he think she was going to do with the poor little thing?
“I meant after that. Do you really think it’s such a good idea to name it?”
She saw the concern in his eyes. What was he worried about? That she didn’t have a clue what she was doing? That somehow she’d hurt Apricot? Maybe he was right. She didn’t know what she was doing, but she was willing to learn.
“We can’t keep calling her ‘it.’ That’s not a name. And I may not know anything about cats, but I can learn. That’s what the internet is for.” And then a worrisome thought formed. “Or are you worried about having the cat in the house?”
“The cat in the house is fine. It’s a big place, and if you keep it in your suite of rooms, no one will even know it’s there.”
As they walked on in silence, Jules’s nerves kicked up. She really didn’t know what she was doing. What if she did hurt the kitten? After all, she’d never taken care of anyone but herself, and even then Lizzie had always been around.
This is why she wasn’t having children—ever. She didn’t know thing one about taking care of others. And judging by the worried expression on Stefano’s face, he agreed. She glanced down at Apricot. Someone had to do his or her best for the kitten. And for the moment that was her.
“What did you want to talk to me about, you know, before the whole cat thing?”
That’s right. She still had to spring the idea of a trip into the city on him. “What exactly are you doing tomorrow?”
WHY EXACTLY HAD he agreed to dinner out?
Stefano sat stiffly in a chair in one of Rome’s finest hotels. Jules and Lizzie were chatting nonstop about wedding preparations. And he wanted to be anywhere but listening to things like guest lists, linen choices and table settings. All it did was stir up long-forgotten memories.
His wedding to Gianna had started with such promise. Then the problems had set in—inconsequential things at first. A comment about a forgotten toothpaste cap seemed so minor. Then things escalated to a litany of how he’d lost interest in her. He’d thought it was what every married couple went through as they adjusted to married life.
He tried to do better. He started taking Gianna to Rome as often as his work would allow him to be away. She’d always loved the city. And he’d loved spoiling her. But when he’d mentioned starting a family, she’d gotten angry. She didn’t want to be trapped at the vineyard with a baby. She wasn’t ready to settle down into family life. She wanted the money the vineyard provided, but she didn’t want anything to do with a quiet country life. Stefano tried, but he just couldn’t understand why she didn’t want a family of their own. Wasn’t that just a natural progression of marriage—having babies?
“Hey, man, what has you so quiet?” Dante leaned back in his chair after the server removed the now empty dishes from the table.
“Nothing.” He shrugged off the unwanted memories.
“Don’t tell me that. I know you. And something is eating at you.”
It was true. His brother could still read him quite well. He’d really been there for him after Gianna’s death. And the fact that Dante had witnessed what he’d gone through after losing Gianna either made Dante brave for going ahead with this wedding or foolish. Stefano wasn’t sure which was the case.
“Are you really serious about wanting to move the wedding to this hotel?” Stefano wanted to turn the conversation away from himself. “I thought you wanted to get married at the vineyard. What changed?”
Dante raked his fingers through his hair. “The television people. They’re making it nearly impossible to do what we want with the wedding.”
“Then quit the show.” Stefano never did understand why his brother was so anxious to turn his life upside down for a television show.
Dante shook his head. “I can’t do that. We have a contract.”
“I’m confused. What does the show have to do with your wedding?”
“A lot.” Lizzie spoke up. All eyes turned to her. “That’s why we asked you guys to dinner. We had a long meeting with the executives, and they need us to step up our filming.”
“But why move the wedding here?” Jules echoed Stefano’s question.
Lizzie fingered the edge of the white linen napkin. “Because the time I have available to plan the wedding is very limited. I don’t know how often we’ll be able to get out to the vineyard before the big day. So if we have the wedding here in Rome, it’ll be more convenient.”
“But will it be what you truly want? After all, it’s your big day—the biggest of your life. Shouldn’t it be what you want and not what’s easiest?” Jules sent her foster sister a determined look.
Stefano didn’t think this wedding was such a great idea, but he had to agree with Jules. If it was going to take place, it should be what they wanted and not just what was most convenient.
“Jules is right.” Stefano could feel her wide-eyed stare, but he kept his vision on Lizzie before turning to Dante. “I don’t hear you saying anything.”
“I’m fine with whatever Lizzie decides. I want this wedding to be everything she ever dreamed it would be, whether it’s here or at the vineyard.”
“Thank you.” Lizzie squeezed Dante’s hand and gazed lovingly into his eyes. Then she turned to Jules and Stefano. “You’re right—you’re both right. The vineyard would be ideal. But—”
“No buts.” Jules crossed her arms. “We’ll make it work.”
Stefano shifted in his seat. Who was this “we” that she referred to? He didn’t say anything as he waited to find out exactly what she had in mind.
Lizzie peered at her sister. “I couldn’t ask you to do more than you’re already doing.”
“You aren’t asking. I’m offering.”
Stefano was starting to like the sound of this. If Jules was off planning a wedding, she’d be out of his way, and maybe then he wouldn’t think about those short skirts, the knee-high black boots or that little butterfly, whose purple wings at this very moment were peeping out over the plunging neckline of Jules’s purple top.
“And my brother will be around to drive you back and forth to the city. And whatever other help you’ll need.” Dante clapped him on the back and grinned at him as if he’d just caught him in a trap.
Stefano choked. How dare his brother automatically assume he’d be willing to continue his role as chauffeur. With all eyes on him, Stefano struggled for a neutral tone. “I have a business to run.”
“Papa will help out. After all, it isn’t harvest season. There shouldn’t be anything too pressing.”
Jules turned to him. Her eyes pleaded with him. And his resolve began to crack. Would it really be so bad? One or two trips to the city. Maybe three at most. It wasn’t like he’d be doing anything but driving Jules around. How hard could that be?
“I’d really appreciate your help.” Jules’s lips lifted at the corners, brightening the softly lit dining room.
And in that moment, the last of his resolve shattered.
“Just let me know what you need me to do.” Had he really just spoken those words?
Jules reached over and squeezed his hand. “I will. There shouldn’t be too much.”
Her smile reached her eyes and made them sparkle like gems. His chest filled with a funny sensation. Must be indigestion. No way was he falling for Jules. Of that he was certain.
*