“That’s very accomplished. How old are you?” she inquired, realizing she wasn’t quite sure of his age.

“I turned thirty-three on my last birthday. What’s the matter? Did that surprise you?” Luca questioned as the next forkful of food hovered in the air between them.

“No,” she lied, as Luca’s phone began to chime. She’d actually thought he was much older.

“You’re a terrible liar,” he replied. “It did. Why?” He pulled the phone from his back pocket and promptly turned it off. “I hate these things. I would throw them all in the sea if I could.”

Colette smiled. She felt the very same way about electronics and was especially glad he’d silenced it in favor of her. “I just can’t figure out why you’re being so nice to me.”

His expression became gentle but his voice was serious. “I can see you aren’t a woman who is so easily swayed by words,” he replied. “So I think I will just have to show you.”

“Show me?” she repeated as he got to his feet, faintly disappointed. “Where are you going?” Usually, he stayed while she ate, and sat and talked with her a while longer before heading back. But today he was leaving early, it seemed.

“I promised my sister I would take care of her children tonight,” he informed her.

“You’re babysitting?”

Was there no end to this man’s mysteries?

“My sister and her husband have a new baby and busy lives. It isn’t easy for them to get some time alone. I help when I can.”

“That’s really sweet.”

“I’m a sweet guy,” he replied as he leaned over and kissed her forehead. “Enjoy the rest of your meal, Colette. I will see you tomorrow. And we will plan what comes next for us when you are well.”

What comes next?

Colette watched him go, all thoughts of food completely banished from her mind as she tried to figure out what a man like Luca could see in a girl like her.

Chapter 24

Now

Excitement woke Colette early. The sky was still dark as her eyes opened. Even though she had just woken, her heart was beating fast with nerves and anticipation.

She turned to look at her husband as he slept on beside her, smiling as she thought of everything he meant to her.

She remembered her promise to cling to the good times, and do her best to forget the rest, even when it was difficult.

Hopefully, though, their fortunes were about to change.

Colette kissed him lightly before easing herself out of their bed. There was something she had to do. Something important that could change their lives for the better.

She padded quietly to the en-suite bathroom, her heart in her throat with every step. This was it. She was sure of it.

This was what she’d been waiting for.