in two hundred years. Though she couldn’t convince him of this, maybe Dimi would listen before it was too late.
Vincenzo helped her out of the car and walked her to the front entrance. To her surprise the double doors opened and his black-haired cousin stood there, almost as tall as Vincenzo. In trousers and an open-necked white shirt, he’d turned into one of the most attractive Italian men she’d ever seen. He too had the Gagliardi build and silver eyes, though his features were his mother’s.
“Dimi!” she cried. The world stopped for a moment as a myriad of memories from their youth passed through her mind. He held out his arms and she ran into them. After he’d swung her around at least three times, she cried for him to put her down. “You look so wonderful!”
He wiped his eyes. “I swear I never thought to see you again in this life. Come with me.” She felt his arm go around her shoulders. “We’ll go out to the garden to talk.”
“I’ll look in on Zia Consolata while you two get reacquainted.”
“Perfetto, Vincenzo.”
Together they walked through a palazzo filled with treasures, leaving Vincenzo behind.
“How beautiful!” she exclaimed when they reached the sunroom that led to the outside patio. The rose beds were in full bloom. Dimi sat down beside her next to the wrought-iron table with an umbrella to shield them from the hot sun.
“Mamma loves it out here.”
“Of course she does.”
He hadn’t lost that sweet smile. “Let me take a good look at you.” His eyes played over her. “Short or long hair, you’re a vision, Gemma. That’s an extraordinary tan you and Vincenzo acquired in Greece. Your body was so white that day at the lake when—”
“Don’t you dare say another word!”
Dimi burst into laughter. The sound took her back years. “I see my cousin told you about that.”
“I’d rather not think about it.” She reached over and grasped his hand. “He’s told me all about your mother...and now your father.”
His features sobered. “To be honest, I’m surprised his diseased liver held out as long as it did.”
She squeezed his fingers before letting him go. “I understand your mother isn’t aware of what has happened.”
“No. Besides Alzheimer’s, she has developed bradycardia, a slow heartbeat. The doctor inserted a pacemaker, but her body has rejected it. She’s close to death now and never leaves her room.”
“Would it be possible for me to talk to her?”
“That wouldn’t be a good idea. She gets agitated by anyone who comes. But you’re welcome to look in on her before you leave.”
“Thank you.” A lump had lodged in her throat. “Dimi, how can we help you with your father’s funeral? Vincenzo couldn’t get here soon enough.”
“That’s the way it has always been between us. If you want to know the truth, there’s little to be done. My cousin and I are planning on the priest giving a blessing at the grave site tomorrow morning behind the castello. That’s where all the Gagliardis are buried. No one will be invited.”
“Not even me?” she asked in a small voice.
Gemma knew the location well. It was located in a special section deep in the forest. Vincenzo had met her there several times and had given her a history of the Gagliardi line. There was one spectacular monument among the headstones where the first Duca di Lombardi was buried. But she hadn’t visited the family cemetery since coming to the castello. Duca Emanuele would be buried there now.
A strange sound came out of Dimi. “He doesn’t deserve anyone as kind and loving as you being with us to say goodbye.”
“Your father gave you life.” Tears filled her eyes. “I can’t imagine my youth without you. For that, I’m grateful to him. Something in his brain had been wired wrong, but look how you’ve turned out. You’ve been the greatest blessing to your mother, who has always adored you.”
Dimi got out of the chair and paced for a few minutes, reminding her so much of Vincenzo when he had something painful on his mind. She stood up and walked over to him, putting her hands on his arms.
“You and Vincenzo are the greatest of all the Gagliardi men. I know, because I grew up with you for seventeen years and never saw anything but goodness in either of you.”
He shook his head.
“I beg you to listen to me, Dimi. Don’t let the actions of your fathers stain your lives and prevent you from doing the extraordinary things you were meant to do. You’ve both risen above the evil and corruption that entrapped them. Can’t you see it’s within your power to restore the good name you inherited?”
His features hardened, just like Vincenzo’s did. It was uncanny. “That’s a tall order, Gemma.”
“Of course it isn’t! Look at me.” He lifted his eyes to her. “Vincenzo doesn’t believe in destiny. He says your titles came as an accident of birth. Does that matter? You could raise the bar above everyone else. In fact, you’ve already started.”
“What do you mean?”
“I’ve heard Vincenzo’s partners talking. The two of you have hired dozens and dozens of local workers who’ve been unemployed to help restore the castello and grounds. Vincenzo started Nistri Technologies in southern Italy, putting over five hundred people to work. And Cosimo told me in private that you’ve started a huge new charity for Alzheimer’s victims in honor of your mamma.
“You’ve done amazing things and opened doors only you could with your money and your positions as leaders. Please promise me you’ll think about it and talk to him before he makes a mistake I can’t bear for either of you to make.”
He stared at her through narrowed eyes. “What happened to the girl who couldn’t see past the title that divided you?”
She drew in a deep breath. “She grew up and is standing in front of you with no more blinders on. On this trip Vincenzo has shown me he can be a duca and the most wonderful man who ever lived, all at the same time. I’m so proud of both of you and all you’ve accomplished. It’s made me see clearly at last. But he needs to believe it, too. You both do.”
Gemma couldn’t tell if she was getting through to Dimi or not. “Will you let me do something for you?”
“What would that be?”
“Stay with your mamma while you bury your father? It will be my way of showing my respect. She was a lovely woman and so kind to me. I realize she won’t know me, but I can be in the room while you and Vincenzo do your part in the morning. In a small way it will make me feel connected again. If my mother weren’t away on her trip, she’d want to be with the principessa at a time like this, too. Everyone loved her.”
A mournful sigh escaped before Dimi drew her into his arms. He rocked her for a long time without saying anything. Suddenly Vincenzo’s shadow fell over them.
“Zia Consolata is asleep.
