abuela.
Hot chocolate and fresh coffee were soon served and Luis’s grandmother asked him about his work, the trip over and what he wanted to do while visiting.
Stacey listened, keeping an eye on the boys. They were growing bored and she thought it best if they went to their rooms, changed clothes and maybe took a short nap.
“Ah, the boys are growing restless,” Maria said a moment later. She smiled at them. “Luis, show them the room you had as a boy. I’ve put you on the second floor in the room you used when you brought Melissa. I thought they’d be more comfortable on the third floor next to the playroom.”
“You’ve kept the playroom?” he asked.
“Of course. Each generation has children. I want them all to love coming here as much as you did.” She looked at Sophia. “I think I’ll put Stacey in the rose room, what do you think?”
“She would do well there,” Sophia said with a nod.
“Wherever you wish,” Stacey said. “Is that next to the boys’ room.”
“No, it’s on the floor below. There will be other children on the third floor. The twins won’t feel lonely. Luis, your cousins Sebastian and Theresa will be here tomorrow afternoon with their families. And the day after Miguel and Pedro and their families. I love it when the house is full of children. I’m sorry Isabella can’t come until next week.”
Luis looked thoughtfully at his grandmother. “And where is this rose room?” His grandmother looked at him. “It’s on the second floor—right next to yours.”
CHAPTER TWO
LUIS kept his composure but he was not pleased with the obvious ploy on his grandmother’s part. He knew she fervently believed men should have a wife to help in life’s journey. She’d been very happy with his grandfather and wanted all her grandchildren married and as happy.
His sister Isabella and his cousin Sabrina were the only other unmarried members of the family. Did grandmother have plans for them as well?
He looked at Stacey. She glanced at him, a hint of amusement in her eyes. She’d definitely picked up on his grandmother’s machinations. Would it give her ideas? He didn’t kid himself, the money he had was sufficient appeal to anyone. He’d known Melissa had married him for love as he hadn’t had two cents back then. Yet she’d never complained. She’d delighted in their good fortune when the software had begun to take off. Now he was too cynical to believe in love with money and fame so enticingly included.
“Come on, Juan and Pablo, let’s go find your rooms. You might want to take a short nap, too,” Stacey said, heading for the door.
“I don’t want to take a nap,” Juan said, racing after her. Pablo lagged behind a little, looking over his shoulder at his father in appeal.
“I’ll come up with you,” Luis said. Pablo clearly needed some extra encouragement in the strange setting.
Juan was already racing up the stairs when Luis and Pablo caught up with Stacey.
“These stairs are so wide. The extravagance of space is not what I’m used to in New York,” she said, admiring the staircase.
“This was built in the 1920s when lavish styles were the rage. It’s a solid house.”
“Lovely.” She didn’t say anything else. Or try to flirt or make mention of his grandmother’s room assignments. Her serenity fascinated him. So far he’d never seen her flustered.
The third floor held several bedrooms and a large playroom. Memories crowded in as he surveyed the old toys and games and books. The chairs were way too small for him now, but once upon a time they’d been perfect.
“What fun we’ll have here if it rains,” Stacey said to the boys as she wandered to the shelves and looked at the books. Most were in Spanish, but there were a few English versions. Board games were neatly boxed. There were blocks, and puzzles, and trucks and dolls. It was perfect for children of various ages.
“Their room will be next door,” Luis said. He felt awkward. She should be staying near the children. His grandmother knew that. He didn’t want to give Stacey any false impressions or ideas. She was a temporary nanny for his children, nothing more. If she read anything into Abuela Marie’s room assignment, he’d have to set her straight.
“Fabulous. If they wake up early, they can play quietly until it’s time for breakfast,” she said, following him into the bedroom that held twin beds.
The boys came in, curious to see their bedroom. Juan bounced on the bed, then flopped down.
“I think we should wash our face and hands and lie down while I read you a story,” Stacey said as one of the maids brought up their suitcases.
“I’ll leave you to it, then,” Luis said, anxious to escape before he started thinking along the lines of his grandmother. It was interesting to see Stacey’s interaction with Juan and Pablo. He was used to Hannah, loving yet a bit staid. Stacey made everything seem like an adventure.
Luis went down to the second floor and to his room. His things had already been unpacked and put away. Eyeing the bed, he considered lying down himself, but knew he’d be asleep in no time. He wanted to stay awake to adjust to European time as quickly as possible. Going to the windows, he looked out on the gardens. They were lovely, in full bloom. He opened the window, stepping out onto the porch that wrapped around the villa. The fragrance that filled the air also brought many memories.
How many summers had he spent here? A dozen at least. His father had led a busy life, and hadn’t wanted young children along, complicating things. His sister had enjoyed the summers. He had too, once he’d reconciled himself to staying. As a teenager, though, he’d rebelled more than once.
Turning, he started back into his room when his eye caught the open French doors next to his. That was the room where Stacey would be sleeping. He frowned. Maybe he should suggest a different room for her.
For the first time since Melissa’s death he considered what it would be like to marry again. He’d never meet anyone like Melissa. But it would be better if he could share the raising of his children with someone who would love them as much as he did. Maybe even have another child or two. He thought he’d like a little girl. One with blonde curls and a sunny smile.
He took one last look at the garden and went back into the bedroom. The fatigue from the flight was rattling his mind. He had work to do, not fantasies to dream.
Stacey settled the boys down on one bed and brought out one of her books from her tote. She lay down beside them and opened the big picture book to read. They were all crowded together with scarcely any room to move, but the boys didn’t complain, eager to hear the story. By the time she reached the end, both of them were sound asleep.
She covered them with a light blanket and quietly left the room, leaving the door ajar so she could hear them. She didn’t want them upset or scared when they woke in a strange place.
Entering the playroom, she walked around, studying it thoughtfully. This was where Luis had spent his summers. Had he missed his parents or been so thoroughly indulged by his grandparents he hadn’t had a chance to miss them? He’d mentioned a sister. Stacey supposed she would also be attending
