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.
* * *
What was up now?
Jules followed Lizzie to one of the hotel’s terraces with a marble statue and a beautiful view of the city. With no other people around, they could talk openly for the first time since she’d arrived in Italy. But what did her sister want to talk about privately?
“Lizzie, what’s going on?”
Her sister moved to the stone rail and stared out at the lights of Rome. They twinkled like rare jewels. But there was something more pressing on Jules’s mind—Lizzie. The longer her sister remained quiet, the more worried Jules became.
At last, Lizzie turned to her. “I just want you to know that nothing between us is going to change—”
“What? Of course they’re going to change. They have to.” Jules took a deep breath. It was time for a healthy dose of reality. “It’s time we both make lives of our own. Yours is here in Italy. Mine...well, I’m not sure where mine will be—”
“Yes, you do. Your future is in New York, getting your master’s degree. Have I told you lately how proud I am of you?” Without waiting for a response, Lizzie continued, “I’ve been telling everyone who would listen what a smart sister I have. I even mentioned it on an upcoming television segment.”
“You didn’t?” Jules’s stomach sank. Now the whole world would know when she dropped out. They’d all realize she was a failure.
Lizzie smiled and nodded. “I want everyone to know how proud I am of you.”
Jules knew she should tell Lizzie the truth right now, but as she looked into her sister’s eyes, her courage failed her. She just couldn’t formulate the words to tell Lizzie that she was never going to live up to those dreams. Everything was different now. She wasn’t the same girl with thoughts of changing the world.
“Don’t look so sad.” Lizzie squeezed her hand. “We’ll stay in close contact. We can get an international phone plan.” She smiled as though she’d just discovered the solution to world peace. “And we can text, email, chat on social media. It’ll be just like nothing changed.”
Jules pressed her lips firmly together as she sent her sister an I-don’t-believe-you look. Change was the only way either of them was going to be able to truly be happy. It was scary; that was for sure. But big changes always were unsettling. Right at this moment, Jules had to be the strong one.
“The truth is—” Lizzie’s eyes glistened with unshed tears “—I don’t know if I can do this.”
“Are you getting cold feet?” Whatever the problem was, they’d deal with it together, just like they’d been doing most of their lives.
Lizzie shook her head. “I love Dante. I love him more than I ever thought was possible.”
“Then what is it?”
“It...it’s you and me.” Lizzie sniffled. “It’s always been us against the world, and now I’m destroying that. I feel like I’m abandoning you.”
Jules gave her what she hoped was a reassuring hug and then pulled back. “Our family isn’t breaking up. It’s expanding. I’m excited to be gaining a brother. You know I’ve never had one of those, and I think it’s about time I did.”
Lizzie sniffled again. “You’re really happy about this? You aren’t just saying that to make me feel better?”
Jules’s finger crossed over her heart. “I swear.”
Lizzie dried her eyes and smiled. “Thanks. Now what’s this about you taking in a kitten?”
Stefano had mentioned it at dinner, and she’d known by the look on Lizzie’s face that it had piqued her curiosity. “Apricot is adorable.” Except when she tried to steal her pillow at night. “I can’t wait for you to meet her. You’re going to love her.”
Lizzie’s forehead wrinkled. “I didn’t even know you wanted a cat.”
The truth was she’d always loved cats, but with getting bounced around from home to home pets were out of the question—unless they were the plush stuffed ones. She was certain she’d mentioned wanting a cat in the past, but she hadn’t gone on and on about something that couldn’t be. What would be the point?
Jules shrugged. “I guess I’m full of surprises.”
“I guess we both are. Who’d have ever dreamed I’d be getting married and moving to Rome?” Lizzie sent her a hesitant look. “Are you sure about this? I mean, I could put the wedding off. You know...until you finish grad school.”
And the truth was that Lizzie would do that if Jules asked her to make the sacrifice. She just hated how insistent Lizzie was on her going to grad school. Maybe now was the time to tell her that she’d changed her mind. That she wasn’t up for any more school at this point in her life, and that after doing an internship at the social services office, she knew that she wasn’t cut out to be a social worker. She just couldn’t stuff her feelings in a box and do what was expected of her.
As it was, she’d spoken up one too many times and was asked not to return. But she just couldn’t stand by and watch as government guidelines overruled common sense. It was frustrating. Infuriating. There had to be another way to help deserving children in this world, and she hadn’t figured out how yet. But she would. One way or another.
�
��Lizzie, listen. About grad school, I was thinking—”
“That we haven’t thrown you some sort of celebration.” Lizzie smiled, and her eyes sparkled with happiness. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to steal your thunder with the wedding and all.”
“You didn’t. Honest.” The wedding was the best thing to happen as far as Jules was concerned. Her sister had more things to worry about than just her. “Getting married was something you and I never thought would happen for us. This is your chance to have a real family. You have to make the most of this—for both of us.”
Lizzie hugged her tight, and Jules blinked repeatedly, trying to keep the tears from splashing onto her cheeks. She’d been kidding herself. Sure, gaining the freedom to make her own choices would be great, but the price of giving up this close relationship was almost more than she could bear.
Lizzie pulled back. “Does this mean that we’re okay?”
Jules nodded while stuffing down the torrent of emotions churning inside her. She wouldn’t ruin this for Lizzie. After all Lizzie had done for her, she deserved every bit of happiness she could find in this life.
“We’re perfect. Now let’s go see what the men are up to.”
“Knowing those two, we might have to break up a sparring match.”
Jules gaped. “They don’t get along?”
“Oh, no. They get along. But when Stefano starts his big-brother routine, Dante takes matters into his own hands. They end up acting like two-year-olds.” Lizzie smiled and shook her head. “If only Stefano would realize that Dante is all grown up now and not in need of his brotherly advice.”
Jules wanted to say that it was like the pot calling the kettle black, but she refrained. She knew it all came from a special place in Lizzie’s heart. And now wasn’t the time to delve into that messy subject. It could wait until later.
CHAPTER SEVEN
THIS COULDN’T BE HAPPENING.
The next day, Stefano stood in the office of Ristorante Massimo while Dante took a business call. They’d just returned from getting measured for new tuxes while the women were out shopping. He figured with his one and only brother getting hitched, it was time to pull out all the stops. After all, it was his duty to look his best with Jules on his arm—for the ceremony, of course.
From the disgruntled tone of Dante’s voice, the phone conversation wasn’t going well. And the way his brother was frowning told him that his brother was losing the argument.
Dante slammed the phone down and turned to him. “Lizzie isn’t going to like this. At all.”
“She isn’t going to like what?” Lizzie glided into the room and into Dante’s arms as though they’d been together for years.
Stefano’s gaze moved to Jules, who stood hesitantly in the doorway. He imagined what it’d be like for her to rush into his arms. He longed to pull her petite form to him. He inwardly groaned imagining her soft curves pressing against him.
Jules’s eyes met his. Was that a questioning look? Was it possible she had caught on to his wayward thoughts?
Impossible. His guilty conscience was just getting to him. He had no business fantasizing about her—or anyone.
He turned to Dante and Lizzie, who’d drifted apart. The smiles had faded and a serious undercurrent ran through the room. He wished Dante would just spill the news instead of letting the tension mount. Then again, maybe Dante was waiting for some privacy to talk with Lizzie alone.
“Maybe we should go,” Stefano said to Jules.
“Uh...” Her glance swung back and forth between Lizzie and Dante. “Okay. Call me.”
“No, wait. This involves both of you. Might as well tell everyone at once. Close the door, Lizzie.”
Without a word, she did as he asked, closing out the noise of the kitchen staff. Stefano straightened. This wasn’t going to be good. Maybe this was the last straw for Dante. Perhaps the setbacks had made him realize that the DeFiore men weren’t meant for marriage.
The bad part about all of this was that Stefano had grown to really like Lizzie. She had spunk and a fire in her that you just couldn’t help but admire. And she was good for his brother. Just like Gianna had been good for him. She had been good for him, hadn’t she? At some point, they had been good together...hadn’t they?
The memories stuck a sword of guilt through his gut. Her death was on his hands. He may not have done it, but he was the cause of it. If only he had kept his mouth shut. If only they hadn’t argued—
“Dante, you’re worrying me.” Lizzie stepped up to him. “What is it?”
“That was the studio on the phone.”
“But didn’t we just talk to them yesterday? I thought everything was settled.”
“It was. And then the execs looked at the footage we filmed this past week for the upcoming series.” Dante ran a hand over the back of his neck. “They don’t like it. They say that it isn’t fresh enough. They want to change the backdrop and the menus.”
“What?” Lizzie stepped back. Her mouth fell open, and her eyes widened. “They can’t do that.”
“They can. And they have.”
Well, this certainly wasn’t the news Stefano was expecting. And he was surprised to feel a huge wave of relief. Though he believed his brother was headed for trouble, he didn’t want to see him get hurt. It wasn’t his place to say anything. Dante would have to make his own decisions—for better or worse—all by himself, just like Stefano had done with Gianna.
He relaxed and settled on the couch in the office. He didn’t know why his brother had wanted him and Jules to stick around. She moved to the couch and sat down, too. Even at this respectable distance, she skewed his thinking. His only tangible thought was how her gentle floral scent reminded him of sunny days and grassy fields. And that was not good. He’d forfeited his right to enjoy a woman’s presence the night Gianna had died.
“Do you have any idea why we’re here?” Jules leaned closer to him.
“You’re here because this impacts the wedding,” Dante said before turning to Lizzie. “There’s no way we can do what they want for the show and complete the wedding preparations in time.”
Lizzie’s hands settled on her hips. “But they said they wanted the wedding for the show.”
“They said a lot of things, but we can’t do everything. I’m sorry. We’ll have to reschedule the wedding.”
Stefano didn’t want to say that this was an ominous sign—a warning—but he did think it was a chance for his brother to slow down and think through his choices. Still, the crushed look on Lizzie’s face dug at him. They really didn’t deserve so many problems, but it wasn’t as if he could do anything to help.
“Are you saying you don’t want to get married anymore?” Lizzie’s voice wavered.
“Of course I do.” Dante reached out and caressed her now pale cheek. “You know I love you. Maybe we can just make it something quick and simple.”
Jules moved as if to stand up, and Stefano grabbed her arm, stopping her from interrupting. They really needed to figure this out for themselves. Certainly if there was such a serious problem between him and Jules, he’d want to figure it out for himself. Not that they’d ever be planning a wedding or anything.
When Jules’s puzzled gaze turned to him, he shook his head. Her frosted lips pressed into a firm line, and her brows drew together. But she remained seated. Together they waited to see what their siblings would decide.
“But I have my dress picked out.” Lizzie pulled away from Dante. “This isn’t fair. This television show is messing everything up. We should quit.”
“You’re forgetting we signed a contract. And I don’t think you really want to walk away from this. I see how you light up in front of the cameras. You’re a natural.”
Lizzie sighed, and her shoulders slumped. “But it’s our wedding. What are we going to do?”
This time when Jules went to stand up, she gave Stefano the death stare when he reached out to her. Boy, that woman was as stubborn as she was beautiful. What exactly was she going to offer to this conversation? He had to admit that he was quite curious. Still, it wasn’t for them to interfere.
Jules’s mouth started to open, but he beat her to the punch. “Jules and I should be going. Let us know what you decide to do.”
All eyes turned to him. There were also two sets of raised brows and one frown. Everyone’s face held an unspoken accusation. What in the world had he said that was so bad?
“Don’t mind him.” Jules turned her back to him. “We’re here to help you. I think the real question is, do you still want to go through with the ceremony as planned?”
Dante and Lizzie gazed into each other’s eyes.
“Yes.” They spoke in unison.
Somehow that answer did not come as a surprise to him. Love made people do foolish things and gave them the illusion that they could overcome anything. But there were some things in life that even love couldn’t conquer.
“Then let me help.” Jules pressed her hands to her slender hips.
Lizzie raised her brows. “What do you have in mind?”
“Do you trust me?” Jules looked directly at her sister.
“Of course.”
“Good. Then let me take over your wedding for you. All you’ll have to do is your final dress fitting and make sure you show up for the ceremony.” Jules grinned at her sister, lightening the mood.
“But there’s so much to do. We couldn’t ask you to do it all yourself—”
“Why not? I am the maid of honor, you know. And this isn’t my first time helping with a wedding. And you know how I enjoy organizing things.”
Lizzie turned a questioning gaze to Dante. “What do you think?”
He shrugged. “Whatever makes you happy is fine by me.”
Lizzie turned to Jules. “You’d really do this for us?”
“Consider it my wedding gift.”
Harlequin Romance April 2015 Box Set Page 42
