“Still so smooth and sexy, I see. Come here, my boy. I haven’t seen you since the wedding. You’re more handsome than ever. I might be old but I’m still susceptible to your Italian charm. Do you forgive me?” she asked in a shaky voice.
“There is nothing to forgive. You were protecting Abby as you’ve always done.”
With mixed emotions she watched Dante hugging her grandmother and kissing her cheek.
“He smells nice too. All man. Lucky girl.”
Abby’s face flooded with heat. “Nana!”
The warmth of his smile echoed in his voice. “Now I know where Abby learned to flirt. Are they looking after you well?”
“Of course.” Her grandmother’s smile faltered and her voice wavered. “Thank you for everything you have done. I don’t know how I will ever repay you.”
“No repayment necessary.” He pulled Abby back against him. “You indirectly brought Abby back to me, and that is all I need.”
Her grandmother beamed at them both. His declaration sounded so heartfelt.
“It’s lovely to see you two together, but are you both sure it’s for theright reasons?”
Dante did not know her grandmother well enough to recognize the no-nonsense tone of her voice. Abby shouldn’t have worried. The smooth Italian conte came into play. He answered as if he were an accomplished actor.
“Mrs. Taylor, I’m the first to admit I have been the world’s biggest fool for letting our marriage remain strained for so long.” He bestowed a look that could only be described as absolute adoration on Abby that had her heart somersaulting.
Before her grandmother could speak another word, the doctors arrived. Dante shook hands with her surgeon and the nurses. They all spoke rapidly in Italian, going over her charts.
“Good news. They’re going to operate tonight. In a couple of hours.”
Dante watchedAbby’s face drain of color. “Tonight? That soon?”
He stared at her frozen features, knowing exactly what she was feeling. Scared. Petrified. The one person Abby loved and trusted to love her in return could be taken from her. He wished with all his heart he could spare her that. But, she knew as well as him, life was fleeting.
He moved to place his arm around her. He could feel her shake.
“They told me that the renowned Dr. Prasad, my surgeon, has another emergency and to fit me in, he has to operate tonight.” Mrs. Taylor was trying to put on a brave face, but he saw the slight twitch near her eye. “Hence why I’ve not eaten or taken any liquids all day.”
“Why don’t I give you some time alone with your grandmother while I arrange beds for us? We’ll stay here tonight.”
She glanced up at him with shock. “But what about your important meeting?”
He saw the fear in her hazel eyes and knew he would notleave her. He bent and placed a swift kiss on her lips. “Business will be there tomorrow. Tonight, my place is by my wife’s side.”
He watched her struggle for a few moments. He hoped she thought this was a show for Mrs. Taylor. He didn’t want Abby to know that he’d do anything to protect her, anything to keep the fear and pain out of her beautiful eyes.
“Thank you,” she whispered. “I won’t forget this.”
Before he did something foolish, like pull her into his arms, he smiled at Mrs. Taylor and said, “I won’t be long. They’ll be coming to prep you in fifteen minutes.”
“He loves you.I had my doubts, but it’s obvious.”
Abby swallowed back the response,not to me. “I’m not sure he does, but I have more hope for us this time. I’m more mature. I realize he’s just a man, not a fairy-tale prince.”
“You’ve grown up.”
She sat on the bed and hugged her grandmother. “It’s about time.”
“I’m glad you can finally see the man underneath.”
“He’s still the man I married. Stubborn, impossible—larger than life.”
