I’d coveted every precious second, falling into him with an ease that shocked me. I rarely took a man to bed, and over the years, Allegra had never met a man in my life.

Because there’d been none.

Did Enzo think I was pathetic? The lonely workaholic spinster who desperately needed an outlet? Had he been lying when he said I was the only one and that he’d never taken a risk like this before? Were all those late-night confessions uttered in my bed truth or lies?

When he said I was different.

When he said he’d been falling in love with me.

I ducked my head and tried to quiet the mean internal voices that sought to wreck my happiness. No, I wouldn’t allow myself to doubt. I wanted to be stronger and braver than that. God knows, I’d been hiding my head in the sand for too many years already, pretending I already had it all and needed nothing else.

Now I knew I was wrong. In my quest for control, I’d cut out physical intimacy. Emotional need. Vulnerability. Being with Enzo made it easier to face the truth.

I heard Allegra laugh and watched as she spun happily around with Ian on the makeshift dance floor. I didn’t care what she’d denied today—I knew there was more between them than friendship. But a priest? Lord, what a mess. Were Patrick and Rosemary actually supportive of his decision? I couldn’t imagine accepting that Allegra would never get married or have children because she wanted to dedicate her life to God. It seemed like something that happened in the Dark Ages, but then again, what did I know? Other than Mom forcing me into church on Sundays and getting my sacraments, the moment I was confirmed I refused to go.

He was four years older, but that was a big stretch since Allegra was only eighteen. He’d graduated college, and she was still in high school because she’d been held back a year before entering kindergarten.

Was my daughter playing a dangerous game that would break her heart? Or was I overreacting?

The endless questions whirled through my mind. I had to tell them tonight that Enzo would be joining us in Tuscany for a few days. Like Ian. Worry gnawed at my nerves. Would Allegra get upset and feel like I was ignoring her again? Choosing a man over her? And if she did get upset, was I strong enough to tell him no to please my daughter and keep healing our fragile relationship?

Mom dropped into the chair beside me. “Frannie, why aren’t you out there? It’s a free-for-all!”

I laughed. “I’m more into watching than dancing tonight. You and Allegra made up for my laziness.”