“We both had marriage on our minds even then.”
She nodded. “You told me how strict she is.”
“You handled her beautifully. But this is our marriage, not hers.” He started the car that had been packed with her bags and they left the palatial estate. “Have I thanked you for being so wonderful to my father?”
“The poor dear man. There needs to be a cure for Alzheimer’s,” she said in a tremulous voice. “I feel so sorry for your mother, too. I’ve heard that the spouse feels like he or she has already lost their life’s partner. She must have been grieving for a long time.”
“I know she has.” His voice grated.
“Your father is very handsome. Now I know where you get your looks. When we were at the concorso, I noticed that you and your sisters resemble your lovely mother, too. One day I hope she’ll be able to forget the pain.”
“I guarantee it. But right now we need to talk about a honeymoon. We’ll do anything you want.”
Her heart raced. “You mean you haven’t already planned it?”
“Even if I have, I’m prepared to make alterations. I’ll do anything for you. Tell me what you’d love to do most.”
“Could we go camping and hiking in the mountains and at a lake so I can catch fish?”
He let out a whoop of delight.
“I take it you’ve already set everything up.”
“I knew there was a reason why I wanted to marry you.”
She couldn’t take her eyes off him. “The first time I saw you ride your horse, I was only ten, but I knew I wanted to get to know you. Young Prince Enrico had a presence even then. No other boy ever interested me after that.”
“Not even Arnaud?”
“You know he didn’t. My parents pressured me the way your mother has pressured you about Valentina. When I believed I’d never see you again, I decided to say yes to him in order to have children one day. Children bring happiness.”
He reached for her hand. “We’re going to have more happiness than you can imagine, bellissima.”
* * *
Enrico’s favorite waterfall came into view, eliciting a satisfying cry from his exquisite bride of six hours.
But this time he drove down a semi-hidden road that led to the pool below, where he’d planned a surprise for her that had been in his mind for years. She’d wanted to camp out and she was going to get her wish.
Yesterday he’d asked Giovanni to pitch a black-and-tan-striped Moorish tent on the sandbar. With two small windows for light and ventilation, it had been set up to offer Donetta the rich luxury she deserved. His cousin had gathered helpers who’d turned the interior into a sumptuous bedroom with carpets and a bathroom with every amenity for two lovers.
Enrico had sent their luggage on ahead. A small table and chairs had been placed in one end. Giovanni had promised him coolers of food and a lighted oil lamp to greet them by the time they arrived that night.
During the day they could sunbathe all they wanted. At night they would moon-bathe to their hearts’ content, but he intended to make love to his wife in the privacy of their own boudoir for hour upon hour.
“Enrico—” she gasped when they reached their destination. “Oh, that tent—the pool and waterfall—it’s absolutely enchanting with the moon shining down, like something out of Arabian Nights.”
That was the idea. With his heart beating wildly, he got out of the Land Rover and walked around to her side. After opening her door, he swept her in his arms and carried her inside their tent, which would be their home away from home for as long as they wanted.
Another cry escaped her lips as she looked around the semi-dark interior in startled disbelief. Her eyes glowed that amazing green he loved so much. “You’ve created paradise for us.”
“I love you, Donetta.”
She stared at him strangely. “What are you saying?”
“I mean I really love you.”
“But I thought—”