The Italian's Unexpected Heir

“But contained,” Gia added.

“And the vineyard, was it spared?”

The sisters’ expressions creased with worry lines.

“We haven’t heard from any of the men,” Bianca said. “But they should be back soon.”

“And the evacuation order has been lifted so everyone is packing to head back home,” Gia said. “Except for us. We’ve talked it over and we’re sticking around for a while.”

“I’m sure Enzo will appreciate it.” Sylvie’s thoughts turned to Enzo, wondering if she should leave before he returned. “I know he’s missed both of you.”

Bianca glanced down at her clasped hands. “Yeah, we really messed up forgetting his birthday.”

“It won’t happen again,” Gia said emphatically. “We added it to our calendars on our phones.”

“No matter where we are, we’ll always remember,” Bianca said.

Sylvie nodded in understanding. “Well, now that everything is under control and you two are sticking around, I should go pack.”

“You’re leaving?” both sisters asked in unison.

Sylvie lowered her gaze and nodded. “I need to get back to Florence.”

“Stay,” the sisters said at once.

To be a part of this family would be like a dream come true, and it had nothing to do with their vast wealth or Bianca’s becoming a real-life princess or Gia’s living on a romantic island in the Mediterranean or the way Enzo cared for his sisters like some mother hen. No, it had everything to do with the love that abounded among the three siblings, keeping them together through their parents’ deaths, through a strange codicil to their will and through the discovery of an earthshattering secret. To be a part of a love that strong is something most people could only dream of.

Gia moved to Sylvie’s side and put her arm around her. “What’s wrong?”

“What?” Sylvie had been so deep in her thoughts that she hadn’t realized her distress had shown on her face.

“You’re crying.” Bianca’s eyes displayed concern.

Sylvie pressed her fingertips to her cheeks, feeling the dampness. She swiped away the tears. These pregnancy hormones had her crying at the drop of a hat. “It’s nothing.”

“Enzo might believe that line, but we don’t.” Bianca crossed her arms as though letting her know she meant business. “Talk to us. Is it our brother? Has he upset you?”

Maybe she should tell them. After all, they were the baby’s aunts. The urge to confess swelled within her until it was a loud roar in her ears.

“I’m pregnant with Enzo’s baby.” The words just came tumbling out.

Both women’s mouths opened and for a moment no words came. They looked at each other. And then their attention returned to Sylvie.

After a moment Bianca pressed her lips together as though she was gathering her thoughts. “Does Enzo know?”

Sylvie nodded. “It was a shock for both of us.”

“And what did he say?”

“Not a lot at first. Then he said he was calling off the sale of the estate. I told him not to. The baby wasn’t reason enough to change his mind—to remain someplace he doesn’t want to be. I don’t want him blaming me or the baby for his having to stay here.”

“He wouldn’t do that,” Bianca said.

“I never believed that he wanted to leave here,” Gia said. “When we were kids all he talked about was one day running the vineyard just like Papá.”

“Do you love our brother?” Bianca asked.

Without hesitation, Sylvie said, “Yes.”