by Terri Lee
“As I said, of course there is no excuse for my actions, but I want to try to explain my thinking process back then.”
“Okay.”
“My father loved my mother so much. It was a magical thing to see.” She stared off into the distance, watching an old home movie in her mind. “In my naivete, I didn’t think it was possible for him to love someone else like that. So, when he told me he was in love, I didn’t believe him. Couldn’t believe it. I knew he was lonely and hurting, and I thought he was just dazzled by you. I mean who wouldn’t be?”
Natalie shook her head with a shy smile.
“The years my mother was away in the hospital, changed him forever. I watched helplessly from the sidelines as both of my parents slipped away.” Her shoulders shuddered under the dark memory. “Anyway, I took it upon myself to save him. Save him from himself. Obviously, he couldn’t be trusted with his own emotions.”
This time Natalie laughed.
“In my warped little teenage mind, I had been given the green light to do whatever I needed to do, to keep him away from you. Consequences be damned.”
“So I found out.”
Caterina sighed; the truth still heavy on her slender shoulders. “It took years for me to actually come to terms with the damage I’d done. Only after I was married and had babies of my own, did I look at my father in a new light. I saw him getting older, and though he tried to hide it, there was an emptiness to him. The light had gone out of his eyes and I remembered the way he looked when he was with you. I wanted that for him once again.” She lifted her shoulders in a slight shrug. “You know the rest.”
“I’m grateful you found the strength to tell your father everything. I can only imagine how difficult that conversation was.”
“It was painful.” Caterina shook her head at the memory. “But it was worth it. I could hear it in his voice, immediately, when he called after he’d found you. It was like—he was back.”
Caterina hung her head as if the weight of the words wouldn’t allow her to sit upright.
“I don’t expect you to forgive me. But—”
“Stop right there,” Natalie shushed her. “You made a terrible mistake. You’ve lived with it for years. You’ve owned it and you’ve made amends. That’s enough for me. My daughter has made a few mistakes, too. Mistakes that have hurt people. I know how to forgive.”
“Really?” Caterina looked over at Natalie, disbelief etched layers deep behind chocolate brown eyes.
“Really.” Natalie opened her arms wide and Caterina leaned in for the unexpected pardon. The two women clung to one another, their love for Nico between them as tears solidified the agreement.
62 I Do
Her wedding day dawned bright and yellow, with juicy slices of the Northern California sun frolicking into her room on a Saturday morning.
Natalie padded around barefoot in her backyard, surprisingly void of any nerves. Cup of coffee in hand, she wandered through the flower beds, J Catsby threading through her legs, dead heading the Iceberg roses and picking at a stray weed here and there. After the reconciliation that took place last night, there was nothing holding her back. No little worries niggling at the back of her mind. She was free to wrap herself in the silken threads of her special day.
“I’m getting married today,” she stopped to tell the vintage peonies. “Thanks for the gorgeous display.” The dinner plate sized bloom bobbed its head in reply.
Soon the yard would be buzzing with activity as tables and chairs would be unloaded and set into place. Her simple backyard, under the guidance of an experienced party planner, would be transformed into a magical oasis. Natalie had wisely left the plans and the worries to Yvonne of Weddings and Such.
Yvonne would coordinate the flow, directing delivery vans, caterers, and florists, while Natalie spent a relaxing day with family. Even a small wedding required serious planning.
By late afternoon, the makeover was complete. Rustic tables with white linens fluttering in the Pacific breeze, dotted the lush green lawn. Centerpieces of proud Calla Lilies surrounded by white hydrangeas nestled among a field of candles and a garland of greenery that ran the length of the table, then spilled in a waterfall to the ground. Simple. Elegant. Perfect.
By the time the guests arrived, Natalie was ready for the biggest performance of her life.
She and Nico joined hands and walked to the altar together, to the strains of Pachelbel’s Canon in D Major. The music from the string quartet so soft and sweet, it seemed as if the trees were singing.
Nico looked down at his bride and whispered. “You look beautiful.”
“So do you.” She smiled.
His tux was flawlessly tailored. No cummerbund, no tie, white shirt with the top buttons left undone, he was effortlessly gorgeous. Every inch the James Bond she’d first set eyes on.
They’d written their own vows. And as Natalie looked up at his handsome features, she would swear she’d never seen so much love in her life. Nerves that had played hide and seek all day, suddenly snuck up behind her and tapped her on the shoulder.
“I’m an actress,” she said apologetically. “All my best lines have been written by someone else.”
Laughter from the crowd settled around her.
“My darling, Nico, there is nothing more precious than finding a lost love. All the years in between, I thought I was … fine. It turns out I had just learned to breathe underwater. It wasn’t until we found one another again, that I swam to the surface and had my first deep breath of fresh air. I’m never letting go. Wherever you go, I will go. And I will love you and care for you and care for us, for the rest of my days.”
Her heart melted at the sight of tears glistening in the corner of Nico’s eyes.
Nico cleared his throat. “Natalie. My Natalie. I thought my heart might not work again, but as I watched you, day after day in our little piazza, I couldn’t help wondering if you’d been sent there for me. There was something familiar about your smile. Not familiar as if I’d seen it in the movies or in a magazine, but as if I knew you. Maybe from a past life. But I was wrong, it wasn’t my past I was seeing… it was a glimpse into my future. I ask for nothing. Only let me love you.”
There wasn’t a dry eye in the house as Nico took Natalie’s hand in his and slipped the diamond studded platinum band on her ring finger. Gently lifting her hand to his mouth, he kissed the ring, his eyes never leaving her face.
Their lips came together in a ratification of the pledge they’d made. Nico gathered her up in his arms and kissed her so long and hard the crowd whooped for joy.
The two of them stood in the space usually occupied by her and Monty’s bench. The trees having grown into a natural arbor, provided the perfect altar. Looking back towards the lawn, were smiling faces, a few tears, and everyone they loved. Looking west, they could see the Pacific Ocean rolling away to the horizon. Disappearing into the forever, as the sun slipped under the sea for the night.
The sky was lit up in a dozen variations of red and gold, as if the universe had stamped its imprimatur on the union of souls. Both parts of their world, joined hands in the moment. Past and future circling one another in a never-ending sphere.
Every decision in their past, every choice made, every footstep, had brought them here, to this day. The tapestry of their lives had been woven from the moment they first locked eyes in that tiny piazza. Golden threads intertwined with darker hues, creating a complex pattern, years in the making. Fragile in their connectivity, you couldn’t tug on one thread without disturbing the one next to it. And in that moment Natalie knew she’d gladly do it all over again, to arrive here. Standing next to the man she loved.
The party lasted late into the night. Natalie floated around the yard, accepting the overflow of hugs and best wishes. Whenever conversations with happy revelers pulled her and Nico apart, hands unclasped, but fingers trailed to the very tip. Always touching, reaching out for one another. Keeping one another in their sights. They couldn’t stand
to be parted for long, making sure to wend their way back onto the same patch of lawn, arms extended around each other’s waists. Connected, was how they were meant to be. Nothing made sense when they were apart.
“You’ve never been more beautiful.” Monty kissed her temple as he pulled her close. “Dammit, I’ve been crying all night.”
“So you’ve forgiven me over the bridesmaid issue?”
“I’ll get over it.” He turned to the handsome man on his left. “Nat, I’d like to introduce you to Trevor. Trevor, Natalie.”
Monty made an exaggerated wink and spread his hands apart as if measuring a large fish, over Trevor’s shoulder as Natalie shook hands and stifled a giggle.
“It’s lovely to meet you, Trevor,” Natalie said. “Monty’s told me all kind of good things about you.”
“Thank you for inviting me,” Trevor said as nervous color stained his cheeks.
Monty beamed and as Natalie nodded her approval she couldn’t help wondering if love was contagious.
“And here is your surprise.” Monty slid to the side and Natalie gasped as Anne Brinkman stepped forward.
“What is this?” Natalie’s hand flew to her mouth. She turned to Monty, eyes wide. “When you asked if you could bring a plus two, I thought you were up to something kinky. Anne. I can’t believe this.”
The two women embraced in a fresh round of laughter and tears.
“How marvelous of you to come all the way from Rome,” Natalie gushed, holding Anne at arm’s length.
“I wouldn’t have missed this for the world.”
The ladies joined hands and wandered off for a quick catch-up session.
Everyone Natalie loved was there. Chloe came with her husband and three kids. Every corner of the yard filled to overflowing with joy. Natalie was glad they’d decided on an outdoor wedding; this much love required a room without a roof.
Dining under the stars, the strings of lights strung about the yard lent the look of an Italian piazza to the whole affair. Music wafted through the night sky and after kicking off her shoes, Natalie danced with everyone, including Tess. Pulling her daughter close, they rocked back and forth, content in the petite circle of love.
“I’ve never seen you happier, Mommy,” Tess said as she fingered the gauzy short sleeve of Natalie’s dress. It reminded Natalie of the days when Tess would sit at the dressing table in her trailer trying on clothes and make-up. Trying Natalie’s world on for size.
“Love is always worth the wait, my pet.”
Before the song ended, Nora stepped into the mix and three generations swayed to the melody, arms wrapped around one another, oblivious to anything other than the bond forged over the years by three strong women who refused to give up or give in.
Natalie found herself back in Nico’s arms as the smooth dulcet tones of Etta James singing, At Last, rang out over the speakers,
“At last,” Natalie echoed.
“My love has come along,” Nico carried on the lyrics.
“My lonely days are over.”
Nico leaned down, pressing his forehead to hers, bodies perfectly in tune. “Kiss me, Mrs. Di Natale.”
And she did.
Days later, the honeymooners were in Rome. Natalie sat on the windowsill of Nico’s apartment—now their apartment—and looked over the city she’d fallen in love with a decade ago.
All her senses were alive as the sights, sounds and smells of the neighborhood drifted through the open window. It was good to be back.
“Happy, my love?” Nico walked up beside her, his hand on her shoulder.
“Filled to the brim.” Natalie took a deep breath. “It’s going to be hard to leave in two weeks, when filming starts.”
“But this time will be different. This time, you know you’ll be coming back.”
“It feels like I never left,” Natalie mused. “I think Rome is like you’re first love, no matter where else you may traipse and travel, Rome stays with you.”
“Tutte le strade conducono a Roma.” Nico nodded with a knowing grin.
“What does that mean?”
“All roads lead to Rome.”
Natalie bit her lip, deep in thought. “Hmmm…I always thought it was all roads lead to home.”
“Same thing.” Nico pulled his bride into the circle of his arms. The place she was happiest.
Indeed, she was home.
Epilogue: Gold
“Good evening ladies and gentlemen, we’re coming to you live from backstage at The Dorothy Chandler Pavilion. It’s been said that the first time the screen saw Natalie Hampton, it fell in love. She seduced the world, and the world never got over it. Tonight Hollywood said welcome back in the only way it knows how, by awarding her its golden trophy.
“How does it feel, Natalie, to be received with open arms and a second Oscar to boot for the role of Margo in So Be It. A role most are saying you were born to play?”
Natalie switched the heavy golden statue to her left hand and leaned into the microphone as the sound of camera shutters whirred and clicked.
“Thank you, that's very kind. To be honest, I’m a little overwhelmed right now. My heart is so full, I can barely hold it all. Frank Egan wrote such a beautiful part; I was honored to be asked to play Margo. She wasn’t some paper thin character, but a real woman, I know this woman. I owe Frank a great debt of gratitude, and to my dear friend and manager, Monty, for believing in me and fighting for me and never giving up on me, when I'd given up on myself. But the funny thing is, I almost missed my category. I had to pee. Story of my life.”
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Writing is a solitary affair but bringing a book to market takes a village. So this is me, standing on the rooftop, arms open wide, in a shout out to my team of talented professionals, who because they do such a great job, make me look like I know what I’m doing.
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My darling boy, Rex:
Thank you for the aeronautical information tucked between these pages and your eagerness to walk beside me on this journey. As always, it’s your smile of approval I wait for. Your belief in me makes me want to believe in myself.
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Hugs to my favorite, Gail:
You are always the first person I trust with my story. I can hand off my baby, only because I trust your instincts. Thank you for being my sounding board and providing all the nitty gritty medical terminology needed to bring this story to life. You have many titles: artist-in-arms, editor, medical guru, but your oldest and most important title is BEST FRIEND. You wear it well my dear.
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To my Erin:
You’ve been subjected to my nonsense behind the scenes as I scribble the first thoughts of a story right up to my happy dance of completion for years now. One would think I’d have worn you down by now. But no, your encouragement is a bottomless well from which I freely drink.
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Nicole Spence of Cover Shot Creations:
Four novels. Four fantastic covers. Somehow you are always able to reach across the universe and tap into my thought process. Pulling out the perfect picture hidden there beneath the noise. Thank you.
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The Killion Group:
Thanks to Jennifer Jakes for taking all my words and tying them up in a pretty bow, so the inside of the book is as beautiful to look at as the outside.
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Natalie:
Thank you for trusting me with your story. I’ve lived with you and Nico, Monty and Tess for several years now, and it’s going to be hard to say good-bye. But I leave knowing, you’re going to carry on without me.
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And last but not least, thank you, my dear reader. A story is a gift entrusted to me only long enough to pass through my fingers before sending it out into the world, where I hoped you would find it.
About the Author
If you enjoyed Natalie and Nico’s story, I’d love to hear from you.
Letters from readers are the favorite part of my day.
Email me: [email protected]
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Leave a review at Amazon or Goodreads!
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Other ways to find me:
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Other books by Terri Lee
Paper Castles
The Bootlegger’s Wife
Back to Austen