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‘How come?’

‘I think Valentina’s a bit in denial about the whole thing. She’s barely attended an antenatal class. I don’t think she’s even picked a birth partner.’

‘Isn’t it usually the dad that’s the partner, or is he a bit squeamish?’

‘Ah, well, you see, there is no dad. Well, there is, as it’s obviously not an immaculate conception, despite the time of year, but whoever it is, Valentina isn’t divulging.’

‘Really?’

‘Yup. Valentina said it was a one-night stand and they could never be together, so, she’s going it alone.’

‘That’s a brave decision. Mum ended up being a single mother and it was tough.’

‘At one point I thought the father could be someone from her work but it isn’t. The most likely scenario is that it was someone she met when she was in London just before Easter. The dates fit.’

There was a slight pause on the line before Jay said, ‘And she hasn’t told anyone?’

‘Nope, not even the dad. But she said it’s an impossible situation and him knowing would cause all sorts of problems. Makes me wonder if he’s married. Or just not a great guy. Either way, she’s probably best off without someone like that in their lives.’

‘Right.’

‘I think Rocco would be a good choice for birth partner?’

‘Seriously?’

‘Yes, he’s been very supportive to her.’ She took a breath then said, ‘He’s really quite different to how he used to be.’

There was a lengthy pause.

‘Sorry, but I’m going to have to go,’ Jay said. ‘We’re about to go into another meeting.’

‘Sure.’

‘Okay, bye.’

Frankie stood staring at her phone for a moment. Jay had sounded odd at the end of the call. Had Frankie pushed it too much suggesting Rocco was different now and supportive? She’d been so sure Jay had wanted to make amends with Rocco, but he’d sounded so distant.

She was just musing over how she could get Rocco and Jay to talk when her phone pinged at her.

It was her nonno on the family WhatsApp with a message she’d been expecting and dreading.

Can you all come to the trattoria tonight, 6pm. I have something important to tell you and want you all together. XXX

CHAPTER 44

FRANKIE

There was a buzz of conversation around the table in the trattoria that night.

Frankie’s palms were clammy. She could see her father nodding along to something her mother was saying, but Frankie could tell he was preoccupied too.

Matteo checked his watch then cleared his throat. ‘Please, everyone, please!’ Gradually everyone stopped talking and turned to look at the patriarch of the family standing at the top of the table.

Matteo looked around, bestowing a beatific smile at his family. ‘Thank you for coming tonight. I know it was short notice, but I have something I need to talk to you all about. Something serious that I didn’t want to leave to Christmas Day.’

The knot in Frankie’s stomach pulled tighter. Her throat ached with emotion and she looked up to the ceiling trying not to cry. This was it.

Matteo continued. ‘As you know, the last few years have been hard. Losing my beautiful Anna was the worst thing that had ever happened to me. I never thought I would recover. I know we all felt such deep grief.’