“Did you do this?”
“Yeah. She misses him, and because he’s been doing so well, the doctor gave us permission for this short visit. I picked him up this morning, and Nate will take him back in a little while.”
“You are… You are so wonderful, Tonio.” She started crying again.
Without giving any thought to who might be watching, he pulled her into his arms and kissed her.
“Guess the cat’s out of the bag now,” Jon said dryly. “Man, you sure know how to make a scene. First with your grandmother, and now this.”
“Hey, if you’re gonna do it, go all the way,” Gabriel said, giving Antonio a fist bump.
That’s exactly where Antonio wanted to go. All the way.
CHAPTER 16
Now,that’swhat love looks like,” Natasha said about Grandma Nora and Papa Fred as everyone sat around eating. Every time she thought about what Antonio had done, her emotions surged. She spotted him not far away, laughing with Gabriel, Jon, and Nate. Something so simple but as priceless as a rare gem.
Serenity nodded. “Girl, those are relationship goals! I hope Gabriel and I will still be like them at that age.”
“How long have they been married?” Terri asked.
Natasha wiped barbecue sauce off her fingers. “Sixty years. They need to write a book to show us how to maintain that kind of love.” Or how to not mess it up in the first place.
“What they need to include is how to avoid the losers,” Dana chimed in, then angled her head thoughtfully. “On second thought, maybe I should go ahead and write that one.” The women laughed.
Yep, Natasha could probably pen the one on hownotto throw away a good man. Some days, especially since she and Antonio had rekindled their relationship, she found herself wallowing in everywhat-ifscenario. Would they be married with two or three children by now? Would they have followed through on their joint business dreams? Instead of selling real estate, would she be designing the interiors of spaces here, as well in as neighboring towns and cities? Granted, with him taking over the town’s construction company, Antonio had begun to live his dream. However, Natasha had barely scratched the surface of seeing hers blossom.I lost so much time.
“Hey, you okay?”
Antonio’s voice cut into her mini pity party. “Hey. Yes, just thinking about some things.” She scooted her chair over to make it easier for him to get his long legs under the table. “I still can’t get over what you did for Mama Nora. What made you think of it?”
“I drove her to Napa to see him, and it broke my heart knowing they had to be separated this way. She’d told me that up until now, the two of them had never spent a night apart. While Grandpa still has some good moments, there’s no way any of us can take care of him without medical assistance. I don’t know how much time—” His jaw tightened with emotion.
Natasha grasped his hand. “I get it.”
“I just want to give them as many good moments as I can.”
“And I can tell she appreciates it. Just look at how her face is glowing with joy.” Even though Mama Nora had to help her husband with his food, the patience and love with which she’d done it was visible to everyone in attendance.
“I know. Nate’s going to have to take him back soon.” Antonio shifted his gaze to his grandparents. “He tends to have a harder time the later it gets.”
“Then we should crank up the music and let them have one more dance.” She stood. “Do they have another special song, or will anything slow work?”
“I’m sure whatever you request will be fine.”
“Good. Because while she’s dancing with her man, I’ll be back so I can dance with mine.” His mouth fell open, and she laughed. Nosy neighbors or not, Natasha didn’t want to waste another moment in hiding. Life was too short.
She spoke to the DJ for a moment, then asked to borrow his microphone. “May I have everyone’s attention, please.” After waiting until the chatter died down, she continued. “It’s time for the birthday girl to share another dance with the love of her life. I have it on good authority that she’s a huge Kenny G fan, and I think “Forever in Love” describes Mama Nora and Papa Fred’s story perfectly. And if anyone else is inclined, feel free to join them.” Natasha handed the mic back.
Mama Nora was up on her feet before the first notes of the song started. Antonio’s father moved quickly to help Papa Fred stand. Natasha could tell by his slow steps that he was tired, and it broke her heart. But the song’s slow tempo made it easier for him to follow. She headed back to the table as a few more couples joined them, including Serenity and Gabriel and Terri and Jon.
Antonio stood and met her halfway, claiming a spot on the concrete patio that had been set up as a makeshift dance floor. He pulled her into his embrace and swayed in time with the rhythm. Natasha rested her cheek against his chest, closed her eyes, and inhaled the citrus and woodsy fragrance that always smelled so good on him. The last time they’d danced together this way had been prom night, and she relished being in his arms again.
“I’ve missed having you in my arms,” Antonio said softly near her ear. “My beautiful Tasha, I’m glad you’re back in my life.” He pulled her closer and placed a kiss on her forehead.
She stared up at him. “I missed you, too, Tonio. More than you know.” After the breakup, she’d cried for months, and it had taken her over three years before she’d given another guy the time of day. And that turned out to be disastrous.
“You know, we haven’t been out on a real date yet, and I don’t mean us cooking in. I want to take you out.”
