Page 83 of The Veiling

Knowing we were in a hurry, I tucked it away in my handbag. Ever since we announced our engagement, people had been sending gifts to us nonstop. Staff placed the approved presents in one of the sitting rooms until we could go through them and donate most of them. This was the first time anything had been addressed to only me that made it into our home.

Valentino glanced down at his watch. “We need to get going.”

“Have a wonderful trip, sir and miss,” Helen chirped.

“Thank you.” I stepped over, giving her a hug, just as I often did when we would be away longer than a few days. “Did Joseph already leave?”

Noah slid his hands in his pockets. “He’s handling a few wedding things with Laura.”

“What?” I raised my eyebrows, mildly surprised by his involvement.

Pressing his lips into a thin line, Noah stuck his finger and thumb to the corner, of his mouth and twisted it.

“Hints?”

He shook his head.

“Come on,” Valentino glared at him, then took my hand in his. He bent over, picking up two bags before tugging me out of the room.

Noah followed with the rest of the luggage to the foyer where the other suitcases were waiting.

“How long are we going away?” I scanned the designer bags.

“Liam and Tanya are coming too,” Valentino waved a hand dismissively. He was most definitely hiding something.

“I thought they couldn’t because of her family visiting and why is their stuff here?” I grinned, pretending to be none the wiser.

“They got sick or something last minute. We need to go.” Valentino strode out the door to the car ignoring the rest of my question.

I glanced at Noah, who instantly turned away, picked up several bags, and sped out the front door. Now suspicious of everyone, I draped my handbag back over my shoulder and followed.

“Welcome!” Giulia called out as she sped into the foyer when we entered the yellow Tuscan oceanfront mansion.

“Ciao mamma.” Valentino hugged her.

“Hi!” I greeted her.

“Isabelle,” she placed a hand on my cheek, “you’re so radiant and you’re glowing.”

“I feel huge.”

She cackled. “No, it’s all my grandson. He’s going to be tall like his father, I’m sure of it.”

“Hello, my handsome Noah.” She embraced him last.

“Good evening, Mrs. Greco.”

“No!” She pointed up. “You know the rules.”

“Sorry,” he nodded, “Giulia.”

“Exactly.” She veered toward the living room. “Let’s go say hello to everyone.”

She led us through the breathtaking home. It had been built in the 1920’s, and while it still offered that roaring twenties, nostalgic appeal, it had been renovated to the Greco family’s liking. Regal was an understatement. While I was in awe of every resident the family owned, the Hamptons house was by far my favorite. I loved the ocean. The sunrises here were to die for, and the large windows on the back of the home provided enough room for natural light to pour in throughout the day.

Nine original fireplaces remained throughout the home, providing a timeless charm. The ravishing panoramic seascape and gardens with a pool and vineyard were the perfect escape for relaxing while watching the men putt on Mr. Greco’s putting green in the backyard.

“Zio Valentino!” Carissa soared off Alessandro’s lap, sprinting toward us. She jumped into Valentino’s arms. “Guess what!”

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