents were here, she knew they were watching down over her. Of that, she was certain.

  She’d stood in this very room before. It had been in her position as a wedding planner. She’d been nervous back then, too, but for a totally different reason.

  Today she was the bride. The bride. A big smile pulled at her lips. The thought of being Leo’s wife excited her beyond belief. It was the responsibilities that went with the position that made her nervous, though she tried to hide it from everyone. Her self-doubts were still there, lurking in the background. She was about to become a princess. The thought stole her breath away.

  Most of all, she was grateful that her rapidly expanding family was with her. She smiled as her gaze moved around the room. She’d be lost without their unfailing love and support.

  “Love looks good on you.” Gia smiled.

  “I’m truly happy.” Bianca’s gaze landed on her younger sister, who was glowing with happiness. “And I have a feeling it won’t be long until we’re at your wedding.”

  Gia’s face filled with color as she glanced away.

  “Gia, what aren’t you telling me? Are you already engaged?”

  The color in her face deepened. “Not exactly.”

  “What’s that supposed to mean?”

  Gia hesitated as though she was trying to figure out how to answer her. Just as Bianca was about to prompt her sister, Gia said, “We’ve talked about getting married.”

  “And?”

  “That’s as far as it got. I’ve been busy working on remodeling houses and he’s been busy with his new algorithm.”

  Bianca reached out and squeezed her sister’s hand. “He’s good for you. I see how you light up around him. Don’t put off the important things in life.” Her thoughts strayed to her parents and how life could be so unexpected.

  The smile fell from Gia’s face. “You aren’t the only one thinking of Mamma and Papá today.” She swiped at her eyes. “But I think they’re here. I can see Papá when Enzo smiles. And I see Mamma in your eyes.”

  “And I see both of them in you. The patience you have is so like Papá. And your talent for making everything look perfect is just like Mamma.”

  “What have we missed?” Enzo stepped up to them with his new bride.

  Enzo and Sylvie had had a small ceremony at the villa as soon as Gia had completed the renovations. Instead of being here at Bianca’s wedding, they should be off on their much-deserved honeymoon. But they’d delayed their departure until after the New Year. They both agreed that there was nowhere else in the world they’d want to be right now.

  Sylvie had officially given up her wedding planner business. With Enzo’s encouragement she was following her dreams and designing wedding dresses full-time. In fact, Bianca was wearing a Sylvie Original.

  Bianca made sure to tell everyone that Sylvie was a rising star. Orders were already pouring in after seeing a few of Sylvie’s designs. Just wait until the world saw Bianca’s royal wedding gown.

  “You just missed our little sister getting worked up,” Bianca lightly teased her brother.

  “I was not,” Gia said as if by instinct. “Okay. Maybe a little. It’s just that our little family is growing. And Mamma and Papá aren’t here to see it.”

  “They’re here,” Enzo said. “They’re definitely here.”

  With that, the door opened and the royal wedding planner stepped into the room. “Everyone out. Except you—” she pointed to Bianca “—and you.” She pointed to Enzo, who was to walk her down the aisle. “The ceremony is about to begin.”

  Bianca hugged Gia and then she hugged Sylvie.

  “Oh!” Sylvie paused.

  “Is something wrong?” Enzo was by her side instantly.

  Sylvie smiled. “Nothing is wrong. Everything is right. That was just our little football player in there, letting me know he’s awake.”

  “It’s a boy?” Bianca and Gia asked simultaneously.

  “Oops.” She glanced at her husband. “I thought you told them.”

  He shook his head. “I didn’t get a chance with all of the wedding stuff.”

  Bianca rushed forward. First, she hugged her brother and then Sylvie. “Congratulations. I have a feeling this coming year is going to be absolutely amazing.”

  “I agree,” Gia said.

  The room cleared as the procession music began to play. This past year had been full of highs and lows but through it all, she and her siblings had stuck together. Bianca’s heart was full of love. It was only going to get better from here.

  And now it was time for her to go marry her very own Prince Charming. She placed her hand on the crook of her brother’s arm. She couldn’t help but think of her father when she looked at Enzo. They were so similar in looks and mannerisms. Her heart swelled with love.

  The two large wooden doors swung open and Bianca stepped into her future. When her gaze connected with Leo’s, her heart fluttered in her chest. Her insecurities faded away. All she felt now was love. Love for her new country, love for her family and most of all love for the prince of her heart.

  * * *

  If you missed the previous stories in The Bartolini Legacy trilogy, look out for

  The Prince and the Wedding Planner

  The CEO, the Puppy and Me

  And if you enjoyed this story, check out these other great reads from Jennifer Faye

  Her Christmas Pregnancy Surprise

  Wearing the Greek Millionaire’s Ring

  Claiming the Drakos Heir

  All available now!

  Keep reading for an excerpt from One Night with Her Brooding Bodyguard by Cara
Colter.

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  One Night with Her Brooding Bodyguard

  by Cara Colter

  PROLOGUE

  “LANCASTER, I’VE RARELY seen that look on your face.”

  It reminded Connal Lancaster that Prince Edward Alexander of Havenhurst was one of the few people who could truly read him.

  Though Edward and Lancaster were more like brothers than a prince and his protector, few people, including the prince, ever addressed Lancaster by either his rank, which was major, or his first name. Prince Edward had never used it, not even when they had traveled incognito to Mountain Bend, Oregon, four years ago.

  The trip that had changed everything and brought the island kingdom of Havenhurst their beloved princess.

  “What look, sir?” Lancaster asked, comfortable with formality between them despite the closeness of their relationship.

  “Fear,” Prince Edward said, after a moment’s consideration. “Make that I’ve never seen that look on your face. You said you had to see me on an urgent security matter this morning.”

  Lancaster, ever the warrior, felt insulted by the use of that particular word to describe anything about himself.

  “Not fear, Your Highness,” he said, firmly, and then after just a moment’s hesitation, “but certainly apprehension.”

  “All right,” the prince conceded, “apprehension. It reminds me of that time in Mountain Bend when I was recognized at the Ritz concert. Something battle-ready about you. What’s going on?” He gestured at the chair in front of his desk, and Lancaster took it.

  “I had a call from Interpol this morning,” Lancaster said, without preamble. “A very concerning call. A shadowy group has appeared on their radar. They’ve intercepted threads of some disturbing internet chatter. It involves Havenhurst.”