“I sat out here for a few minutes last night, struck by how calm I feel when I’m here. At peace, I suppose.”
“You were on holiday the first time. Maybe that’s why.”
I shook my head. “That’s nothing to do with it.”
Her eyelids drooped. “What is it, then?”
I took her hand and brought it to my lips. “It’s you, Pia. Always you.”
“I am not always calm. Or peaceful.”
“Is that a warning?”
She nodded and put her hands on her stomach. “I’ve been reading about having a baby. How it’s important to avoid stress.” She shook her head. “Impossibile.”
“That’s one of the reasons I’m here. I want to help.”
“How? Do you know how to run a winery? Make wine perhaps?”
I held up both my hands. “Absolutely not. The answer to both is no.”
She tapped her cheek with her index finger, similar to what my sister, Lily, often did. “You will work in the vineyards, then?”
“I don’t think your other workers would welcome me.”
“You would be a nice addition to the tasting room.”
“Would I?”
“Sì. The lady tourists would love you.”
“Even if I know little about wine?”
She laughed. “Especially if you don’t.”
“Do you know what I’d like to do more than anything else?”
She shook her head; I stood and rested my hands on her shoulders, gently working my fingers into her tight muscles.
“Mmm, that feels so good.”
“What I’d like to do more than anything else, is keep the stress away.”
“It comes from many different directions.”
“I’ll shield you, no matter the direction.” I leaned down and kissed the side of her neck, making her moan.
“Mylos?” She turned her head. Our lips were close enough that I could kiss her, but first, I wanted to hear what she had to say. “I’m afraid to believe,” she whispered.
“As the sun sets and then rises again, day after day, you’ll have more reasons to believe.”
“You’ll be here?”
“I will. I promise.” I didn’t make them lightly. Ever. I was too aware of my shortcomings, too aware of the commitments in my life. But being here for her, with her, was a promise I’d never break. Even if it meant leaving the rest of my life behind.
She put her hand on my bare chest. “You’re cold.”
“I wouldn’t be if you let me hold you.”