“True, but since they’re now members of my…um…my clan, I can’t see it to be a problem. If this détente is to work, daywalkers and vampires have to start somewhere, and what better place than under my own roof—yes?”

“Don’t you mean our roof?” Lisa said, her eyes twinkling.

“Yes, dear,” Bennett said, her eyes gleaming as she dipped her chin. “I stand forever corrected.”

***

Once they made the decision to move to Italy, Lisa had become the official travel planner. She’d sorted out shipping everyone’s belongings, arranged for copies of Rosetta Stone to be delivered to those not familiar with the Italian language, and she even helped organize yard sales for all the items that wouldn’t make the trip.

It had been several busy months, and Lisa had been in her element, and that hadn’t changed. She’d flown dozens of times; however, the Rooney family had never been on a plane, so once they were in the air, Lisa took it upon herself to visit everyone.

Her first stop was the quickest. Gunnar and his family had flown before, so by the time Lisa reached their seats, Gunnar’s three oldest children were already absorbed in their handheld video games. Bridget and Gunnar were discussing what movie they wanted to watch, and the newest Jensen was underneath the blanket draped over Bridget’s shoulder, grabbing a snack.

Finn was not an avid flyer. It was part of the job, and he did it. Finn just didn’t like it, and when Lisa knelt by his seat, it didn’t surprise her to see him knocking back a Jack and Coke. By the weight of his eyelids, he’d clearly had a few before boarding the plane, and Lisa had no doubt her brother was going to miss dinner. She also doubted Finn would care.

Her longest visit was with the Rooneys. Not only had they never been on a plane, they’d never been out of the country before, and the excitement had yet to leave any of their faces. Even the two boys who’d fallen fast asleep in their seats were still wearing smiles. With laptops open in front of them, Fallon and Kenna needed to show Lisa the websites of universities and colleges in and around Florence they were considering, and Gus and Cathleen…they were simply beside themselves. They’d never imagined their lives would take this turn, and emotion welled in their eyes when they spoke their appreciation to Lisa. Not only would they have a new home and a new life, and their children afforded an education courtesy of their agreement with Bennett, Cathleen would now act as the accountant for the yet-to-be-opened new gallery in Florence, along with a few smaller ones Bennett had throughout Europe.