Page 53 of Aldo

He nodded and pressed his lips to mine again, then stepped back. “Breakfast,” he said.

“And more coffee.”

His smile was wide. “Anything you want, baby.”

We had breakfast, and afterward, Aldo escorted me upstairs using the elevator since I refused to allow him to carry me. He took me to the top floor, showing me his favorite place in the house.

“This is what sold it to me,” he explained.

I looked around at the room in awe. Wood lined the floors, ceiling, and walls, making it cozy. Windows were on either end, showing the views. The front looked over the river. The back, his yard which led onto a field, the wild grasses blowing lazily in the breeze.

There was a small fireplace. A big TV hung on one wall. A large sofa sat across from it, and a huge chair was in the corner. It was warm and homey. Lived-in. Aldo had piles of books scattered everywhere. Some puzzles were on the shelf. A cozy rug made me curl my toes on the softness under my feet.

“The windows are treated,” he said. “I can see out, but even with the lights on, you can’t see in. I love to watch the river. Sit and see the storms in the summer. The snow in the winter. It’s a place I can unwind. Relax.”

“Do you do that enough?” I asked.

“No,” he admitted. “But I may have found a reason to do it more often.” He looped his arm around my waist, drawing me close. “You like it, Vi?”

“I love it.” I walked toward the back windows. “Your yard is large.”

“The couple who owned it loved to garden. I don’t have time, so they’re overgrown, but one day…”

“I always loved to garden,” I admitted. “I find it relaxing. You don’t get that in Toronto.”

He laughed. “Nope.”

“I always dreamed of a house with a garden. A place to grow. To have my own home, you know?” I said quietly. “A place to belong.”

“I hear you.”

“It’s lovely, Aldo. Thank you for showing it to me.”

“I want you to use it. Be up here with me. Come up on your own if I’m out. Enjoy it.”

“You must have to go to the casino.”

“Tomorrow.”

“Aldo, I’m fine. Much better.”

“Good. I’ll go tomorrow. Roman is covering. We’ll figure out a schedule for the next while.” He paused. “I don’t want you alone.”

I turned and faced him. “But you said he was dead.”

“He is. But you went through something awful. I need to stay close.”

His words touched me, and I decided not to argue. “All right.”

He touched my cheek. “Luca is getting married next Saturday. I would like you to come with me.”

“Roman’s brother,” I confirmed.

“Yes. It will be quite the affair.”

“Oh, ah…” I trailed off. “I’m not sure I have the appropriate dress for something that fancy.”

“We’ll figure that out, if you want to go.”