Four Week Fiance (Four Week Fiance #1)(20)

“Aunty Maria.”

“Yes.” He nodded. “Every boy in the village wanted a kiss from Maria. Every boy, but me.”

“Because you were so focused on your job delivering bread.”

“I was focused,” he said seriously. “And I was saving up for a new bike. Even little boys in Italy wanted fancy, shiny bikes.”

“But then you saw Nonna.”

“Yes, then I saw your Nonna,” he said, his voice full of love. “She was throwing a rock down the street.” He laughed. “And it hit my bag and a loaf of bread fell into the street.”

“And you were so mad.”

“I was so mad until I saw her face and then she put her hands on her hips and she told me that I should be more careful where I was riding.”

“And you told her she should be more careful with her girl throws.”

“Yes,” he laughed. “Who told me to say that? She then threw another rock and it hit my bike. I jumped off of my bike and walked over to her.”

“And she asked you if you were going to give her a free loaf of bread to say sorry.”

“And I did.” He laughed. “I was only fourteen and she was only thirteen, but I knew, I knew as sure as I knew I had two arms and two legs, that your darling Nonna was going to be my wife.”

“And she knew right away as well.” I sighed as I looked up at the sky. “I miss her.”

“So do I,” he said, his voice gruff. “Every single day.”

“You know what my favorite memory is?” I said softly. “Do you remember that Christmas when TJ came to stay with us and you and Nonna took us out for hot chocolate and Cody was being a spoilt brat and didn’t go because he wanted ice cream?”


“Of course.”

“Nonna told me she saw you and her in me and TJ,” I said softly. “I thought that was a sign that we were meant to be. Nonna knew from the beginning that I had a thing for him and it wasn’t awkward talking about it because you two fell in love at such a young age.”

“It was a different time, Mila.”

“Yeah, I know. Sometimes I wish it wasn’t.” I sighed. “I hate that he brought that girl, Barbie. I don’t even know what he sees in her.”

“He’s still young, Mila. Men these days don’t settle down young. Look at Cody.”

“I don’t know what Cody’s problem is.” I sighed. “You know Sally has the hots for him. I don’t know how to tell her that he’s nothing but a player.”

“It’s not up to you to get into your brother’s business.”

“But Sally’s my best friend.”

“Even more reason why you shouldn’t get involved.”

“I feel like a bad person.”

“Love isn’t easy, Mila. It’s not all flowers and candy.”

“I know that, Nonno.”

“Sometimes I wonder if you do.” His voice was gentle. “Just because you’re feeling jealous doesn’t mean you get all depressed and lonely.”

“I’m not depressed and lonely,” I said and sighed. “I mean, I’m not lonely because I’m jealous,” I lied. “Okay, maybe a bit, but I can’t help it. I had so many plans for this weekend.”

“Life doesn’t go according to plans.”

“I thought we were fated for each other. Now I wonder if I should give Milo a second chance.”

“He’s a good boy.”

“He’s not the boy, though.”

“Mi cara,” he said with a sigh. “You haven’t even given him a chance.”

“Do you think Nonna is looking over us?” I said softly. “Do you think she’ll give me a sign if I should just give up on TJ?”

“She’s always with you. Just as I will always be.”

“Don’t say that, Nonno. You’re not going anywhere.”

“How are you feeling?”

“Better,” I said and then froze as I heard footsteps. “Hold on, Nonno,” I whispered. “I think someone is coming.”

“Mila, where are you? You’re not in your room?” Nonno’s voice sounded alarmed and I bit my lower lip to stop from screaming as I heard a branch snapping. My heart was racing and I sat there in fear, waiting to see who was coming. “Mila?” Nonno’s voice rose.

“Nonno, I’m here,” I whispered into the phone, covering the mouthpiece with my hand as I looked back and forth in the night sky. It was so dark that I couldn’t really see anything and that made it even worse.

“Why are you whispering?” he said. “What is going on?”

“Nonno, I...” I said and my heart stopped as I felt something on my back. “Arrrgghhh. Arrggh!” I screamed and jumped off, dropping my phone on the ground as I started to run.

“Mila, stop.” TJ’s smooth voice sounded amused as he called out to me and I stopped running, my heart dropping with embarrassment as my face heated up.

“TJ?” I said and I turned around to look back at him. “You scared the shit out of me.”

“I didn’t mean to.” He still sounded amused, though I couldn’t make his face out clearly to see the expression in his eyes.