He raised his brows as he chewed. “Hmm, nice.” Strangely, he wasn’t just saying that. To his surprise, he actually meant it. Who would’ve thought fish and flowers could be a great flavor combination?
She stared at his slice and licked her lips. Looked like it could be a while before he got a taste of his own pizza. He offered Alessa a bite. As he pulled back the slice, sans the tip of the wedge, cheese trailed in a long, creamy string. It broke and the thread followed gravity, slapping against Alessa’s chin. She worked it into her mouth with her tongue then closed her eyes and moaned. “That. Is. Good.” She reached for his hands and pulled the slice closer for a second bite.
Michael hurried to pop what was left of the piece into his mouth before he didn’t get to taste it. Now he could understand her decree of pizza being for friends and lovers—not that they fell into the latter category, and wouldn’t be until they were properly married, but they did fall into the sweethearts’ category as Sienna had preferred to call it when she’d explained about pizza being a social food. There was something so fun about what was happening right now, and watching Alessa devour a pizza slice with the same gusto as she approached life, savoring every tiny morsel, was simply tantalizing.
She reached for a slice from his plate, took a bite, and then offered the rest to him. He could so get used to this—a beautiful woman, feeding him…pizza. She smiled. “So, the blonde? Your cousin, huh?”
He nodded. “And the fancy photographer? Your cousin, hmm?”
She burst out laughing. “Yes. I told you a million times already. Don’t you believe me?”
“I do. I just like teasing you about it. After all, you did create the impression on Facebook that he was something more.”
“So you were Facebook-stalking me!”
“Nah. But I was curious after you accused me, so I might’ve sneaked a peek.” He stared at her. Probably a good time to change the subject. “Weren’t you about to say something before our pizzas arrived?”
“Yes, I was.” Her smile stretched from one ear to the other. “I have some news that you will love.”
He resisted the urge to ask if she was finally saying yes to his proposal.
“Ti amo, Michael.” Her face grew serious. “I love you, I do, but I’m afraid I cannot give you my whole heart.”
An ache squeezed deep inside, robbing him of the joy of hearing her say those two little words. “I–I don’t unders—”
“Because I’ve already given it to another.”
A wave of nausea rose, and his skin turned clammy. Why was she telling him this? Now? And looking pleased about it to boot?
“You see, the morning after our monthaversary date, I gave my heart to someone else. Jesus. But guess what? He told me he doesn’t mind me giving you as much love as I can muster. And let me tell you, I can muster a lot.”
“Oh, you…” Michael eased up out of his chair. Reaching for her face, he kissed her before sitting again. “That is the best news I’ve ever heard.” Now he knew what was so different about Alessa. The love of Jesus radiated from her.
“Speaking of new spiritual beginnings… I had a phone call from Matteo earlier. He feels really bad about his behavior and asked me to please pass on his apologies. Although he tried to blame it on being bewitched by your beauty, he did finally come clean and admit that he’d behaved abysmally. He said to make it up to both of us, he was prepared to try out my Bible study next Friday.”
“So God brought something good out of a bad situation. I’m glad.” Alessa tried a piece of her pizza this time.
“Yes. Romans chapter eight assures us that we can know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.”
“And I am called?” Alessa asked.
“You are, amore mio.”
“So God can even use my miserable childhood for His glory?”
Michael squeezed her hand as his gaze searched hers. “I’ve no doubt He will. He did for me.”
“You had a miserable childhood too?”
“Nothing like yours, but I did have my fair share of difficult times when times were dark for my family. I’d just become a teenager, when God touched my parents’ marriage in a life-changing way. The process had been very hard, but out of the refiner’s fire came such a renewed and pure love between my mother and father, that I knew no matter how difficult a road, God always had an eternal purpose that would far outweigh my light and momentary suffering. I can attest to the fact that each time I’ve faced times like these, in the end God’s glory has always shone the brightest. And that’s really what it’s all about.”
Alessa brushed her fingers across his cheek. “I had no idea life wasn’t all just plain sailing for you. I know dark places aren’t pleasant to revisit, so thank you for sharing.” Her full lips curved upward. “I hung the sketch of you, me, and Sienna this afternoon.”
“You still have that?” He chuckled.
“Yes! And even though I protested much having it done, I do love it. To be honest, I’ve always loved it. Sienna sent it to be framed before she left Roma. I’ve just been waiting for the courage to hang it.”
Michael lifted his glass of sparkling water and took a sip. He eyed her over the rim of the glass. “So where is it? In the spare room?”
“No... On the wall above the console table as you walk into my apartment.”
“So that’s why you wouldn’t let me inside tonight. And here I thought you were hiding a man inside your apartment.”
She shook her head. “Been there, done that.”
Michael squeezed her cheek. “You are going to keep me on my toes, Alessa Rossi, I can see that.”
Alessa lifted her own glass and chinked it against Michael’s. “A toast. To us.”
“I’ll drink to that.” Michael raised his glass high.
“Can you see something else, Michael?” Her foot brushed against his leg.
“That you want to play footsie with me?”
Her laughter filled the air. “No, silly. Can you see that one day I want to grow Young with you? Perhaps grow a few little Youngs too.”
Her words made his heart soar. And even though he wouldn’t pull out the diamond ring again too soon, he knew she was telling him not to pack it away too deeply in his closet.
THE END
To learn the answer to the mystery paintings, read Autumn Macarthur’s A Tuscan Legacy books, Dolce Vita (Book 8), La Risposta (Book 9), Innamorata (Book 10). These are available as solo e-books. In February, Autumn will be releasing these books plus Least Expected, one of the stories that sparked the Tuscan Legacy idea (A Romance for Rose was the other), in her boxed set, That Sunflower Summer. To get the best Tuscan Legacy experience, however, read the books inbetween first:
Book 2 - Luna Rosa by Elizabeth Maddrey
Book 3 - Rapsodia by Alexa Verde
Book 5 - La Fiamma Sacra by Clare Revell
Book 6 - Bella Notte Heather Gray
Book 7 - Solo Tu Narelle Atkins
You’ll find all the Tuscan Legacy books on Amazon. Each book is a complete story with the resolution to the mystery in Book 9.
Acknowledgments
Once again, I’d like to acknowledge and thank the following people, without whose help this book wouldn’t have been ready to be published:
My crit partners, Jan and Clare—you’re such a vital part of my writing process. Thank you for making my writing shine.
My street team—Julia, Sharon, Renate, Renette, Becky, Ann, Judith, Linda, Joelle, Marta, and Shirley—thank you once again for being ready, willing, and waiting to read and promote this story.
For making Ti Amo perfect, my wonderful editor, Paula. Any errors in this book are entirely mine.
Noel, the best hubby in the entire world, who keeps the wheels of this household turning while I churn out words. I don’t say it enough, but I love you!
Thank you, dear reader, for investing your time and money into this story. My prayer is
that you would be entertained, and that you would be drawn to the One who loves us the greatest, who gave everything because He loved us so.
And most importantly, thank you to my Heavenly Father for filling my fingertips with yet another beautiful story. And thank you, Jesus, that from the beginning of time, You said of me, ti amo.
Thank You for Reading!
I hope you enjoyed reading THOSE BLUE TUSCAN SKIES. If you did, please consider leaving a short review at the book retailer of your choice. Your opinion counts. Positive reviews and word-of-mouth recommendations honor an author and help other readers to find quality Christian fiction to read. Thank you so much!
About Marion Ueckermann
USA Today bestselling author, MARION UECKERMANN’s passion for writing was sparked when she moved to Ireland with her family. Her love of travel has influenced her contemporary inspirational romances set in novel places. Marion and her husband again live in South Africa and are setting their sights on retirement when they can join their family in the beautiful Cape.
Please visit Marion’s website for more of her books:
www.marionueckermann.net
Contact Marion:
You can also find Marion on social media:
Titles by Marion Ueckermann
CONTEMPORARY CHRISTIAN ROMANCE
CHAPEL COVE ROMANCES
Remember Me (Book 1)
Choose Me (Book 4)
Accept Me (Book 8)
Trust Me (Book 10)
Releasing 2020
Other books in this tri-author series are by
Alexa Verde and Autumn Macarthur
THE POTTER’S HOUSE
SHAPED BY LOVE
Restoring Faith (Book 1)
Recovering Hope (Book 2)
Reclaiming Charity (Book 3)
A TUSCAN LEGACY
That’s Amore (Book 1)
Ti Amo (Book 4)
Other books in this multi-author series are by:
Elizabeth Maddrey, Alexa Verde, Clare Revell, Heather Gray, Narelle Atkins, and Autumn Macarthur
UNDER THE SUN
SEASONS OF CHANGE
A Time to Laugh (Book 1)
A Time to Love (Book 2)
A Time to Push Daisies (Book 3)
HEART OF ENGLAND
SEVEN SUITORS FOR SEVEN SISTERS
A Match for Magnolia (Book 1)
A Romance for Rose (Book 2)
A Hero for Heather (Book 3)
A Husband for Holly (Book 4)
A Courtship for Clover (Book 5)
A Proposal for Poppy (Book 6)
Releasing 2020
A Love for Lily (Book 7)
Releasing 2020
HEART OF AFRICA
Orphaned Hearts
The Other You
HEART OF AUSTRALIA
Melbourne Memories
HEART OF IRELAND
Spring’s Promise
HEART OF CHRISTMAS
Poles Apart
Ginger & Brad’s House
PASSPORT TO ROMANCE
Helsinki Sunrise
Soloppgang i Helsinki
(Norwegian translation of Helsinki Sunrise)
Oslo Overtures
Glasgow Grace
ACFW WRITERS ON THE STORM
SHORT STORY CONTEST WINNERS ANTHOLOGY
Dancing Up A Storm ~ Dancing In The Rain
BOX SETS
Those Blue Tuscan Skies
(A Romance for Rose, That’s Amore, Ti Amo)
The Potter’s House
[Books 7, 14, and 21]
(Restoring Faith, Recovering Hope, Reclaiming Charity)
Seasons of Change
[Books 1-3]
(A Time to Laugh, A Time to Love, A Time to Push Daisies)
Love is all around
[A collection of Christmas stories from around the world]
(A Husband for Holly, A Time to Love, Ginger & Brad’s House, Melbourne Memories, Poles Apart)
Seven Suitors for Seven Sisters
[Books 1-4]
(A Match for Magnolia, A Romance for Rose, A Hero for Heather, A Husband for Holly)
NON-FICTION
Bush Tails
(Humorous & True Short Story Trophies of my Bushveld Escapades as told by Percival Robert Morrison)
POETRY
Glimpses Through Poetry
[Bumper paperback of the four e-book poetry collections below]
GLIMPSES THROUGH POETRY
My Father’s Hand
My Savior’s Touch
My Colorful Life
WORDS RIPE FOR THE PICKING
Fruit of the Rhyme
Purchase link to all titles
What she most needed was right there in front of her all along.
At the age of thirteen, Clarise Aylward and her two best friends each pen a wish list of things they want to achieve. Deciding to bury a tin containing their life goals, the friends vow to unearth the metal box once they’ve all turned forty. But as the decades pass and each girl chases her dreams, the lists are forgotten.
Heath Brock has been in love with Clarise for over twenty-seven years and counting. As a young man, he’d plucked up the courage to ask her out on a Valentine’s date, but the couple succumbed to pent-up passions, sending Clarise dashing for the other side of the country.
Years after Clarise’s sudden departure, Heath serves as youth pastor. He’d held out hope of Clarise’s return, but buries his feelings for his childhood sweetheart when he learns she’s married.
Almost penniless, divorced, and with nowhere to go, Clarise returns home to Chapel Cove, her future uncertain. She’s approaching forty with her dreams in tatters. When old feelings resurface, Clarise wonders whether she’s ever really fallen out of love with Heath.
What’s the man of God to do when his old flame returns, seemingly to stay?
With Clarise back in town, Heath is determined not to repeat past mistakes, but if he has anything to say about it, never again will he lose the only woman he’s ever loved.
The one thing he wants most in the world, she can’t give him.
Her heart broken at the altar, real estate agent Julia Delpont moves south to Chapel Cove, away from the humiliation, the gossip, the stares. At least in this small town, nobody knew her story. And she had every intention of keeping it that way. No man would ever break her heart again.
After three years as an army surgeon in war-torn Afghanistan, Dr. Hudson Brock avoids the ER, choosing instead to perform scheduled surgeries at a top Dallas hospital. But neither extreme in his career has offered Hudson what he really wants—a wife and family to come home to at night. Maybe in the sleepy hollow town he’d grown up in he would find what he was looking for.
Once back in Chapel Cove, Hudson tries to find the perfect house. He suspects that finding the perfect woman will take far longer.
When Julia Delpont literally stumbles into Hudson’s life, he knows he’s the one who has fallen harder. But Julia is afraid to open her heart again. Especially to the handsome doctor whose deepest desires she cannot fill.
When love grows cold and vows forgotten, can faith be restored?
Charles and Faith Young are numbers people. While Charles spends his days in a fancy Fort Collins office number crunching, Faith teaches math to the students of Colorado High. Married for sixteen years, Charles and Faith both know unequivocally that one plus one should never equal three.
When blame becomes the order of the day in the Young household for their failing marriage—blaming each other, blaming themselves—Charles and Faith each search for answers why the flame of love no longer burns brightly. In their efforts, one takes comfort from another a step too far. One chooses not to get mad, but to get even.
Dying love is a slow burn. Is it too late for Charles and Faith to fan the embers and make love rise once again from the ashes of their broken marriage? Can they find their first love again—for each other, and for God?
In a single moment, a dream dies, and h
ope is lost.
Lovers of the ocean, Hope and Tyler Peterson long for the day they can dip their little one’s feet into its clear blue waters and pass on their passion for the sea.
Despite dedicating her life to the rescue and rehabilitation of God’s sea creatures, when their dream dies, Hope can’t muster the strength to do the same for herself. Give her a dark hole to hide away from the world and she’d be happy…if happiness were ever again within her reach.
While Tyler is able to design technology that probes the mysteries of the deep, he’s at a loss to find a way to help Hope surface from the darkness that has dragged her into its abyss. He struggles to plan for their future when his wife can barely cope with the here and now.
If they can’t recover hope, their marriage won’t survive.
Some artworks appear chaotic, but it all depends on the eye of the beholder.
Brody and Madison Peterson have the picture-perfect marriage. Or so it seems. But their teenage daughter Charity knows only too well that that’s not the case. Frequent emotive arguments—the bane of artistic temperaments—have Charity pouring out her heartache and fears in her prayer journal.
When Madison makes a career choice that doesn’t fit in with her husband’s plans for their lives or their art gallery, disaster looms. The end of their marriage and a bitter battle over Charity threatens.
Those Blue Tuscan Skies Page 43
