“How to cook the perfect pasta and gravy. How to romance a woman. When to fight and make my stand, and when to run.”

“And your father? Was he hard on you and easy with the girls?”

A shadow flickered over his face. “My father died when I was seven.”

“I’m so sorry.” I touched his arm, then quickly drew back. “My dad died when I was in my late twenties and I still can’t seem to stop grieving.”

“Our parents make us feel valid. They are the ones who saw everything of who we really are and loved us anyway. Losing them is like losing a limb, no?”

“Yes.” Allegra had missed out on having a grandfather, and it still tore me apart. And for a long time, Mom was completely lost, like she had no compass. Her granddaughter had brought her back to life. Even though she’d disapproved of my choice to get pregnant alone, Allegra gave her new hope. “Are you all close?” I asked.

He nodded. “Very. When I am not on tour, I see my mama and sisters every Sunday. I have two nieces and a nephew so far.”

“That’s so nice. Where do you live?”

“A tiny town you’ve never heard of. It’s called Lucca, which is in the Tuscany region.”

I blinked and shook my head. “Are you kidding me?”

“I’m not sure what you mean.”

“We rented a villa half an hour from Lucca. I got it on Vrbo—it’s an old farmhouse.”

Shock filled his dark eyes. “Do you know the exact location?”

“It overlooks the town of Borgo a Mozzano, I think? It used to be a chestnut farm. It looks like a beautiful property with a terrace, and views, and even a lake. We can walk into town for the market. We’re heading there for a week after the tour.”

“You picked a charming spot. And if you want, I’d be happy to show you around or give you any information since I will be there after the tour, too.”