Page 54 of Third Crime's A Charm
“I regret to inform you that I will be getting carried very far away. In fact, I’m going to love you to such an absurd extreme that it will beallI am known for when they bury me and I will give you a home, Matteo.” Truman stated, chuckling softly as he pecked at Matteo’s lips. “Where you will always be cherished and you’ll always be loved. As long as you don’t mind spending the rest of your life with a shady attorney,” he added with a sly wink.
Matteo snorted and gave his head a little shake. “Bad news, Truman. It just gets me hotter when you’re shady.”
Epilogue
Schönbühel, Austria. One month later…
Being a lifelong city boy, Truman was taken by Austria’s picturesque mountains and fairytale castles. Despite being raised around the most impressive skyscrapers in the world, Truman was dazzled by the architecture and the history as he traveled through the country with Matteo, Donna, and Neville.
They flew from New York to Paris and spent a week there sightseeing with Donna. It was her first trip to France so Truman and Matteo had fun indulging her. Both Truman and Matteo had spent a lot of time in Paris but had enjoyed seeing the city through fresh eyes. From Paris, they flew to Salzburg and took their time driving to Vienna, with Matteo at the wheel and Donna and Neville in the backseat.
Truman was tickled by howfamilialthe trip felt and was glad he had listened when Matteo insisted they take Donna and that Neville was the only “security” they would need. It was easier for the four of them to blend in when they stopped to visit a museum or tour a castle and Neville was happy to look after Donna so Truman was free to hold Matteo’s hand. In Vienna, they stayedat one of the townhouses that Leo used when he was in the city on business and when they attended balls.
Again, Truman was in awe of the grandeur of Vienna with its Baroque and Gothic architecture and romantic history. It was his first visit to Austria but Truman would be back to explore the numerous palaces, museums, cathedrals, and extravagant royal gardens. Matteo was also working on a list of things for them to do in Austria when they had more time and Truman was already looking forward to their next trip. He had several good reasons to return and the perfect guide.
But before Truman could make Austria his second home, he had to impress a certain margrave and was mindful of how important Leo’s approval was. Truman finally had Matteo’s heart but their lives would be a lot happier if they had his brothers’ blessings. They were visiting Oslo (New York) in a few weeks if all went well at Schönbühel. Truman just had to make his case with Leo and the other two would follow, he hoped.
For the first time in as long as Truman could remember, he was genuinely intimidated when Matteo steered their rented Range Rover around a mountain bend and into the courtyard of an enchanting, yet cozy castle. Schönbühel was small, compared to the grand palaces in Salzburg and Vienna, but Truman was transported back in time as he took in the castle’s turrets and ivy and rose-covered towers. Surrounded by mountains and overlooking the Danube, Truman understood why Leo had chosen Schönbühel over a grander palace or the stately townhouse in Vienna.
Thankfully, Truman had a moment to prepare himself as they got out of the car. Neville helped Donna out of the backseat as the castle’s front doors opened and a strikingly handsome, yet severe, older version of Matteo stepped out. On his arm was a beautiful, beaming younger man with short blond hair. MurielHormsby was with them, dressed in opulent aubergine and holding the leash of an apricot poodle.
“Dah bist du ja!” the older von Hessen declared, opening his arms as he hurried down the stairs, no longer stern and aloof.
“Leo!” Matteo hadn’t even closed his door, he turned and raced up the steps and was crying as he was pulled into a tight embrace.
“Mein Bruderherz!” Leo cradled the back of Matteo’s head as he rocked them. Truman had to look away, he was so moved by their bond and Leo’s obvious concern for his younger brother.
Matteo clasped Leo’s face as he leaned back. “Mir geht’s gut!” he insisted and laughed as he kissed Leo and they hugged again. They made their way down and Matteo made the introductions. “Leo, this is Truman Tennyson. Truman, I give you the Margrave of Hessen.”
“Please, just call me Leo,” he said as he held out his hand, smiling as he assessed Truman. He appeared happy and relaxed but Truman sensed Leo’s wariness and that judgement had been reserved.
“It’s a pleasure to finally meet you in person,” Truman said, smiling as he clasped Leo’s hand firmly. Instead of employing his courtroom confidence and boardroom swagger, Truman was open and sincere. “I’m sorry if we gave you a scare before. I’d like to apologize and see if I can make a better impression.”
“I appreciate that,” Leo replied with a slight smile. “I still have a few questions, but we’ll have time to discuss that later. Who is this?” he asked Matteo and reached for Donna’s hand.
“Leo, this is Donna MacKenzie. She raised Truman and has adopted me,” Matteo said warmly, making Leo gasp.
“Then you are very welcome here,” he said and she blushed and tittered when he kissed her hand.
“Thank you for having us, sir!” She started to bow but Leo stopped her.
“Please don’t and you must call me Leo,” he said as his gaze rose to Neville.
“Leo, this is Truman’s Markus,” Matteo explained, making Leo grin as he offered Neville his hand.
“Ach so! Welcome to Schönbühel. I hope you can have a true holiday while you’re here with us. This place is very secure,” Leo informed him, then turned to introduce everyone to his beloved Jonathon.
Truman had thought himself captivated and infatuated, but Leo was thoroughly besotted with Jonathon and held onto his hand as he introduced Muriel to Donna and Neville.
“It’s so nice to finally have someone sensible to talk to,” Muriel said to Donna, then raised her lorgnette and humphed as she studied Truman. “You’ve surprised me, Tennyson, but I haven’t decided if you’re good enough for Matteo yet,” she informed him and Truman shook his head.
“While I have every intention of earning your approval, madam, I doubt that any man could be worthy of Matteo.”
She dropped the lorgnette and scoffed. “There was never any doubt that you were smart, but I’m glad you’re wise enough to see what he’s worth.”
“Be nice, Muriel,” Jonathon scolded and invited them inside and gave them an abbreviated tour of the castle.
Afterwards, the guests were shown to their rooms to rest for an hour before lunch was served on the back terrace, overlooking the castle’s garden. The meal was casual and the food was served “family style” at the table, but Donna and Neville were still charmingly flustered to be dining with a prince in his castle.
