Dante's Unexpected Legacy(94)

                Rose gave a deep, relishing sigh. ‘I’ll be even happier if you—and Tom, of course—promise to come and stay with us as often as you can.’

                ‘I can safely promise that, especially when Charlotte’s baby arrives—I won’t be able to keep him away!’ Grace looked up at the house. ‘I’m so glad I’ve seen your beautiful home. I’ll be able to picture the three of you here.’

                Rose eyed her husband in surprise as he got up to rap a spoon on his glass.

                ‘Listen carefully, everyone, because I make my speech in English so Grace and Tom understand how happy I am to welcome them both here today and thank them for taking care of Bea these past two weeks.’ At the mention of her name Bea left her place between Chiara and Luca and went running to her father. He picked her up and kissed her in a way which brought tears to his mother’s eyes and to a few others round the table, notably Charlotte’s.

                ‘Hormones,’ she apologised, blowing her nose into the handkerchief Fabio had ready.

                ‘So now,’ continued Dante, ‘I wish to thank my mother-in-law for giving her daughter and her granddaughter into my keeping, also Tom, for taking such good care of Rose and Bea in the past.’

                To Rose’s surprise, Grace exchanged a look with Tom and got to her feet. ‘Thank you, Dante, and everyone here for giving us this wonderful welcome. I shall go home—’

                ‘Not yet, Grace,’ called Charlotte.

                ‘Not yet,’ agreed Grace, smiling, ‘but when I do I shall look back on today and feel happy because I know my girls are happy.’

                ‘Davvero,’ said Dante with feeling, and put his arm round Rose. ‘After the years apart, it is now time we live happily ever after!’

                ‘Like in my story book,’ said Bea with satisfaction, and Dante laughed as he set her down.

                ‘Only this is better because it is our story, yes?’

                ‘Much better,’ said Rose with feeling, and smiled all round to lighten the mood. ‘Now, then, Harriet’s made some gorgeous apple pies and I’ve made a very British trifle, so hands up. Who wants a dolce?’