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  She wanted to believe him, but reality reared its head. She couldn’t see any way she and Alex could be together.

  He kissed her, deeply, tenderly. She clung to him. Their lovemaking was slow, gentle, and tinged with melancholy.

  *****

  Later, her stomach heavy as if a rock had settled there, Cat entered her family’s villa. Her father waited in the living room, pacing.

  “Hello, Dad.”

  “We need to talk, Caitlyn.”

  Her shoulders sagged. “Okay. Come up to my room.”

  When they entered her room, she closed the door and leaned against it, facing her father. His skin was ashen under his tan.

  “Are you okay, Dad? You look sick.”

  He raked a hand through his thick gray hair. “I’m not physically ill.”

  “Let’s go onto my patio. I think we can both use the fresh air.” She took a seat at the white iron table. Her father leaned against the railing and met her gaze.

  “Do you love Viteli?” he asked.

  “Yes.”

  “He could go to prison.”

  She blew out a breath. “I know, but I believe in him. I think he’ll be cleared. Alex is an honorable man.”

  “I don’t want you hurt.”

  “You never seemed to care about me before.” The words spilled out.

  Her father flinched as if she’d hit him. “I deserve that.” He scrubbed a hand over his face. With a heavy sigh, he dropped his hands to his sides. “I’ve always known Nolan and her daughters treated you badly.”

  Cat gripped the sides of her chair. “Why didn’t you stop them?”

  “Because I’m a weak excuse for a man. I made a terrible mistake when I betrayed your mother. I’ve suffered for it every day since. Through my own arrogance, I lost the only woman I ever loved. My guilt has been so encompassing that looking at you is a reminder of what a fool I’ve been. So I ignored you and used alcohol to forget. I broke your mother’s heart and I let you down.”

  “All I ever wanted was your love.” Tears burned her throat but she refused to cry. She’d done enough crying today. Her father had broken her heart too.

  In two strides, he knelt before her, taking her hand in his. “You have my love. You’ve always had it. Can you forgive me, Caitlyn?”

  She curled her free hand into a ball to stop herself from touching his face. “I need time, Dad. A lot of years and a lot of heartbreak stand between us.”

  With a defeated sigh, he released her hand and stood. “I get it. I’ll work hard to earn your respect if not your love.” His eyes searched hers. “Be careful with Viteli. If you need someone to talk to, I’m here.”

  “Thank you, Dad.”

  With a last, tortured look, he walked out. Regret for the lost years and hope for the future made Cat’s tears flow freely.

  Not wanting to see the others, Cat took her dinner in her room then packed. She stacked the clothes Bailey had destroyed in a bundle on the floor. All her hard-earned money, all those beautiful clothes gone. And for what? Clothes weren’t important. Love and trust and respect were. Maybe she’d have that someday with her father.

  Alex already had her trust, her respect, and her heart.

  Packing done, she was dressing for bed when her phone rang. Seeing Alex’s number, her fingers fumbled as she connected the call.

  “Alex.” Her voice was breathy.

  “I have good news. I’ve been cleared.”

  The elation in his voice sent shivers of happiness up her spine. “That’s wonderful! I knew it! I knew you’d be cleared.” She sank onto her vanity stool.

  “The judicial panel reviewed the records and dismissed the case for lack of evidence,” he continued. “The judge called my lawyer personally this morning to tell him. My lawyer drove down here to give me the news. The authorities are initiating an investigation of my uncle and cousin for presenting false statements.”

  “Alex, I’m so happy for you.”

  “You always believed in me, Cat. I will never forget that.”

  Her chest tightened and her limbs felt heavy. Alex’s words sounded like goodbye. “What happens now? With you and with us?” She had to ask the question, but she dreaded the answer.

  “Cat.” His voice had softened. “I love you and we will be together. I promise. Right now, I must leave for Rome.”

  She heard a man’s voice in the background.

  “My lawyer is telling me the ferry to Naples is ready to leave. We have a long drive from there to Rome. I will call you every day, my beautiful Cat. Please have faith in me. I love you.”

  “I love you too.”

  Cat ended the call, threw the phone on the bed, flopped down onto the white comforter, and let the tears come again. Her happiness for Alex mixed with fear, churning an anxious brew in her stomach. He said he loved her, and she believed him. He’d needed her when things had looked dark. Now that he had his life back, maybe he would no longer need her. Or love her.

  CHAPTER FIFTEEN

  “Stir the gravy gently, like this, Yvette. It won’t be lumpy.” Cat took the wooden spoon from the young cook and demonstrated the correct way to blend the distinct gravy that would go on the pork loin, a specialty of Vault. Taking a small spoon, she ladled out some of the gravy and tasted it. “Very good.”

  The young cook beamed and took over the stirring duties. “Thanks, chef.”

  Cat focused her attention on the braised veal, putting on the finishing touches before the server brought it to the customer. She wiped sweat from her forehead with a towel. She never got tired of being called “chef.” Although the celebrated Bobbie St. James ran the kitchen, Cat held the position of his top sous chef. Across the busy, noisy room, Bobbie consulted with one of the young cooks.

  Cat had left Italy and Alex one month ago. Her fears that distance and the end of Alex’s legal troubles would undermine their fledgling relationship lessened with the daily calls and texts they shared. He always called to say good morning as her day was starting and his was drawing to a close. He ended each call with, “I love you.” Whenever she heard his voice, ecstasy bubbled up in her, tempered by sadness because she missed him so much. Their time apart made her love him more, and appreciate him more. He’d earned her respect too with the hard work and long hours he put in sorting out the mess his uncle and cousin had made to his company.

  Cat understood about dedication to a career. She worked long, sometimes grueling, hours at the restaurant. The work filled her days, and her nights were filled with dreams of Alex, his smile, his laugh, his kindness, his sensuality.

  Fighting waves of loneliness for him, she gripped the edge of the counter. She hadn’t heard from Alex in two days, despite sending him several texts. The comforting aromas of onion, garlic, oregano, veal, and pork that enveloped her failed to take a bite out of the worry that ate at her. She inhaled sharply, breathing in the lime and basil of the perfume Alex had bought her on Capri. Wanting to make it last, she wore it sparingly. This morning, as she got ready for work, missing Alex fiercely, she put on the perfume as if it could bring him closer.

  The Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays were approaching, the restaurant’s busiest season. After the holidays, they would close for two weeks for some minor renovations. This morning, Cat decided she’d go to Italy during the break. She had to see Alex. If only he’d call to reassure her everything was okay.

  The clatter of broken dishes shattered her thoughts. The murmurs of conversation in the kitchen died as all eyes focused on the red-faced busboy who’d dropped a tray loaded with dirty dishes. Cat hurried over to reassure the poor kid while one of the prep guys grabbed a broom.

  The temporary crisis over, Cat pulled a salmon filet from the refrigerator. As she set it on the prep counter, Edward, the maître’d, rushed in.

  “Cat, there’s someone here to see you,” he said.

  “See me? Does he have a question about his meal? I’ve got to prepare this salmon.”

  Edward shook his head. �
�He didn’t eat here. Just now walked in.”

  She glanced over at Bobbie. “Go ahead, Cat,” he said. “I’ll get one of the other sous chefs to take over.”

  In front of the door, she slipped off her skull cap, loosened her hair from its low knot and raked her fingers through it, letting it fall over her shoulders. Smoothing the chef’s jacket she wore over her skirt and sweater, she went through the swinging doors into the dining room.

  And froze. Her legs as wobbly as watery gelatin, she backed up against the wall as her heart beat a wild staccato.

  Alex, holding a large bouquet of red roses, stood across the room. Dressed all in black—black jeans, black turtleneck sweater, black leather jacket, his dark blond hair brushing against the collar of his sweater—he looked like a tasty dessert she wanted to devour.

  His gaze never leaving hers, he walked slowly across the room and handed her the roses. “For you, my beautiful Cat.”

  With shaking hands, she accepted the flowers and buried her nose in them. Taking a moment for her mind to settle, she inhaled their sweetness. She lifted her gaze to his. “Alex. You’re here.” Way to state the obvious, Cat.

  “I couldn’t stay away.”

  Cat set the flowers on the bussing table near the door and walked into Alex’s arms, clinging to him, afraid if she let go she’d realize he’d been an apparition conjured up by her loneliness.

  He pressed her close and stroked a hand down her hair. “Cat. Cat.” His husky voice, filled with yearning, warmed her like rich Italian coffee.

  Finally, he pulled away and cupped her face between his hands to look deeply into her eyes. “I must talk to you.”

  Her breath caught at the serious tone of his voice. He wouldn’t have come all this way to break up with her. “I don’t get off work for hours yet.”

  Someone nearby cleared his throat. Behind her, Edward hovered.

  “Bobbie says take as much time as you want with your friend,” Edward said.

  “Tell him thanks.” Cat grabbed Alex’s arm and tugged him to a small empty table in the corner. In a poor location, the table was occupied only when the rest were filled.

  When they sat down, Alex grasped her hand over the table. “Cat, you are molto bellisima.”

  “So are you.”

  He threw back his head and laughed. “I have always loved your American honesty.”

  She narrowed her eyes and tilted her head in mock outrage. “Talking about honesty, why didn’t you tell me you were coming? I could have been prepared and at least taken off my chef’s coat. You haven’t called in two days. I was worried.”

  “Clothes mean nothing. You are beautiful no matter what you wear.” A wicked gleam in his eyes, he added, “Or don’t wear.”

  “You’re sweet.” She grinned. “And sexy. You always know the right thing to say.”

  “I would like to be very sweet and sexy with you every day and night.” He released her hand. “I didn’t mean to worry you. I have been especially busy these last few days, tying up things at the company and preparing for this trip.” With a tender smile, he continued, “I was afraid if I spoke with you on the phone, I’d tell you I was coming here. What I need to say, I must do in person.”

  Cat put a hand over her stomach, pressing to stop its trembling. “What do you have to say—?”

  A waiter carrying a bottle of champagne and two glasses interrupted. “The staff sent this over.”

  When he’d filled their glasses and left, Alex raised his. “To my lovely Cat.”

  She touched his glass with hers, sipped, then set down her glass. “Alex, what is so important you had to tell me in person? And how were you able to get away from your work?”

  “The company is in the very capable hands of my cousin Vincenzo.” He leaned closer. “I have a surprise for you.”

  At the happy glint in his eyes, hope rose in her. “Surprise?”

  With a satisfied smile, he leaned back and wrapped his fingers around the stem of his champagne flute. “With Vincenzo’s help, things are coming along at the company better than I’d hoped. Most of my family has forgiven me for calling the authorities when I found out what Uncle Giuseppe and cousin Camillo were doing. The Italian press has been kind and my father’s good name is almost fully restored.”

  “Alex, that’s wonderful news.”

  “There’s more.”

  “What else?”

  “I’m selling my shares in the company to Vincenzo. He’ll build it up to what it once was.”

  Cat sat straighter and touched Alex’s forearm. “Are you all right with that? You sacrificed a lot for your company.”

  “To continue to run it would mean I would have to stay in Italy. I know how much your career and this restaurant mean to you. You worked hard and I can’t ask you to give that up.” He placed his hand over hers where it rested on his arm. “If I have to sell my company to spend my life with you, that’s a small sacrifice. Without you, my life is dark and without meaning. With you so far away, I realized how much I need you and love you.”

  Her breath came in small gasps. “What-what are you saying?”

  “I am moving to San Francisco. A financial company here has been trying to get me to work for them. I’ve accepted their latest offer.”

  When she didn’t speak, he frowned. “Maybe you no longer want to be with me.”

  The shock that had frozen her voice melted. “Oh. My. God. Alex, I love you so much. You’d do this for me?”

  “Of course. Why wouldn’t I sacrifice to be with the woman I love?” He slipped a hand into his jacket pocket and pulled out a small jewel box.

  Cat forgot to breathe.

  He slid off the chair and knelt on one knee on the floor in front of her. “Caitlyn Megan Connors, will you marry me?” He opened the box. Inside, on black velvet, rested a marquis-cut diamond ring. The facets of the large gem sparkled in the overhead lights. “It was my grandmother’s. I would be honored if you would wear it.”

  Tears streamed down Cat’s face. “Yes, of course I’ll marry you. Yes!”

  Clapping broke out in the restaurant.

  Alex took her hand to help her stand. He slid the ring onto her finger. It fit perfectly.

  She threw herself into his arms. With her right arm around his waist, she held her left hand out, admiring the ring. “I love it! How did you know my size, and how did you know my middle name?”

  “I called your mother.”

  “My mother?”

  “I had to get her permission to marry you. She’s here.” He nodded toward the door where Molly Connors, her face tear-streaked, waited.

  Molly ran across the room as the guests and wait staff clapped and cheered. The two women embraced. Alex hugged both women.

  A beaming Edward came over. “We have a table reserved for you. Bobbie has prepared a special meal to celebrate.”

  Cat’s eyes met Alex’s. “You arranged all this?”

  “But of course.”

  Holding onto his arm, she said, “It seems like a celebration is in order.”

  His eyes softened. “I will celebrate every day you are mine, Cat.”

  She’d not only found her true self on Capri. She’d found a true love to last a lifetime.

  EPILOGUE

  Capri, ten months later

  Canon in D by Pachelbel, performed by a cellist, filled the small mountaintop church. Guests, seated in their pews, fidgeted, waiting for the ceremony to start.

  Cat, flanked by her parents, stood in the vestibule of the church.

  “Ready?” Molly Connors said to her daughter.

  Cat’s hands holding her wedding bouquet shook. “As ready as I’ll ever be.”

  “You’re the most beautiful bride I’ve ever seen, with the exception of your mother,” her dad said. Tears rimmed his eyes.

  Her parents each threaded their arms through hers, preparing to walk her down the aisle.

  A soprano from one of Italy’s top opera houses took her place in the front next to
the cellist. Alex and his cousin Vincenzo, his best man, entered from the side and stood next to the priest at the altar. The guests quieted now, excitement in the church palpable.

  Cat’s gaze met Alex’s across the expanse. The happiness that surged through her made her heart drum against her chest and echo in her ears. She held the bouquet tighter, fighting the temptation to fling it aside and run down the aisle to jump into Alex’s arms. As if he read her mind, he winked.

  The soprano, accompanied by the cellist, began singing the soaring strains of Schubert’s Ave Verum.

  Arm-in-arm, Cat and her parents walked down the white-carpeted aisle. Cat barely noticed the others in the pews. She had eyes only for her handsome groom. The custom-made tux enhanced his wide shoulders and broad chest. His dark-blond hair was slicked back, emphasizing his high cheekbones and full lips. But it was the love shining from his hazel eyes that made her breath catch and her feet falter.

  At the altar, her parents stepped aside. Her dad took his place in the first pew, and her mother stood next to Cat as her matron of honor.

  “Cat,” Alex whispered, as he took her hand. “Molto bella.” Together, they turned to the priest.

  Her mind in a blur, the priest’s voice barely registered. Then came time to recite their vows, vows Cat and Alex had written together. She handed her bouquet to her mother.

  Holding hands, Cat and Alex faced each other. Her gaze never leaving his, Cat began, “Alex, you are my heart, my life, my soul. You make me happy. You make me laugh and smile. The day I stepped onto this island and met you, my life changed. You’ve opened a new world of love to me. You’re my rock, the man whose face I want to see each morning and whose lips I crave each night. I want to have your children, grow old with you, and tell you every day how much you mean to me. Will you brighten my days forever?”

  Beside her, her mother sniffed.

  “Cat, the day I saw you walking along La Piazetta, sweet and filled with life, I lost my heart to you. You are beautiful inside and out. Fate brought us together to laugh and smile and build a life. You are the person I want to share everything with. I will spend every day making you as happy as you’ve made me. I will cherish you and the children we will have. We will brighten each other’s days forever. Will you take my ring as a pledge of our love? You already have my heart.”