How To Propose To A Princess (The Princess Brides 3)
“Only until she tells her parents. But the point is, I decided to take your sage advice about weighing my decision. That’s why I want Fausta to be my wife first. Together we’ll choose whether to stay in Domodossola or leave for La Valazzura when the time comes.”
“Bravo, figlio mio.”
“Once again you’re saving my life, Enzo.”
“You saved mine the day I interviewed you at the farm. Pippa and I decided you’d been sent to us in our grandson’s place.”
Nico’s throat swelled with so much emotion he couldn’t talk.
“It will be our joy to see you married to the adorable Fausta. Knowing what I do about her, she’ll make the kind of loving companion Pippa has always been to me.”
When Nico could find the words, he said, “I couldn’t ask for more than that. Ci vediamo domani.”
* * *
At five to six the next morning, Fausta came out of the palace doors carrying her purse. Nico was already there. She climbed in his car, wearing jeans and a soft pink cotton top with short sleeves. His piercing dark eyes devoured her before he drove away. “How did you sleep?”
“I’ve been so excited, I couldn’t.”
“You look fabulous anyway.”
She laughed. “Thank you. I’m glad you like my wedding dress. It’s a Fausta original.”
A grin broke out on his handsome face. “I’ve got food and coffee in the back seat when you’re ready to eat.”
“Goody! I’m hungry now. I’ll feed both of us.”
“I was hoping you’d say that.”
Fausta reached around and put the sack and thermos in her lap. “You’re going to make the most satisfactory husband on earth.”
“Tell me that again in fifty years and I’ll believe you.” His gaze darted to her hand. “Where’s your ring?”
“In my purse.”
“I’ll need it to put on your finger during the ceremony.”
A small moan escaped. “I don’t have one for you yet. I wanted to ask Lanza for help but didn’t dare.” She took it out of her purse. He put it in his breast pocket.
“Don’t worry. Enzo will find something for you to give me.”
Fausta poured coffee in the cup and handed it to him. She couldn’t stop staring at her breathtaking fiancé. He smelled wonderful as always. Today he wore a tan jacket covering a button-up white shirt and dark trousers.
“What did Enzo say when you called him?”
“He and Pippa are overjoyed with our news.”
“They don’t think we’re crazy?”
He smiled. “I didn’t say that, but they’re happy for us.”
“I hope he doesn’t tell Lorenzo.”
“He won’t, but let’s not forget you came to my apartment last evening. Your parents couldn’t be happy about it since it was your second visit to enemy territory. This evening after work you’ll be driving to my apartment again. I wouldn’t be surprised if they send security to my door.”
Fausta handed him a ham-filled croissant and took one for herself. “Then we’ll phone the parents tonight and give them our glorious news. That is if our bodyguards haven’t caught on to our devious scheme before then.”
“Who knows?” After they’d eaten, he put a hand on her arm. “Any regrets?”