“No, I’ll hire someone for you. Not unless you have a person in mind.”
“There is a man named Gary Hitchingham. He’s a local farmer who couldn’t afford to keep his family fed. He works three minimum wage jobs to support his wife and four children. They barely scrape by. I’m afraid he wouldn’t make much money working at the bar.”
“He will indeed make money, and so will you. Give me his number and I’ll offer him the job. You’ll definitely live comfortably while we build up that land. Everyone in the Giordano family is taken care of. That includes you.”
“I don’t understand this, really. You and Katherine are only dating, and yet you and your father consider me family.”
“Trust me, Andy. In our hearts, you’re family. But Katherine and I have to get going. My father is waiting for us in Nashville. We’ll call you soon to check on you, and if any problems arise or you aren’t getting the attention you should be given in here, we’ll be on our way back in a flash.”
“Katherine, you need to marry this man. He has a good heart.”
Daniel looked at Katherine’s face as she blushed. That's exactly what he had in mind.
Chapter 16
When Francesco saw his son’s face, the look in his eyes, he knew it was because of Katherine. Their love for each other was never hidden, and he was happy to finally see his son have his heart belong to someone.
When the jet took off, they discussed the plans for the land, and he even told them about his engagement to Rosie. They wanted to have a wedding on Christmas day because he felt like that would be the greatest gift to one another. They planned it for next year, and Rosie was excited to make her own dress. He asked Daniel to be his best man.
“Father, I’d be honored! I’m so happy for the both of you, and I absolutely love Rosie.”
“So do I, Daniel, so do I. Katherine, I'm so happy you're coming back to New York with us. Remember that you have to make yourself at home. There are no strangers under my roof." He reached over and squeezed Katherine's hand.
Katherine couldn’t help but feel the huge amount of love that was around, within, and for her. When the conversations had quieted down and Francesco closed his eyes, Katherine put the headphones on and chose a music selection. First, she started out humming as she closed her own eyes. Without even thinking about it, Katherine started to sing.
Francesco quickly opened his eyes in amazement. Daniel was falling in love even more. They listened to her gorgeous voice singing without music, at least none that they could hear, with complete perfection.
Francesco stared at his son. Daniel nodded and his smile widened. He looked at his father as he gladly accepted this beautiful nourishment for his soul.
“Canti come un angelo!!” Francesco exclaimed, much louder than he wanted to. He sat straight up and stared at Katherine with his eyes wide and mouth open.
Katherine stopped singing and removed the headphones. Daniel sighed heavily.
“I’m sorry, Francesco, I didn’t hear you. Did I do something wrong? You two are staring at me.” Katherine began to get uncomfortable. Maybe she did something outside of proper etiquette, but Daniel was very laid back. She didn’t understand.
“My father said, ‘You sing like an angel.’ I could listen to you sing forever.”
Katherine blushed and turned the music off. “I’m sorry, sometimes I sing and I don’t even realize it. I didn’t mean to wake you up, Francesco. I know you were trying to rest.”
“Rest?! Katherine, your voice is incredible!”
“I owe Daniel only twelve more songs then!” Katherine laughed.
“I hired a recording studio called Blue Nights, in Manhattan. Someday I’d hoped to get her in there, but I know she’s not going to go. I won’t even bother to book a date.” Daniel laughed and held Katherine close to him.
When the limo drove up to the estate, Katherine gasped. “You live here?”
“Well so do you, so don’t say anything bad about us to the neighbors,” said Daniel jokingly.
“The horses! They’re here!” Katherine remembered them with fondness.
“Yes, this was a surprise for Rosie, from my father. You can visit them anytime you’d like. They’re such sweet horses.”
“I asked Rosie to marry me right there in that stable. I got down on one knee and surprised her with a ring.”
“You got down on one knee?” Daniel was quite impressed.
“Well, I had a little bit of help from the post, but it was harder getting up. I’d do anything for her though.” Francesco looked at the stable post and smiled. “Soon, it’s your turn, Daniel. Don’t waste time.”