Page 88 of A Place in the Sun
‘He learnt them from me.’
‘I met him first.’
‘He will make an excellent chef one day.’
‘I can see it in his eyes. He has the love for it.’
‘I’m sure I noticed it first.’
‘He’s a lovely boy.’
‘A lovely family.’
‘So good to have them as part of our family.’
‘That lasagne recipe will be passed on for years to come.’
‘I thought I might ask for the recipe myself …’
We slip out of the front door, and across the road, stand and look out at the view. I’m here in my now, gazing over my future. I look back at Giovanni.
‘Some things are so much better because of the people you share them with. I’ve stood here and looked at this view many times. But now I’m here with you I love it even more. It’s not about where you are inlife, but who you’re with. And it’s not about the recipe but who you share the experience with.’ I smile. ‘Like a good lasagne.’
In the background we can still hear thenonnas declaring loudly that they all have the best recipe for the tiramisu. And they’re right: because they have each other and sharing food tastes so much better when you find someone to love. I want to share all my meals with the children, Stella and this man … the man I know I’ve come to love.
Somewhere in the wind that’s bringing relief from the hot, hot summer, I hear Marco agree and give a hearty laugh, a laugh that loves life, and that is something I’ll never forget.
Epilogue
‘Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you, happy birthday, dear Aimee, happy birthday to you!’
We cheer and clap.
‘To Aimee!’ says Alessandro, standing on a chair and raising a glass of water. ‘And La Tavola!’
We cheer again.
There is still pizza on the long table, bowls of salad, and now a cake.
Stella arrives in the dining room, carrying a big box. ‘Happy birthday! Sorry I’m late,’ she says to Aimee.
‘Is that for me?’
‘It is!’
‘Well, let’s hope it’s not another kitten.’ I smile at Stella.
‘No, not another kitten,’ she says, and suddenly she seems a little sheepish.
There’s a squawk.
‘What’s in the box?’ asks Aimee, sliding off her chair in the beautiful party dress Caterina has made for her, with ribbons and netting from the clothes we found inCasa Luna, all having a new life. Even Giuseppe is in a new suit that has been altered to fit him, as smart as paint. And the three nonnas are in their Sunday best, each wearing a rose he has brought for them, not singling one out from the others.
There’s another squawk and Stella puts down the box as it starts to shake and move. She beams at Aimee. Suddenly a head pops out and squawks again.
‘A chicken!’ Aimee is delighted.
‘Oh, Stella!’ I say. ‘I thought we said no more animals.’
