‘What a lucky girl! Can I get down now?’
By the time Rose had washed her daughter’s face and hands and collected Dolly, Pinocchio and Bear, Silvia had brewed a fresh pot of coffee, so Rose sat down to share it with Dante while Bea played with her toys on the steps beside them.
‘Sorry about the face and hair,’ murmured Rose. ‘I’ll do something better before we go.’
‘I like to see you like this.’ He shrugged. ‘Elsa drank only black coffee in the morning and refused to leave her room until her face and coiffure were perfect.’
‘Who’s Elsa?’ asked Bea.
Dante shot a remorseful glance at Rose. ‘A lady I used to know.’
‘Will she be at the party?’
‘No, piccola. Today is for family only.’
Bea scrambled to her feet. ‘Mummy, can I have more juice?’
‘Go to the kitchen to ask Silvia for some,’ suggested Rose. ‘Daddy will tell you what to say.’
‘I can get it,’ said Dante instantly, but Rose shook her head.
‘It’s a good way to learn the language.’
He bent down to Bea. ‘You must say “Succo, per favore, Silvia”.’
She repeated it solemnly then went running into the house.
‘Forgive me, Rose,’ said Dante heavily. ‘I did not think. I will not mention Elsa again.’
She shook her head. ‘It doesn’t matter.’
His eyes flared as he pulled her out of her chair. ‘It does matter. Now you and Bea are in my life, I wish to forget she ever existed,’ he said, and kissed her fiercely.
But without Bea this would not be happening, Rose thought unhappily, and with iron will managed to keep from melting into his embrace as he crushed her to him.
Dante released her, smiling as Rose picked up the towel she’d lost in the encounter.
She thrust her hair back from her hot face. ‘Maybe you should see how Bea is getting along with Silvia.’
‘With pleasure!’ He went into the house and eventually returned with a plastic beaker of juice, his daughter running beside him.
‘This is a special mug for me, Mummy,’ she informed Rose, beaming. ‘And I said grazie to Silvia for the juice.’
‘You’re a star! Come and sit down by Dolly to drink. Only don’t spill anything on her.’
Bea obeyed carefully. ‘Mummy, can I wear my party dress today?’
‘I’ve been meaning to ask about that,’ said Rose. ‘What do you want us to wear today, Dante?’
‘My women will look ravishing whatever they wear,’ he assured her.
‘Only if they’re wearing something appropriate and don’t feel out of place,’ Rose said tartly. ‘So are you wearing a suit?’
‘No, cara. Just ordinary clothes and one of my leather jackets.’