Morning came and Giovanni left his woman in bed. In the night he carried her there. She fit so nicely in his arms he hesitated before he laid her upon the sheets. And she made love to him, stopping a few times to stare at her engagement ring while he was buried deep inside of her. He could not get enough of her.
Giovanni flipped on the light switch. He gazed at the man in the mirror staring back at him. He had done many things since he’d lost her and few of them made him proud. His beard, mustache, all of it was a bad attempt of his to disguise how badly he hurt over the loss of her. He didn’t want to be the man he’d become. Now he had a reason for change. He reached down in his bag and removed his shaving cream. The lather coated his jaws and chin. Giovanni picked up his razor and ran clean lines across his cheek. He dropped suds and hair in the sink. The shave left him with a thin mustache goatee, and was almost as good as his barber.
He rinsed and washed his face. Once done he stepped back and studied his reflection. They would start again. He’d have what his father and Flavio never did. A real family.
Chapter Seven
When they arrived home Catalina was on the front steps waiting for them. Apparently little Eve had been more than she bargained for. Mira could read the curious stare in Eve’s blue eyes as the car came to a stop. Her baby was just as anxious for mama.
The sun highlighted her curly hair and sparkled off the tiny diamond studs she’d had her ears pierced with. Mira sometimes marveled at how blessed she was to create such a special little girl. The cherry red pacifier that had caused the ruckus the night before hung from a ribbon pinned to Eve’s shirt. Her daughter blinked at the car, clapped and grinned when Mira got out. It was such a joy seeing her. Though she had a nice time with Giovanni, she vowed not to be separated from her little girl again. It was too heavy a burden for her heart.
“Ciao!” Catalina started down the stone steps that led up to the abbey doors. She met Mira half way. “I love her, but she woke twice crying in the middle of the night. She asked for her ma-ma.”
“Aww, hi baby-girl. Ma-ma sorry.” Mira took Eve into her arms. She was overwhelmed by the fresh beautiful smell of her skin and the warm loving hug her daughter gave. “Did she eat?”
“Yes. I gave her a bath too. She’s such a bimba. I really do love her, Mira. But I might not be quite ready for motherhood yet.” Catalina chuckled. “I hope it’s okay Gio. I spoke to Zia. She and Rocco will be here in two days, and they’re going to stay through the holiday. Our first Christmas with a baby, Giovanni. It’s going to be so wonderful.”
Giovanni stepped up and kissed Eve’s cheek. Catalina blinked at her brother. “You shaved. It’s, great. Wow.”
The transformation of her lover shocked Mira this morning when she woke. The man looked even more handsome to her, if that were possible. Mira understood Catalina’s reaction. Hell when she woke this morning and found him shaved and smelling good she dragged him back to their bed and made love to him until her back gave out. “Thank you for being such a good aunt.” Mira smiled, drawing Catalina’s attention back down to her. “Hear that Eve? Your grand-aunt is coming to see you.”
Eve grinned then ducked her head shyly down to her mother’s shoulder. They laughed together and went inside. Giovanni trailed behind them. She glanced back, and he winked. She winked.
“I have a surprise upstairs. Can’t wait for you to see. Come with me.”