“Hey, you lovebirds! How was the honeymoon?” Fabio was a sight for sore eyes. He had been a great comfort to us after our disastrous wedding day. Bria was her usual bubbly self, and Ella and I were glad to be home.
We were exhausted after our travels across Italy. When Fabio and Bria left, we were thankful to be alone. The phone rang as Ella and I sat down to dinner.
“Ugh, I hope that’s a wrong number,” Ella said as she flopped down onto her chair.
“I’ll get it, my love. Hello. Papa! So good to hear from you.”
“Hello, my son. Did you and Ella have a good trip? We missed you.”
“It was amazing, Papa. We visited all the places you and mama took me to as a child. I’ve forgotten how spectacular Italy is.”
“She is, indeed. Mama and I were hoping to see you and Ella tomorrow morning for breakfast. Are you up to it?”
I was hoping to stay in bed with my wife, but my father sounded excited about seeing us so I agreed. “Si, Papa. We’ll see you in the morning.”
“Sleep well, son. Give our love to Ella.”
Ella and I hit the hay early and slept soundly. Morning came too soon. With our new favorite, a knee-buckling quickie, done and dusted, Ella and I left my apartment to meet my parents for breakfast.
ELEANORA
My orgasm was mind-blowing. I wondered if I would ever grow tired of Joe’s touch. I hoped not! After a decadent soapy shower that lasted a tad longer than expected, we hit the road to meet my new in-laws.
We arrived at the mansion to see my parents’ car there too. I was nervous, hoping that nothing was wrong. The four of them were chattering happily as Joe and I entered the living room. The room was huge, beautifully decorated. The walls boasted paintings of the greats of Italian art, Michelangelo, da Vinci, Modigliani, and Morandi. The Coli family was a great patron of the arts, and it was evident in their taste.
“Ah, there they are, the new couple. Don’t the two of you look tanned and relaxed.”
What followed was a frenzy of hugging and kissing, Italian style.
We were served coffee and savoiardi, as we told of our picturesque journey across Italy. Afterward, Joe and I moved toward the dining area, as we always did, when Antonio said, “We’d like to show you and Ella something before we eat, son.”
“Really? Okay, what have you guys been conspiring?” I asked as I looked at Joe.
“You’ll see,” said my mother.
“Alicia Lastra, what are you hiding?” I whispered in my mother’s ear as we followed them outside.
“Follow us in your car, Joe,” my father said as the parents got into his car.
“What’s going on?” I asked Joe as we followed them.
“You’re guess is as good as mine, my love.”
We drove for a short while. Papa’s car turned into a long driveway, leading to an impressive white house.
The four colluders emerged from the car, looking pretty pleased with themselves.
“Okay, what’s going on?” Joe was holding my hand.
“We’d like to introduce the two of you to your new home,” Antonio announced.
“We hope you will be very happy here, my darling,” my father chimed in.
Joe and I were speechless. “What?” I was staring at the stunning house, not sure if I was dreaming or not.
“It’s yours, my love. We hope you and Joe will be very happy here.”
“And our grandchildren too.” Bella smiled. “Come on, let’s show you around.”
Never in my wildest dream did I expect such a grand gesture. Our home was already furnished. Bella and my mother hired the top decorator in Italy to furnish it for us in the latest trends. Joe and I walked through the rooms with our mouths agape. Even the pantry and fridge were filled with our favorites.
“You guys are incredible! Thank you so much!” I was excited for Joe and I to have our own home, but this was way beyond anything I could have dreamed.
“Thank you. I don’t have words to describe my joy. What an extravagant gift.”
I had my suspicions that, after the disastrous start on our wedding day, our parents felt that this would wipe the slate clean. They weren’t wrong! The house was magnificent. Italian tiles, marble everywhere, a gorgeous garden, plants to make any botanist weepy with envy. The folks had done good!
“I’m starving,” said Antonio. “Let’s eat.”
The dining room table was filled with a delicious spread. We ate, laughed, and celebrated with each other. It was a wonderful start to the day. Afterward, Joe and I went back to our apartment to fetch a few personal items. We didn’t need much. Clothes, toiletries, some photos, and that was it, we were officially married and on our way to marital bliss, plus a house to die for. Could life get any better?
“Our parents are incredible people, Joe. I’m so happy.”
“They truly are.” Joe held my hand as we left our apartment behind. I felt such hope for the two of us. I was with the man I loved and he was perfect. Our parents were perfect. Life was pretty damn good for Eleanora Lastra.
Chapter Six
ELEANORA
Amid the excitement of being married and moving into our new home, Joe and I had to put up with Gino, who had interjected himself into our lives. Bella was getting used to the idea, albeit begrudgingly.
Antonio, livid with Abriana, was nevertheless a fair man who didn’t take his rage out on his son, Gino. He became a permanent fixture in the Coli family. Joe tried his best to get along with his half
