She gave a shaky laugh. ‘Neither do I. All I know is how it feels. Like I’m too big for my skin. Like I want to burst from myself.’
‘The only way it’s any better, that it feels like you finally fit, is if you’re with the other person,’ he said.
‘It’s too big to hide or run away from.’
‘Because it’s all-encompassing.’ He placed his hand over hers. ‘It takes over your life. It takes over your soul.’
Simone was certain in that moment, that he understood. Her eyes stung with tears and she took a breath of relief.
‘It’s so easy not to listen, when you don’t trust yourself,’ she said.
‘This marriage was a means to an end. It should never have been that way and you deserve something more.’
‘And yet in the end, we still chose each other.’
‘Why can’t I find someone like you?’ he asked, with a smile.
‘Maybe you can,’ she replied.
‘Maybe we always knew we were meant for each other.’ Leo laughed and wrapped her in his arms. ‘I love you,cuore mio.’
My heart. Her home.
‘So, what now?’
‘Our honeymoon was rudely cut short by an accident. I’m thinking we should arrange another. Verona perhaps?’ Leo winked.
She answered with a smile. ‘Are you being a romantic, Mr Zanetti?’
‘Around you, always, Mrs Zanetti.’
‘Then how about Lake Garda? That’s a place I’d like to get to know better.’
‘Perfetto,’ he said. ‘But right now?’
Leo dropped his head and she rose to meet him. Their mouths capturing each other’s. The kiss unlike any that had come before it because this one was full of love acknowledged, not suppressed. After a few breathless minutes of searching lips and hands, of recognition and reconnection, Leo eased himself away, though he didn’t let her go. His talented mouth curling into a slow and wicked smile. ‘I think we should start the honeymoon here,tesoro.’
Simone laughed as Leo swung her into his arms.
‘It’s the perfect place to begin our lives again.’
