The Princess's New Year Wedding (The Princess Brides 1)

“Donetta said it was because I didn’t have a backbone.”

His eyes narrowed on her mouth. “Donetta doesn’t have a clue who you are.”

Neither did Lanza, but being married to Stefano had thrust her into a whole new realm of existence. She was praying for this marriage to work. At the moment she appreciated him for being forthright. She could live with that when he was around, which wouldn’t be that often.

While she was deep in thought she heard a little yip. For a while she’d forgotten about the fox. “Sounds like he wants attention.” She got up from the table to give Fausto a few bits of her steak. “Uh-oh. You’re out of food again.”

Stefano pushed himself away from the table and stood up. “I’ll fix him some more muesli and apple bits. Tomorrow I’m taking him to the tree and leaving him. He’s too dependent on us already.”

“I hope he has family close. What will he do if he finds himself alone?”

“Survive like all of his species.”

“I want to believe you.”

* * *

The tremor in Lanza’s voice found its way to Stefano’s heart. So did the concerns she’d voiced for fear of scandal from his past that could hurt them. More than ever he needed to do everything he could to reassure her he meant them to enjoy a loving, wonderful marriage.

After he’d prepared more food for Fausto, he did the dishes with her. When it came to the dumplings pan, he finished what was left before putting it in the dishwasher and saved one for later. “They’re better than dessert,” he quipped when he caught her smiling at him. Soon their work was done. She blew out the candles.

Now that darkness had crept over the mountains, Lanza went back into the living room. She spread a blanket on the floor by the box and sat next to it so she could see inside.

He walked over to the breakfront and reached for a deck of cards. “How about a game?” he asked and found a spot next to her.

She took a look at them. “Judging by how well-worn they are, I don’t know that I dare play with you.”

“Just a few hands of Scopa.”

Lanza flashed him a mischievous smile. “Do your best.”

He dealt three cards and the game began. The idea was to sweep the board and take tricks until you accrued eleven points. Right away she started to outplay him and he knew he was confronting an expert. For the next hour they were fully engaged and he’d never had so much fun in his life.

“You play like an old salt. Who taught you?”

“The head gardener’s father, Duccio. He was in the merchant marines and was an invalid with a bad leg. After his wife died, I used to go to their cottage on the estate with a treat for him and he’d teach me to play all sorts of card games.

“Being with Duccio made me realize the plight of the disabled navy men who ought to have more health care and financial help after serving their country.”

Stefano flicked her a glance. “I don’t know who was more brilliant, the teacher or the pupil. You’ll have to introduce me.”

“I can’t.” A somber expression broke out on her face. “Duccio died last year.”

“I’m sorry.”

“So am I. He was a good friend who could tell the most amazing tales and kept me mesmerized.”

No doubt she’d brought sunshine into his life. “Is his son a cardsharp, too?”

“No. Antonio says they’re a waste of time when there’s a world of growing things to cultivate and provide beauty.”

Her imitation of his words and the way he said them made Stefano laugh. The sound brought Fausto’s head up.

“Oh, he’s so adorable,” she crooned.

Fausto wasn’t the only adorable creature in the living room. “You’ve made a friend, Lanza.”

“I know. It’s got me worried.”