“Would you be upset if I told you I’d sooner climb the tree again?”
Natalie laughed. “No. I’d say you were being honest.” She touched the side of Gabe’s face and sighed. “I’ll always love you, no matter where we go or what we do.”
He kissed her gently. “I’ve always wanted to fly to Paris.”
She wrapped her arm around him and grinned. “Nowthat’sa first date I’d always remember.”
THREE MONTHS LATER
Natalie smiledat a woman wearing a bright orange dress and the sparkliest pair of high heels she’d ever seen. It was the opening night of her exhibition in Venice and everyone was dressed in beautiful gowns and suits.
For most of the day she’d been at the gallery, talking to reporters, and meeting some of Lorenzo’s high-profile clients. After a quick dinner and an even faster change of clothes, she’d raced back to the gallery for the official opening night celebrations.
Somewhere in the gallery, a champagne cork popped. A string quartet was playing in the atrium, and every now and then, she heard the voice of a gondolier singing to his passengers.
“There you are.” Lorenzo smiled proudly at her. “It is a night to remember, is it not?”
Natalie nodded. “It’s a wonderful night. Thank you for everything you’ve done.”
Lorenzo lifted his broad shoulders in a very Italian shrug. “It is nothing. For you, I would give the world.”
A waiter stopped beside them, holding a tray of Prosecco.
Lorenzo took two of the wine glasses and handed one to Natalie. “Signora Romano is very excited with your portrait. Are you sure you do not want to sell it?”
She’d met Sofia Romano earlier in the day. Her family was one of the wealthiest in Southern Italy. “I’m sure. I’m giving the painting to Gabe.”
“I hope this Gabe knows how lucky he is.”
“The value of the canvas won’t impress him.”
Lorenzo looked at her with solemn brown eyes. “That is not what I mean. My Natalie is in love. It shines through in your painting as bright as the sun. You bring him to me. I will make sure he is worthy of your love.”
She smiled and kissed Lorenzo’s cheek. “You’re a good man, and so is Gabe. As soon as he arrives with mom, I’ll introduce you.”
“I look forward to it.” His gaze settled on a man wearing a black tuxedo. “Paolo looks a little lost. I will be back soon.”
She watched Lorenzo move through the guests with the ease of someone born to entertain. Most of the people in the gallery wouldn’t realize he came from humble beginnings. He’d built his business with a lot of hard work, determination, and an innate gift for spotting up-and-coming artists.
Leaving her glass on a table, she walked toward the huge wooden doors that opened onto the Canale delle Galeazze. Gabe and her mom would be arriving any minute. From what her mom had said, they’d spent most of the day hopping on and off gondolas, exploring the markets and churches, and eating gelato. It wouldn’t surprise her if they took another gondola to the gallery.
Natalie looked over her shoulder, then quickly slipped off her shoes. She sighed as the cool tiles worked their magic on her sore feet.
“Are you practicing your Cinderella moves,” Gabe whispered from behind her.
Natalie jumped, then stared, open-mouthed, at him. His black dinner jacket clung to his shoulders and made him look even more handsome than usual. “Wow. You look amazing.”
“Thank you, ma’am. I thought I’d better dress to impress. And talking about impressive, may I introduce the beautiful Kathleen Armstrong.”
Her mom swatted Gabe’s arm. “That’s enough of that sweet talking. You’ve made me blush.”
Natalie smiled at her mom. “You look amazing. Is that a new dress?”
Kathleen spun in a slow circle. “I bought it today.”
“It’s gorgeous.” The pale rose fabric was perfect against her mom’s complexion. With a pleated chiffon skirt and a sheer jacket over a satin bodice, it was stunning. “You should wear that color more often. It suits you.”
“Gabe helped me find it. If he ever wants to change careers, he could be a fashion consultant.”
