He extended his hand to shake. As I took it, I noticed the scar on his wrist. I suppose I was looking for it.

“It’s a pleasure,” I said.

“Americano?”

“Sì.”

“Not getting too friendly with my girl?”

“No, just keeping my eye on her for you.”

“You and the rest of the men in here.” He sat down on the side of Eliana’s chair and put his arms around her waist, brushed her hair to one side and nuzzled her, kissing her neck. She laughed but didn’t stop him. “Richard’s a writer. I’ve been telling him our story.”

He looked up at me. “The best part is that it’s just beginning.” He leaned over and kissed her once more, this time on the lips. “Are you about ready for lunch?”

“Yes, darling. I just need to gather my things.”

“Allow me,” Ross said.

“He’s such a pushover,” she said to me. “Un momento, honey.” She found a pen and quickly scribbled something on a cocktail napkin, then handed it to me. “That’s our telephone number. If you need help getting around Florence, just call. I know all the English-speaking doctors and dentists in the city. I even know where you can buy bagels. We’ll be in Toscana until late August.”

“Grazee.”

She grinned at my pronunciation. “And I know some good Italian language schools.”

I smiled. “Thank you.”

“Maybe we could all go out for dinner sometime.”

“I’d like that,” I said. “I’d like my wife to meet you.”

“Likewise.” She stood, holding hands with Ross. “Give us a call. Ciao.”

“Ciao, Eliana.”

Ross saluted me. “Arrivederci, Richard.”

“Take care,” I said.

Then they left, his arm around her waist, she leaning into him, the two of them flirting like honeymooners. It was obvious that he adored her, and nothing could have made me happier. Just another girl’s story. I smiled. Then I laughed. Then I gathered my things and went home to write.

Visit Richard Paul Evans’s Web site for a tour of The Last Promise online.

Visit Richard Paul Evans’s Web site for a tour of The Last Promise online.

See pictures of Villa Rendola, Piazzale Michelangelo, the Arno, the villa’s garden and more. There are also Italian recipes from the book, including Eliana’s grape pie and spaghetti carbonara.

You can also join Richard Paul Evans’s e-mail list for free reading group discussion guides, book updates, inspirational thoughts and special offers.

Please send correspondence to Richard Paul Evans at: PO Box 1416 Salt Lake City, UT 84110

Teaser chapter

One of the world’s most beloved authors returns with the story of a man who found everything he thought he was missing in the love he already had.