Page 59 of A Very Italian Wedding
‘Rose.’ Ben turned suddenly as if he’d sensed she was standing there. He looked surprised, but his lips curved as he drew closer. ‘I was expecting Marco. I wanted to see what’s happening with the wedding.’ He glanced behind her. ‘Aurora told me he was walking around here. But I’m happy to see youinstead.’ He leaned down and kissed Rose’s cheek, surprising her because it felt so natural.
Rose couldn’t stop herself from beaming back. ‘She told me Luna was here too – I came looking for her,’ she blurted. ‘I keep calling her mobile, but she’s ignoring me and she wasn’t in her room this morning. But—’ She stopped and swallowed realising she’d been masking her feelings with words. Remembering what Aurora had said. ‘I’m happy to see you too.’
‘Ah.’ Ben smiled down at her. ‘That’s good to know. I think Aunt A sent us both here deliberately so we’d talk. She’s sneaky – or perhaps it’s Aldo, I really can’t tell anymore.’ His brown eyes warmed and Rose felt herself flush. ‘I will say I’m pleased we bumped into each other. I wanted to talk to you last night before we were interrupted.’
Rose braced herself. ‘It all happened so fast,’ she murmured. ‘I know you’re not looking for anything serious.’
Ben held up a palm. ‘Rose, I like you. Probably more than I should.’ He flexed his jaw looking anxious. ‘I’ve avoided having feelings for anyone since Sophia.’ He sighed. ‘But I’m beginning to realise I might want more.’
‘With me?’ Rose asked, more than a little shocked.
‘With you.’ He nodded, gazing at her intently. ‘It’s a lot to take in, I get that. Especially with all your rules, and I know it’s happening too fast. I’m guessing we’ve hopped to week seven or eight?’
More like six months.‘I like you too,’ Rose said stiffly. ‘I mean – more than I should and yes, it’s definitely happening too quickly, but—’ She swallowed as her mobile buzzed. ‘That’s Luna,’ she said, reading the screen. ‘She wants to meet me to talk. I’m sorry.’
Ben nodded before reaching out and linking their fingers, making Rose’s stomach turn over. ‘I am the best man and youare the maid of honour – so duty first is the right call. Shall we go now, and we can talk about this again later?’
Rose blew out a breath as she allowed herself to be led away from the lake towards the olive grove. The smell of ash grew stronger as they approached Isabella and Cesare’s tree. Ben stopped just before they passed and dropped Rose’s hand.
‘Is that—’ He went to kneel beside the charred remains. ‘A root?’ His voice rose with pleasure and surprise.
Rose went to crouch beside him and studied the tiny green shoot. ‘Looks like it,’ she said. ‘Does that mean it’s somehow reviving?’
‘Could be.’ Ben turned to smile at her. ‘Seems we’re witnessing a miracle – perhaps this might be what we need to help put the wedding back together. Will you talk to Isabella now?’
‘Okay.’ Rose shrugged as they both got up and took the hot, gravelly path leading towards Villa Paradise. In her experience, relationships didn’t mend that easily, and she had a gnawing suspicion that Marco’s grandparents’ problems might be about more than just a tree.
21
ROSE
‘Ben, can you talk?’ Marco yelled across the garden as they approached Villa Paradise holding hands. He gave Rose and then Ben a considering look as they drew closer. ‘Have you spoken to Luna today?’
‘Not yet.’ Rose shook her head, taking in Marco’s grey pallor, how morose he looked. It was obvious he was devastated that Luna had threatened to call off the wedding and from the look of him, nothing had changed. ‘She just texted. I’m about to meet her inside.’ She pointed towards the villa.
‘Thank the gods she’s still here.’ Marco looked relieved. ‘She slept in another bedroom last night,’ he muttered. ‘When I went to find her this morning, she and the dog were gone. I was afraid she might have left. I need to apologise,’ he said, turning in the direction of the house, but Ben placed a gentle arm on his shoulder and turned him back.
‘Not now…Let Rose speak to her first.’
Marco sighed but nodded. ‘I didn’t mean what I said, if she really wants to delay the wedding, well…’ He drifted off, clearly dismayed at the idea.
‘She was upset,’ Rose began.
Marco shrugged. ‘And I’ll do whatever I can to fix that. I’ll speak toNonna, see what I can do to get Luna’s mum here on time. Perhaps there’s a way to make the wedding happen?’ His eyes widened.
‘There could be. But there’s a lot to talk about first.’ She glanced towards the house again. Was her friend watching them now, waiting for her? ‘Let me find Luna while you both catch up. I’ll see if I can convince her to at least sit down and discuss things with you. Last night was probably a knee-jerk reaction, I’m hoping in the cold light of day she’ll reconsider.’
‘So you’ll convince her to go ahead with the wedding?’ Marco asked.
Rose grimaced. ‘I’ll get her to talk to you. I just want her to be happy; that’s all I’ve ever wanted.’ She wasn’t going to browbeat Luna into getting married – her friend had to make her own choices – but she’d make sure she’d fully considered her options. Remind her how strong her feelings for Marco were. The last couple of days with Ben had given Rose an insight into how wonderful caring for someone could be. Of course that was what she wanted for Luna too.
‘Do you think she’ll change her mind?’ Marco asked.
‘Luna was upset last night, unwilling to talk,’ Rose said, still surprised her friend hadn’t answered any of her messages. ‘Now she’s had a chance to sleep on it, she’ll be in a better headspace. If she wants to go ahead, I’ll do what I can to remove any obstacles. If she wants to marry you, I’ll be a hundred per cent behind it.’
‘Thank you for talking to her, for not telling her I’m an unworthy idiot and that she should back out,’ Marco said, his shoulders relaxing a notch. ‘I mean it.’ Then he turned his attention back to Ben. ‘Shall we sit in the garden?’ he asked, tipping his head towards the villa. ‘In our usual spot?’
‘Later.’ Ben gave Rose a quick wink before they both walked around the side of the house.
