Within an hour the fox had turned over on its own and was eating and drinking.
“By morning we might be able to put him outside the chalet with more food and water and see what he does. If he seems fit, I’ll carry him back to that tree where we found him so he can find his way home.”
“I’ll help you because I know it’s the right thing to do, but I’d love to keep him for a pet.” Her eyes focused on the fox. “He’s so sweet. I hope Enzo doesn’t come for a long time. That way I can keep an eye on Fausto and know he’s going to be all right until we have to go.”
It was getting late. Instinct told him Enzo wouldn’t be coming tonight. “If you want to go to bed, I’ll stay up with the fox for a while.”
She turned her head toward him. “I was going to say the same thing. I know you always have mining business to take care of and we’ve got internet now because of the generator. I’ll stay right here by the fire a few more minutes so he knows he’s not alone.”
Stefano had a feeling she knew how attracted he was to her and wanted to kiss her, but he decided not to press it yet. “Then I’ll say good-night and see you in the morning.” He leaned over to kiss her cheek. “Buona notte, Lanza.”
He got up from the floor and headed for his bedroom. The first thing he did was shower and get ready for bed in his navy sweats. Anything to take his mind off his delectable wife sitting in the firelight.
Next, he went over to his desk and discovered that Enzo had just sent him an email.
Stefano, a major blizzard has hit the area and thousands are without power. Including me until I could start up our generator. Worse, there was an avalanche that has covered the road two miles south of you. It could be close to a week before it’s passable again because there are too many other areas in much more need of help. I’ll come as soon as I can. If you need help before then, I can notify your father to send a helicopter for you. Please advise.
He took a deep breath before responding. In his gut he knew Lanza didn’t want to be rescued and not just because of the fox.
Enzo. Thank you, but there’s no reason for urgency. Don’t tell anyone where we are. Let me know your schedule when you know more. S.
While he waited to hear back, he left his bedroom to tell Lanza the news.
The sight before his eyes caused him to stop in his tracks. Her lovely body lay on its side by the box sound asleep. She had an angelic look in profile. The lambent flames from the fire brought out the strands of reddish gold in her luxurious chestnut hair. Stefano had the desire to run his hands through it.
Much as he’d like to lie down next to her, he didn’t dare for too many reasons to consider. He could try to wake her up, but she probably wouldn’t appreciate being disturbed. The news from Enzo could wait till morning. On impulse, he left to get a blanket for her and turn down the fire.
The fox had been curled up, but immediately lifted its head when Stefano drew near to cover her. Who was guarding whom? A smile broke the corner of his mouth before he stole back to his room for the rest of the night.
In case she needed him, he left his door open and went to bed. But he didn’t sleep well because he kept listening for any sounds from her or the fox. When morning came he got dressed and shaved, eager to find out what was going on in the living room.
He found Lanza on her knees once more, hand-feeding some bits of apple to their patient with all the joy of a child at the zoo. She saw Stefano out of the corner of her eye.
“I thought you’d sleep longer.”
“I couldn’t until I knew how you got on. We have news, Lanza. Enzo sent me an email late last night. The storm knocked out the electricity and triggered an avalanche farther down the mountain. There are so many other regions needing emergency assistance, he’s heard it might be a week before the road is cleared. He’ll come to get us as soon as he can, but we might have a long wait.”
Her smile widened, telling him everything he wanted to know. “Thank you for the blanket you threw over me. Because of it I had a wonderful sleep.”
“That’s good. I’ll get Fausto some more food and water.” He reached for the empty bowls and went to the kitchen. After replenishing the dishes, he brought them back to the box.
“Look how hungry he is!” she cried.
He nodded. “The ham didn’t bother him. Now it’s time I fixed our own breakfast.”
Stefano went back to the kitchen to make scrambled eggs and bacon. She came in to fix the coffee and toast. In a few minutes they sat down to eat at the dining room table.
“I’ll admit I’m glad we’ve been given more time to stay here.”
“Me, too,” he murmured. She had no idea. “We have a lot to talk about. I’ve wanted to explain the reason I didn’t come to visit you this past year.”
She lifted searching eyes to him. “Why didn’t you?”
“I knew you were trying to get over Alberto’s death. So was I. Though we agreed to get married and please our parents, I felt like you and I needed the past year apart to sort out our feelings before meeting again. I was half-afraid that seeing me before the wedding would have made you run the other way.”
“By now you know that’s not true,” she laughed gently.
“But I was wrong to stay away.”