Page 37 of Italian’s Christmas Acquisition

“What will become of the other properties that you bought?”

“A preserve. For the local wildlife, and for the town.”

She couldn’t help herself. She threw her arms around him. “Rocco, that is amazing. The most beautiful gift that you could’ve given.”

“You’re very welcome,” he said, his voice turning to stone. “Then we have ourselves a bargain.”

“Yes.”

“How long will it take for you to secure staff that can manage in your stead?”

“I do have staff. But...”

“Then it will work out. If I need to call someone in from one of my hotels to help manage, then I shall.”

“I have a feeling they will feel that that is entirely beneath them.”

“But I’m their boss, so they shall do as I ask.”

“Oh.”

She felt right then that she hadn’t exactly understood what she was saying yes to. Because she knew the man in context of her life, she knew him in black-and-white on a Google search. But she didn’t fully understand the place that he occupied in the world. How could she? How could she.

“We must leave as soon as possible,” he said. “I have to announce my engagement so I can put a stop to my mother’s expansion stipulations.”

Her whole life was changing, and she could barely catch her breath.

But she realized it didn’t matter.

Because she was prepared to follow him, breathless.

So perhaps his manipulation had worked.

She wasn’t even sure she cared if that were true.

Rocco did not tarry. He called his people in as quickly as they could arrive and had them help pack Noelle’s necessities. He asked that they outfit the plane with clothing and makeup suitable for his bride. She was cute in her normal attire, but cute would not be fitting for a Moretti bride.

Then she was bundled up and loaded onto his private plane, as he did his best to make sure that everything at the bed-and-breakfast and Christmas tree farm was secured to Noelle’s specifications.

As they stood there in the doorway of Holiday House, all her things being put in the car caravan so that they could make the journey to New York with them, he palmed the jewelry box in his pocket. He had his assistant whisk the finest diamond she could get her hands on immediately to him. Because he would have this secured as soon as possible.

He held the box out, and opened it. “Here. Until we can sign a contract, this is my promise to you. There are expectations that come with it.”

She was looking at the ring, boggling.

“Expectations?”

“When we get off the plane there will doubtless be paparazzi there. You must expect it. By now, the world knows that I have been snowed in at the top of a mountain. And I prefer to make the most of the story. I am considered a ruthless, heartless property developer.”

“Yes. I have some experience with that.”

“So you have. But this will change the story. Do you not understand all the ways in which you are perfect for this position?”

“You make it sound like a job.”

“In many ways it is. For my wife, being married to me was always going to be a job. Not only will there be media attention it is...possible that the board of my company will be unhappy with the development.”

“Why?” she asked.

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