“Oh, my darling. My beloved one. Nothing could make me happier.” He bent low to kiss their joined hands. “Do you know when?”

“The autumn, I think. In October.”

“Have you told anyone?”

“Only Rosa. She figured it out before I did.”

“I’ve told you before that my sister is one of the smartest people I’ve ever known. You haven’t said anything to Father Bernardi?”

“No. I was waiting for you to come home. What do you think he’ll say?”

“He’ll want to be sure of my intentions. That’s for certain. And he may well feel the need to lecture me. The man is a priest, after all—but he’s also a romantic at heart.”

“Will he disapprove?”

“Because we aren’t legally married? Or because you’re a Jew?”

“Both?” she quavered, her elation fading.

Nico smiled. “He may be a little grouchy on the first point. On the second, I think you can set aside any fears. Many would disapprove, but not Giulio Bernardi. Of that I have no doubt.”

Standing, he drew Nina to her feet, but frowned when he saw how much water was on the floor. “I’ve got the front of your dress all wet. We’d better dry ourselves off and see what we can do to clean up this mess. But only if it doesn’t take too long. I can’t wait to fall asleep with you in my arms.”

THEY SHARED THEIR news with everyone the next morning, and then, rather than settle into a long day of chores, they all set off for church. It was the Feast of the Ascension, the significance of which Nico had explained to Nina at dawn, but which still eluded her. The Mass didn’t seem to differ in any noticeable way, and after they’d returned home and had their usual midday meal the men went out to the fields, the children were sent to weed the vegetable garden, and Rosa and Nina got started on preparation for a modest party in honor of the holy day and the news of the coming baby.

“Usually there’s a big to-do in the piazza,” Rosa explained, “but of course it’s been banned. Have to wonder why they let the riel go ahead at Epiphany but said no to this. So I told Papà we should have our own festa here.”

“What if someone finds out?”

“Paolo hates dancing, so I told him he could go fishing with his friends on Saturday if he keeps watch tonight. Besides, we’re only going to have our supper outside and dance to whatever music they’re playing on the radio. It’s not as if we’ve a shed full of fireworks ready to shoot off.”