“Father, I’d be honored! I’m so happy for the both of you, and I absolutely love Rosie.”
“So do I, Daniel, so do I. Katherine, I'm so happy you're coming back to New York with us. Remember that you have to make yourself at home. There are no strangers under my roof." He reached over and squeezed Katherine's hand.
Katherine couldn’t help but feel the huge amount of love that was around, within, and for her. When the conversations had quieted down and Francesco closed his eyes, Katherine put the headphones on and chose a music selection. First, she started out humming as she closed her own eyes. Without even thinking about it, Katherine started to sing.
Francesco quickly opened his eyes in amazement. Daniel was falling in love even more. They listened to her gorgeous voice singing without music, at least none that they could hear, with complete perfection.
Francesco stared at his son. Daniel nodded and his smile widened. He looked at his father as he gladly accepted this beautiful nourishment for his soul.
“Canti come un angelo!!” Francesco exclaimed, much louder than he wanted to. He sat straight up and stared at Katherine with his eyes wide and mouth open.
Katherine stopped singing and removed the headphones. Daniel sighed heavily.
“I’m sorry, Francesco, I didn’t hear you. Did I do something wrong? You two are staring at me.” Katherine began to get uncomfortable. Maybe she did something outside of proper etiquette, but Daniel was very laid back. She didn’t understand.
“My father said, ‘You sing like an angel.’ I could listen to you sing forever.”
Katherine blushed and turned the music off. “I’m sorry, sometimes I sing and I don’t even realize it. I didn’t mean to wake you up, Francesco. I know you were trying to rest.”
“Rest?! Katherine, your voice is incredible!”
“I owe Daniel only twelve more songs then!” Katherine laughed.
“I hired a recording studio called Blue Nights, in Manhattan. Someday I’d hoped to get her in there, but I know she’s not going to go. I won’t even bother to book a date.” Daniel laughed and held Katherine close to him.
When the limo drove up to the estate, Katherine gasped. “You live here?”
“Well so do you, so don’t say anything bad about us to the neighbors,” said Daniel jokingly.
“The horses! They’re here!” Katherine remembered them with fondness.
“Yes, this was a surprise for Rosie, from my father. You can visit them anytime you’d like. They’re such sweet horses.”
“I asked Rosie to marry me right there in that stable. I got down on one knee and surprised her with a ring.”
“You got down on one knee?” Daniel was quite impressed.
“Well, I had a little bit of help from the post, but it was harder getting up. I’d do anything for her though.” Francesco looked at the stable post and smiled. “Soon, it’s your turn, Daniel. Don’t waste time.”
Katherine blushed while Daniel had a smile from ear to ear.
Carl arrived and opened the limo door. Francesco walked inside the house.
Daniel asked Carl which room Katherine would be staying in. He didn’t want to overstep his bounds or cause any disrespect inside of his father’s home.
“She’s staying upstairs. Welcome, Katherine, follow me and I’ll take you to your lovely room.”
Katherine linked her arm in Carl’s as he led her up the stairs. Daniel followed close behind. He was hoping that at least her room would be close to his.
“Here we are,” said Carl as he opened the door to a very large, beautifully designed room.
The first thing that Daniel noticed was the white quilt that had little blue flowers sewn on it. “This is just like the quilt I had on my bed at Rosie’s.” Daniel walked over and ran his hand over the soft fabric.
“Yes, Daniel, Rosie made this quilt for you. She worked very hard and for long hours at a time.”
“Katherine,” began Daniel as he smiled at her, “you will love this quilt.” She made something special to make Katherine feel at home. His love and respect for the older woman grew over the heartfelt gift that she’d made. “My room is about six doors down on the right, Katherine. If you’d like I’ll show it to you.”
“Daniel, this is your room too. Your father insisted.”
Daniel stood there looking stunned for a moment, then thanked Carl. When he left, Daniel threw his arms around Katherine so excitedly, that her feet lifted from the ground. “I love you, Katherine, welcome home,” he whispered, with his face buried in her neck.
After helping to unpack Katherine’s things, Daniel led her downstairs by the hand and into Francesco’s study.
“Francesco, I can’t thank you enough,” Katherine said. Her words just seemed to be stuck in her throat. She wanted to say more, but the last thing she wanted to do was to break down in front of this kind man. Everything that Francesco and Daniel had done for her and her uncle was overwhelming her.
“Katherine, you’re family. My son loves you, therefore I love you. Rosie is on the way in from visiting the horses. She’s really looking forward to seeing you both.”
“And here I am!” Rosie walked in at the exact moment and threw her arms around Daniel. “I’ve missed you so much!”
“I’ve missed you too, Rosie. Father told me about the engagement! I couldn’t be happier. I love you both so much.”
“I always wanted a son like you. I can spoil you more frequently now, Daniel.” Rosie winked and patted his face.
“Speaking of spoiled, that quilt you made…it’s a replica of the one that was in my room on the farm.”
“I knew you liked that quilt. When it burned in the fire, I had to make another one. It’s just like the old one, only a little bit bigger.”
“Rosie, thank you.” Daniel kissed her cheek and wrapped his arms around her. “Do you know Katherine?”
“I’ve seen her uncle a few times, but I wasn’t able to get out much. Nice to finally meet this special girl I’ve heard so much about.” Rosie gave Katherine a nice hug.
“Likewise! I’ve heard such beautiful things about you, Rosie. Through Daniel, I feel like I already know you. You’re one amazing woman.” Katherine smiled, meaning every word she said.
“I imagine you two are simply starving.” Rosie always had to make sure that bellies were full.