The Magnate's Holiday Proposal

by Rebecca Winters

  CHAPTER EIGHT

  EIGHT HOURS LATER, the three of them had eaten dinner and they’d gone back to the living room to work on the puzzle a little longer. It had been a hit and Dino couldn’t wait to do more on it before bed.

  Luca decided now would be the time to bring up what he’d been dreading most. There was no way to do this but be up-front. He looked at Gabi, who was keyed in to his radar. Then he glanced at his boy’s bent head as he was trying to find matching pieces.

  “I had some good news today, Dino. Dr. Meuller is back from Africa early, so he’s going to meet us at the hospital in the morning and operate on you.”

  His head reared. “In the morning? I thought it wasn’t going to be yet!”

  “He had a change in plans. Once it’s over, you’ll never have to think about it again.”

  Luca had braced himself for a reaction, and Dino didn’t disappoint him. His son almost knocked over the chair running out of the living room. By tacit agreement, Luca and Gabi hurried after him.

  Dino had thrown himself on his bed facedown with his sandals still on. Luca removed them and lay down on one side of him. Gabi settled in on his other side.

  “We’re both here for you, figlio mio. You don’t have to go through any of this alone.”

  He started sobbing, the kind that tore your heart out.

  “Dino?” Gabi rubbed his back. “Did you know your mamma is watching and protecting you? She’s been waiting and waiting for you to have the operation so you won’t get any more headaches. Think how happy she’s going to be when it’s over. She’ll stop crying and shout evviva.”

  Luca wasn’t sure if she was getting through to him until Dino slowly turned over. “You think she’s been crying?”

  “Yes, darling. You’re her dear, dear son. She’s had to wait until Dr. Meuller said it was the right time. I know she’s thrilled he came back from Africa sooner so he could make you well sooner. Tomorrow is going to be a happy day for all of us, especially Dr. Meuller.”

  “Dr. Meuller—” Dino sounded astonished.

  “Yes. He has the skill to take your headache away. Isn’t that marvelous? Do you have any idea how happy he is every time he takes a child’s pain away?”

  “Has he done it a lot?”

  Gabi had him now. “He’s taken away hundreds of headaches,” Luca told his son. “Everyone wants him for their doctor, even the people in Africa who don’t have enough money to pay him. But he operates for free because he’s been blessed with a special gift.”

  “Just like your papà when he won the gold medal in the downhill for our country,” Gabi explained. “It brought happiness to millions of people who can’t do what he does and wish they could. Not everyone can ski like that and bring joy. Only a few people in the world have that gift. Only a few doctors like Dr. Meuller have his gift.

  “Only a few people like Gabi have her gift for drawing,” Luca interjected. “Think of that butterfly picture above your bed.”

  “I don’t know anyone who can draw like that,” Dino said.

  “You see? One day you’ll find out what your gift is, Dino. As soon as your headaches go away, you can start doing all the things you want to do. I bet you want to run with your father in the mornings.”

  “Yup, and play hockey and soccer!”

  “I would love to see you play everything! All you have to do is have that operation in the morning and then we’re going to have so much fun!”

  Luca held his breath while he waited for Dino’s next comment. “Will you two sleep with me tonight?”

  “Yes,” they both said at once.

  Gabi kissed his forehead and got up off the bed. “While you and your dad get ready, I’ll run to my room and change into my robe. Then I’ll come back and bring a pillow.”

  “Hurry!”

  Luca realized he’d just watched an angel in human form leave the bedroom.

  She’d become his rock as well as the woman he wanted in his life forever. Just when he thought he couldn’t go on another second, her beautiful, smiling face was there to give him a recharge. He loved her desperately and needed her with every fiber of his being.

  * * *

  The staff at San Pietro Hospital couldn’t have been more wonderful. Gabi followed Dino and his father to the third floor, where he had a large private room. She carried his overnight case, while Luca brought in their overnight bags. She was thankful they’d made it this far without his son breaking down.

  The nurse asked Dino to go in the bathroom with her for a minute. When he’d disappeared behind the door, Gabi grasped Luca’s hand. “I can only imagine what’s going through your mind right now, but I know everything’s going to be all right. It has to be.”

  “You’re right.” He kissed her swiftly. “What would I do if you weren’t here with me?”

  “You’d handle it like you’ve been handling everything all your life. You’re a warrior and your son is your greatest success. I’ve been frightened about the operation, too, but no longer. You know why?

  “You brought a son full of confidence into this hospital. He’s at the top of the mountain ready to race down the piste after his own medal. You wait and see. In a few hours he’ll come out of this with the gold because he has your physical and mental DNA.”

  Luca drew her into his arms, hugging her so hard she had trouble breathing. He let her go when they heard the bathroom door open.

  Dino ran over to them. “What’s that?”

  Luca grinned at him. “Your hospital gown.”

  “I have to wear that?”

  “I know it’s not as exciting as your Star Wars pajamas,” Gabi spoke up, “but you only have to keep it on until tomorrow.”

  Silver-haired Dr. Meuller came in the room and walked right over to Dino with a smile. “Do you remember me?”

  “Yes.”

  “Do you trust me?”

  “Yes. This morning we prayed for God to guide your hands.”

  The doctor looked taken back. “I said the same prayer before I left my house. While my staff takes you to the operating room, your family will stay in the waiting room down the hall. Is that all right?”

  Dino nodded. “How long will it take?”

  “Maybe two hours. When it’s over, I’ll tell them how you are, and then they can come visit you in another hour or two after you wake up. How does that sound?”

  “Do...other children get scared?”

  “I know they do, but I’ve never seen a boy as brave as you.”

  “Do doctors get scared?”

  One of Dino’s gifts was an inquiring mind. Gabi wondered what Dr. Meuller would say. She looked at Luca while she waited.

  “Not now that I’ve said my prayers.”

  “Me neither.”

  The doctor squeezed Dino’s shoulder and left the room. Luca kissed him. “I’m so proud of you.”

  “Papà? Are you scared?”

  “No. Not at all. We’ve got Gabi with us. Remember?”

  In a minute, two members of the staff walked in. They put Dino on the gurney. “A presto, mio figlio prediletto.” All the love in the world poured from Luca’s broken voice.

  Gabi reached for Luca’s hand and clung to it while they watched the most precious child in the world being wheeled away to surgery. Alone in the room for a minute, she couldn’t help but put her arms around him, wanting to comfort him in the only way she knew how.

  He held her tighter until one of the nurses came in with a paper she put on the bed, causing them to pull apart. “Let’s go to the cafeteria for a bite to eat,” he murmured, “then we’ll head for the waiting room.”

  Gabi wasn’t hungry, but they needed energy to keep going. “That’s a good idea. I’d like to tell Mamma what’s happening.”

  H
e brought the paper with them. They walked out to the elevator and rode down to the main floor. Once they reached the cafeteria and went through the line, they found an empty table. While they ate, they both made phone calls. Luca talked with his parents and his secretary at work.

  After Gabi hung up, she drank her coffee and read over the instructions that the nurse had brought in to them. Together they discussed the instructions for what to expect post-op. It all depended on how well Dino survived his operation. That was anyone’s guess.

  She saw the anguish on Luca’s face and knew how terrified he was. If only she could relieve him a little. “Dino told me you’ve had a few operations.”

  He nodded. “Tonsils and appendix. But the other two were for a broken arm and later a broken hand while I was skiing.”

  “Your hand?”

  “Yes. I skidded on ice down the piste and bashed into the barricade. My hand took the biggest hit.”

  “That’s terrible. Which arm did you break?”

  “My lower left. That time I careened into a tree.”

  “How fast were you going?”

  “Probably a hundred and thirty kilometers an hour. It was a vertical drop.”

  She groaned. “You were out of your mind.”

  He smiled. It was the first she’d seen for hours. “You lied to Dino when you said I had a gift. Some would say a downhiller has a death wish.”

  “Well, I know that’s not true of you. I have to tell you I’m very impressed. I’ve never known an Olympic champion before. One of these days I’d like to watch those hundreds of videos of you in storage. But I won’t watch them while Dino is around.”

  “You’d be wasting your time. If you’re ready, shall we go up to the waiting room?”

  “Yes.” Luca was so restless, but she couldn’t blame him. One hour had already passed. Now they had to survive another one before they got any news.

  Once upstairs, they counted the minutes. But already it had been two and a half hours since the operation and there was no sign of staff, let alone the doctor. Luca had to be jumping out of his skin.

  Sure enough he eventually got up to bring them fresh coffee and some biscotti from the vending machine. By the time three hours had passed, alarm bells had been going off inside her, but she refused to show any fear in front of Luca.

  “Something has gone wrong.” Luca’s pallor had become pronounced. He lowered his head, clasping his hands between his legs, a picture of abject pain. “Dino is probably going to have problems and he’ll need health care for the rest of his life. I’m thankful I have the money, but it could mean breaking in someone who will have to live in. That will be hard on Dino at first.”

  “I don’t believe anything’s wrong. We just have to hang on a little longer. Remember the sheet said every operation was different. It means the doctor is being careful.”

  He lifted his head. Lines of anxiety stood out on his handsome face. “Do you have any idea how much your support has meant to me?” His brilliant blue eyes had moistened. “Every time it seemed like I couldn’t find the strength to help my son take the next step, you were there to point the way along this torturous path. You always turned things around, making it better. My debt to you is beyond my ability to repay.”

  She put a hand on his arm in response.

  Darling, Luca. I don’t want repayment. I just want your love.

  Another half hour passed. Gabi was ready to run to the nursing station for an update when Dr. Meuller appeared in the waiting room. He was still garbed in his gown and mask.

  He pulled it down to reveal a smile on his face. “I didn’t intend to keep you in suspense so long, but Dino was a unique case. I wanted to observe him when he first woke up in the event there were any signs of muscle weakness or breathing problems.”

  She felt Luca’s body stiffen.

  “There weren’t, Signor Berettini. Your son has come out of this operation perfectly normal in every way.”

  “La loda spetta a Dio,” Luca whispered.

  Gabi grabbed Luca’s arm, praising heaven, too. Once again she’d witnessed another miracle.

  The doctor smiled at him. “I’m happy to inform you that the surgery was a complete success! Dino will be able to go home on Monday morning and probably won’t need anything more than an over-the-counter painkiller for a few days.”

  Luca shook his head like he was in a daze. “It’s really over? I can’t believe it.”

  The older man patted his shoulder. “There’ll be no more headaches. What’s important now is that Dino recovers now and after the new year he can go back to school and his activities.”

  “So he doesn’t have to lie low for months and months?” Luca sounded incredulous. Gabi could see he was still in shock over the news.

  “No, no. No more limitations. I’ll ask you to bring him in after the new year for a checkup. If you have any questions, call me. You can go back to his room now. They’ll be wheeling him in shortly. He’s awake and doing remarkably well.”

  Tears streamed down Gabi’s face. “There are no words to thank you, Doctor.”

  “I got my thanks when Dino woke up and said, ‘When are you going to do the operation, Dr. Meuller?’”

  Luca burst into the happiest laughter she’d ever heard in her life before he crushed Gabi against him. They both felt reborn. The doctor waved to them before leaving the waiting room.

  “He’s going to be fine now, Gabi!” Luca cried, rocking her for a long time before he grabbed her hand. They hurried through the hallway to Dino’s room. Since he still hadn’t come in yet, they both got on their phones to send out the joyous news that the operation had been a total success.

  Gabi called her mother, then Edda. The older woman broke down in tears. She said she would tell the whole building. As they hung up, there was an orderly at the door and here came Dino on the gurney with part of his head wrapped.

  “Papà. I’m all well!”

  “I know. Dr. Meuller told us.”

  How could he sound this wonderful after what he’d been through? Gabi couldn’t get over it.

  Once Dino was helped into the bed, Gabi watched Luca embrace his son and saw his shoulders heave.

  “Why are you crying, Papà?”

  “I only cry when I’m happy.”

  “You must be really happy! I bet Mamma is really crying hard, too.”

  “I know she is.”

  “So is Dr. Meuller. So am I!” Gabi exclaimed. She hurried over to his other side, careful not to disturb the IV drip, and kissed his forehead.

  Then Dino’s grandparents came in the room. While Luca talked with his son, this was Gabi’s first chance to meet his father. She moved away from the bed toward them.

  The physical resemblance between the two men was extraordinary, both in coloring and build. They were a beautiful family. Giustina made the introductions before hurrying over to Dino.

  “Signora Parisi?” his father said. “Our family is in your debt for making these last few weeks more bearable for little Dino. My wife told me about the letter he printed. I understand he really loves that television program. Now I know why.”

  “Thank you, Signor Berettini.”

  “Please tell Signora Romano we’re grateful for her foundation. She does a great service for children. I’m sure you’ve been missed and she’s anxious to have you back.”

  On that note he nodded to the other couple that had just walked in the room with another gift. “Tomaso and Maria? Come over here and meet one of the employees from the Start with a Wish foundation.”

  Gabi recognized the dark-haired couple from the photos. “I’m so pleased to meet you. Dino has talked about you a lot while we’ve put puzzles and building blocks together.”

  Tomaso smiled. “He says you like to eat chocolate-covered insects.�
��

  That made her laugh. “Then don’t tell him the truth. Please. He loves chocolate bocci balls.”

  “We would have brought him some but know they’re not good for him. They were Catarina’s favorite candy, too. We brought him a game instead.”

  “He loves games.”

  “You’ve made a real hit with him, indulging him as you have,” Maria said. “So many gifts we’ve heard about when we talk to him on the phone. Even a framed drawing from you hanging over his bed. Do you visit every child who writes to you?”

  “No. There are different departments in place to make a child’s wish come true. I work with a group of women who read the letters when they first come in. We screen them before turning them over to Edda Romano, who heads the program. She determines what will happen next. But Dino was a special case.

  “Edda wanted someone from the foundation to take him a gift in person. She asked me to take him a building blocks game since she couldn’t grant him the wish he really wanted.”

  “What was that?”

  “He wanted his mother to be there for the operation.”

  “Of course he did.” Maria put a hand to her throat and tears came to her eyes.

  “Everyone at the foundation had the same reaction to his letter as you, Signora Guardino. A mother is irreplaceable.”

  Tomaso nodded. “There was no one like Catarina. We loved her so much. She was the perfect mother and wife. There’ll never be anyone like her. Thank heaven Dino has come through this to help Luca go on living. Now he can really dig into his work, eh, Fabrizo?”

  “Amen to that,” Luca’s father added and focused his gaze on Gabi. “Since we won’t be seeing you again, Signora Parisi, we thank you for your time.”

  He didn’t expect to see her again? How odd that sounded.

  While she stood there trying to understand him, everyone clustered around Dino. Gabi feared it was too much excitement for him, and wondered why a nurse hadn’t come in yet. But she also recognized that she’d been in protective mode around him since knowing him and needed to stop worrying. Luca hadn’t seemed to notice, so why should she be concerned?