Page 109 of His to Have
“You ’bout ready to head back to the villa?” I asked, already reaching for the linen bundle she’d set down, collecting her purchases so her hands would be free for the flowers.
While most of her bruising was gone, there was still slight discomfort lingering near her hip. She would never mention it, but I could see the way she still favored her left side, being careful with each step.
She shifted her weight slightly, adjusting the flowers in her hand while glancing around the market. “After we stop by there.”
Her finger extended toward what looked like a local specialty shop. I followed her gaze, taking in the warm wooden sign hanging slightly crooked above the door where baskets full of handcrafted lotions and bath salts were stacked along the entrance.
I smiled, then nodded. “Lead the way.” I shifted the bags to my other arm, keeping one hand free so I could take hers and thread my fingers through.
After tossing a quick thank you over her shoulder to the older lady, we made our way down the cobblestone roads and to the rustic shop. The path took us through the narrow streets that were busy, filled with locals and some tourists exploring the colorful stalls, and fresh produce stands. Freshly baked bread, and cookies filled the air while we walked hand in hand across the short walkway. Yanna looked around, letting out a satisfied sigh before turning her gaze towards me.
Her expression was curious when she asked, “How come I didn’t know you visited Italy so often? I mean, obviously I knew you were half Italian. So, I shouldn’t be surprised, but I kind of am.”
My eyebrows raised, a little surprised by her question. I suppose I always assumed she knew how often my familytraveled back home. It never crossed my mind to talk about my time spent with relatives she didn’t know.
“I guess I always thought you knew. But when we were kids, I was too busy trying to get your attention to talk about my family in Italy.” I chuckled, thinking about twelve-year-old me harassing a young Yanna because I thought she was so pretty.
It was kid shit.
By the time puberty hit and the trips actually started meaning something to me, I was even more smitten with her. Yeah, Italy and family were important, but so were girls, and by that time, making a name for myself. My priorities back then didn’t include sharing stories about my heritage. Becoming the Teo Donatelli and impressing girls —especially her — were all I could think about.
She laughed, squeezing my hand. “Right... because you were too busy finding ways to annoy me.”
I let out a loud laugh. “Annoy?”
“Yes, Teo, annoy. You were a little terror,” she giggled with that playful glint in her eyes. “But, I’ll admit… I liked it. You were cute.” She shrugged and the corners of my lips twitched.
“Anyway,” I said as we approached the rustic shop. “We would visit here about two or three times a year. Sometimes with my grandparents, others with just me and my parents. They were big on me learning where we came from, learning the language, and the culture. Eventually, I started coming on my own. Bought a small villa where I can escape. And you know…”
“That makes sense. Your family’s always been big on tradition.”
“This town especially.” I gestured around us as we paused outside the shop. “It’s small, family-oriented. Here, we’re just... us. Not the big bad Donatelli organization. Just people.” I paused. “That’s what I want for our kids too, knowing both sides — your roots and mine.”
She stopped walking completely, turning to look directly at me. “Our kids,” she repeated quietly, like she was testing how the words sounded.
“Yeah,” I said, stepping closer. “Is that something you want?”
Her eyes searched mine for a long moment. It wasn’t something we’ve discussed, but I knew her stance on children. She wanted them. I just hoped she wanted them with me.
“We can have that?”
“With me, you can have everything, Amore.”
Her smile was soft, almost shy when she nodded. “I want babies that look like you. That have your eyes.” She paused. “I want everything with you.”
Those words settled somewhere deep in my chest. We stood there for a beat, just looking at each other, before I opened the shop door.
Strong gusts of lavender and rosemary greeted us as we stepped inside, the soothing scents filling our lungs.
“It smells fantastic in here.” Yanna closed her eyes momentarily, breathing in the blend of herbs and oils before scanning the shop with obvious enthusiasm. “Back here. Come on.”
Without waiting for a response, she pulled me deeper into the shop picking up bath soaps, salts, and oils along the way. Once we made it to the shelf with the candles, she picked one up and brought it to her nose.
“Ohh... this one smells like the ocean.” She inhaled again, before shoving it playfully under my nose. “Right?”
I agreed, catching the fresh, salty scent that instantly reminded me of my family summer getaways.
“You know what would be perfect?”
