Rosamanti (24 page)
“
Mia amore
, Sarah!”
Glasses were charged, the toast repeated.
He turned to look at her, his eyes shiny. “OK bella?”
She smiled at him, her heart overflowing with love and happiness.
“Si, mio amore.
Sto bene
. I’m OK.”
Again, whoops of congratulations and laughter burst forth from the gathering. “Bravo! Bravo!”
Pietro bent to kiss her again. Just as their lips were about to connect, Sarah felt a sharp push at the back of her legs. Laughter erupted from the crowd as she turned to see Geraldina standing there, covered in briars and prickly grass-seeds, looking as though she was about to pick a fight.
“My Geraldina, bambino!” Pietro dropped Sarah’s hand and bent down to rub Geraldina’s soft fur. She let out a bleat and nuzzled his shoulder as he patted her. “You are always my
numero uno
, Geraldina.” He lifted one eyebrow and smiled cheekily at Sarah.
Bruno’s voice carried across the ruckus. “Three cheers for Geraldina!”
Pietro stood and, turning from Geraldina, wrapped his arms around Sarah, pulling her to him. “You know I’m only joking, right?”
Pietro lifted one hand in the air.
“Silenzio! Silenzio!”
The happy crowd hushed and turned to look at him. When he had their complete attention, Pietro took her hand in his and kissed it. He knelt down on one knee and looked up at her tenderly.
“Now that I have Geraldina’s permission, I want you all to bear witness to my proposal of marriage to the woman I love.”
He squeezed her hand as small tears filled her eyes. He reached into his trouser pocket and brought out a small velvet bag, drawn together with a gold string. He tugged the bag open and held it over his palm. A yellow gold ring with a bright blue stone dropped into his hand, sparkling as the flickering candles reflected off it.
“Sarah, cara mia. Will you have me? Will you stay here with me forever?”
Words caught in her throat, the tears flowed over and ran down her cheeks. He looked up at her expectantly, his eyes searching hers.
“Yes, Pietro. Si. I will stay here with you. Forever.”
He jumped up and crushed her to him, his face buried in her hair. She heard his breath catch in his throat. After a short time, he held her from him and lifted her hand.
“This ring was Nonna’s.” He slipped it onto her finger. “You see? The stone is the same color as the Blue Grotto.”
She looked at the ring, then up into his beautiful face. His eyes were moist, his smile tender. She leaned forward and touched her lips lightly to his. He bent his head once more and kissed her tenderly. Neither of them heard the shouts, congratulations and celebrations from the crowd. Even Geraldina seemed mollified. It was a great opening for
Alberto’s
restaurant. It was a great evening for everyone.
~ About the Author ~
Noelle Clark is an Australian author who weaves romance, suspense and adventure into colorful and often exotic locations around the world. Widely traveled, Noelle uses real life experience of places, culture, and people, as a backdrop to her stories, giving the reader an authentic taste of the location. Her novels feature strong, mature, heroines and heroes, who - often without knowing it - are ready for new beginnings. Noelle’s characters, like her, believe that love can be sweet at any age.
Discover more about Noelle Clark here
http://www.facebook.com/NoelleClark.Author
http://twitter.com/noelle_clark
~ Also by Noelle Clark ~
Let Angels Fly
Life’s full of surprises the second time around.
Arriving in Cambodia to volunteer at an orphanage, Abbie finds a warm welcome with the owner of her hotel, the handsome Craig Nelson. Craig is everything her ex-husband wasn’t—warm, compassionate, and a generous humanitarian dedicated to helping the local people. But after raising a family and being devastated by the end of her bad marriage, the last thing Abbie needs is complications. She’s on her own for the first time in many years, and it’s time for her to spread her wings and fly free amid the people and culture that have always fascinated her.
But while exploring the ancient temples of Angkor Wat, Abbie overhears odd noises and sinister conversation that raise her hackles. Turning to the only person she thinks may be able to help—Craig—she realizes she’s witnessed tomb raiders—art thieves stealing frescoes to sell on the black market. Unable to let the pillaging of the beloved temple continue, Abbie goes back to investigate and finds evidence that proves her theory. And in the mean time, she finds herself falling for Craig.
Yet change isn’t easy for either of them. Both carry scars, and neither is ready to let go of the past. When Abbie is attacked in the market place, it’s clear her presence in the temple wasn’t overlooked. When Abbie agrees to help the police stage a sting operation to catch the thieves, things go from bad to worse. And Craig might be powerless to help…
Buy
Let Angels Fly
here
http://www.amazon.com/Let-Angels-Fly-Noelle-Clark-ebook/dp/B00C75P05G/
~ More Romance from Etopia Press ~
It Must be Fate
Love Strikes Book Two
Lacey Wolfe
Sometimes the future lies in the past…
Sandy Collins hasn’t thought about him in years, not since he broke her heart and broke off their engagement. She’s built a great nursing career for herself, and most of all, she’s happy. Until she ruined it by walking into that staff meeting…
After the passing of his grandmother, Daniel and his daughter Keri have moved back to town and taken up residence in her house. Things are looking up after several rough years, but on the first day of work at his new job as a pediatrician, Daniel gets an unexpected surprise—in the form of a nurse he’s never been able to forget.
As much as she tries to fight it, Sandy can’t deny the attraction. Daniel makes it clear that he’s sorry and wants another shot, and he’s willing to do whatever it takes. But the last thing Sandy wants is to relive the misery from the past. But how can she resist when it seems as though fate is stepping in?
Buy
It Must be Fate
here
http://www.amazon.com/Must-Be-Fate-Love-Strikes-ebook/dp/B00GO4PC8Q/
Secret Desire
Susan D. Taylor
The problem with twins is that they look so much alike…
By day, Claire Robertson is a staff writer for a small publication in Seattle. But when the lights go down, she writes sizzling and oh-so-naughty erotica. She keeps these stories safely tucked away, hiding her secret fantasies of her hero, Dustin Murray. The man who stole her heart six years ago. And then jumped into bed with her twin sister.
Dustin never forgot Claire, or her twin sister’s lies that tricked him into sleeping with her. Nor has he forgotten that her sister’s threats have kept him silent for six years and cost him the woman he loved. Now that Claire’s returned home, Dustin isn’t about to lose her again. But it’ll be another thing to convince Claire he’s prepared to do whatever it takes to win her back.
When Claire accidentally sends the wrong story to her editor, things really heat up. With hot the new black in publishing, her editor thinks he’s struck gold and queues the story for publication. The last thing Claire needs is for everyone to learn that she’s got secrets of her own…
Buy
Secret Desire
here
http://www.amazon.com/Secret-Desire-Susan-D-Taylor-ebook/dp/B00B9126F6/
The Blake Legacy
Rhonda Laurel
Two lovers. Two dreams. One hell of a hard decision…
NFL quarterback Seth Blake is having an unbelievable hot streak—he’s won his third Super Bowl title the same day his wife Morgan gave birth to their son. Life couldn’t be better for the new father and MVP. His contract with the Philadelphia Titans expires in a year, giving him a chance to make a professional dream come true: to play in his home state for the Texas Wildcats and return to his much-missed Twelve Horseshoes Ranch—this time, for good.
Morgan Reed-Blake has never been happier. She’s got the best husband, the cutest baby, and she’s successfully juggling career and family. Her bookstore is expanding, her charitable organization is growing, and she’s been offered her dream job on the literacy council. Everything in her Philadelphia world is coming up roses. Until Seth’s contract with the Titans expires, and his dream of returning home comes close enough to touch…and the powers that be in Texas start romancing Seth in earnest. Morgan and Seth both have dreams. But a choice has to be made…
Buy
The Blake Legacy
here
http://www.amazon.com/Blake-Legacy-Boys-ebook/dp/B00GO4J81I/
