Page 87 of Ti Amo

“Or daughter.” She corrected.

He winked. “As long as we can create another as beautiful and special as Eve I’m happy.”

Mira dropped her head. She couldn’t contain her tears. Giovanni made her lift her face by raising her chin with his finger. “What is it?”

“I’m so happy. You have made me so happy.”

He drew her to him by cupping the back of her neck. His tongue explored her mouth and the kiss deepened. Mira lost herself in his kiss. “There’s more,” he said when they were left panting with their foreheads touching.

“What is it?”

“Under the tree. Green present. Go get it.”

Mira sat back, she handed him the box with her bracelet, and he removed it to fasten it around her wrist. The diamond charm bracelet sparkled beautifully under the Christmas lights. The house remained silent. Most were either in bed or outside patrolling. They were alone. “So what now? A pair of matching earrings?” she asked curiously scanning the few scattered presents left. The only green one was a wrapped six-inch cylinder tube. Mira frowned. “Is this it?”

Mira returned to his side, this time sitting next to him. “Now I’m curious,” she said a bit anxious. She peeled away the wrapping and removed a silver engraved tube. The date 1-1-92. “I don’t understand?”

Giovanni removed the tube from her hand. He held it out for them to see the date. “In Italia, to marry, a citizen must appear before the clerk and declare their intentions. The banns, which are wedding announcements, go up for two consecutive Sundays in town hall. After the second Sunday there is a four day wait. Bella, January 1styou will be my bride.”

“It’s our wedding day?”

“I’m sorry. We can’t marry traditionally. To convert to Catholicism would only delay the wedding, and I want to marry now.”

She accepted the tube. “So this is where our wedding certificate will go?”

“It is.”

“It’s beautiful.” She kissed him. “I have your gift.”

“Where is it?”

She reached for his hand and pressed it to her belly. “Here.”

Giovanni frowned. Mira chuckled. “You will be a father again. I’m pregnant.”

He sat up right. “Are you sure?”

“Yes. Yes! We’re pregnant.”

He lifted her and brought her to his lap so suddenly she gasped in fright then exploded in laughter. Giovanni hugged her tight to his chest. “Ti amo!”

“I love you too!”

“Catalina?”

She turned from the kitchen counter. She wouldn’t be able to sleep without some chamomile tea. Dominic had spoken her name. He stood in the entrance way smiling.

“Domi?”

“I didn’t have a chance to give you my present.” He walked in and she lowered her teacup. She blinked at him and tried to hide her happiness, but she was about to explode with it. “Turn around. Lift your hair.”

Catalina did as she was told. Dominic slipped a gold chain around her neck with a tiny Faberge egg diamond pendant dangling from it. “For you my love.”

“It’s beautiful, Domi. Thank you.”

He held her from behind. Catalina closed her eyes relishing how sweet his embrace felt. She wanted to say more. She had a gift for him but it was in her room. She didn’t mention it. This moment was gift enough for them both.

“Always remember my love for you. Always.”

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