Total pages in book: 85
Estimated words: 82485 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 412(@200wpm)___ 330(@250wpm)___ 275(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 82485 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 412(@200wpm)___ 330(@250wpm)___ 275(@300wpm)
Kristen: I’m sleeping all the way to Italy. Enjoy the dinner and tell your mom I say hi.
Haven: I will. Sweet dreams.
“Does she feel better?” Leo asks as he brings the car to a stop in front of his mother’s house.
“Yes. She’ll get used to Edoardo.”
“So much for you hoping the two of them will get together,” he says while shoving his door open.
I climb out and grin, “There’s still hope.”
Leo stops at the front of the car and holds out his hand to me. When I place my palm in his, he leads me to the front door while glancing at Riccardo. “How are things here?”
“Nothing new to report, boss. The women are cooking up a storm, so I’m hiding outside.”
“I’ll assign Ricco to take over for a while so you can have a break,” Leo tells him.
“That would be great. Thanks, boss.”
Leo opens the front door, and when we step inside the house, a delicious aroma hangs in the air.
He leads me to the kitchen, where Mom is stirring something in a pot while Mrs. Toscano is setting plates and cutlery down on the kitchen table that seats four.
“Hi,” I say, pulling my hand free from Leo’s grip.
“Hey, sweetheart!” Mom sets down the wooden spoon and meets me halfway for a hug while Leo kisses his mother on both cheeks.
When everyone is done greeting each other, Leo pulls out a chair and takes a seat. “I’m going to swap Riccardo out for Ricco.”
“Okay,” his mom replies before continuing to set the table.
“How are you feeling?” Mom asks me, her eyes drifting over my face and searching for signs that I might not be coping.
“I’m okay. We spent the morning going through my family’s belongings. I remembered a few more things.”
“I’m glad you’re safely back with us, Haven,” Mrs. Toscano says. “Leo missed you a lot.”
“Mamma,” he grumbles.
To steer the conversation away from my past, I tell Mom, “Kristen is on her way. She’ll be here tomorrow morning. I’ll spend the day with her, and once she’s settled, we can go out for lunch or sightseeing.”
“I’d like that,” Mom replies. “Is she okay bringing our belongings over?”
“Yes. Leo sent men to help.” I take a seat on Leo’s left and reach for his hand.
Leo locks eyes with Mom, then says, “Now that the dust has settled, I want to thank you for raising Haven and giving her a good life.”
Surprise flutters over Mom’s face, and I can see it means a lot to her to hear Leo say that. It takes a moment before she replies, “You’re welcome. I’d move heaven and earth for Haven.”
I squeeze his hand while a grateful smile curves my lips up.
While our mothers bring all the food to the table, my eyes glide over Leo’s face.
Suddenly, it hits me that I love him. The thought knocks me for a six.
“What?” he asks.
I shake my head and pull my hand from his. “Nothing.”
“It didn’t look like nothing.”
I give him a playful grin. “Can’t a woman just look at her husband?”
The corner of his mouth lifts. “You can look all you want, principessa.”
When Mom and Mrs. Toscano sit down, I pick up Leo’s plate and ask, “Can I dish you a little of everything?”
“Please.” His eyes rest lovingly on me while I load food onto his plate, and when I set it down in front of him, he leans over to press a kiss to my cheek.
Once we start eating, we stick to safe topics, and the conversation flows naturally.
After dinner, I help Mom with the dishes. I’m glad when Leo and his mother give us some time alone.
“How are things with Leo?” Mom asks.
“Very good.” I look at her while I dry a plate. “I’m happy.”
Mom stares at me for a moment, then says, “He looks at you as if you’re his entire world.”
“He makes me feel that way.”
“Just take it slow, sweetheart.”
I let out a chuckle. “It’s a little late for that.”
Mom’s hands still. “Why do you say that?”
I glance at the door to make sure we’re alone, then leaning in closer to Mom, I whisper, “I love him.”
Shock tightens her features. “So soon!”
I shrug as I continue drying dishes. “The heart wants what the heart wants.”
“Yes, but…”
I shake my head. “I’m married to him, Mom. Leo treats me as if I’m precious. He cares about my opinions and dreams. Honestly…” I lock eyes with her again. “…He’s the most amazing man I’ve ever met. I’m lucky to have him.”
Mom’s chin quivers. “I just want the best for you, sweetheart.”
My voice is filled with confidence as I reply, “Leo is the best.”
Her gaze searches mine, then she nods. “As long as you’re happy.”
Changing the topic, I ask, “Are you excited to move into your own house?”
Mom shakes her head. “Martina and I have been talking. I’m thinking about staying with her. We have a lot in common, and I like spending time with her.”