Mr. Smithfield - Louise Bay Page 0,42

and announced, “Ice cream in the rain is next on the agenda, I believe.”

“But I lost,” I said.

He shrugged and led Bethany out. “Apparently we can’t wait for the storm to pass.”

We headed out in our rainboots and slickers, with directions to the best gelato in Rome. Bethany insisted on walking between us, holding both our hands as we dodged puddles and pedestrians and navigated the narrow streets that led into open square after open square. We managed to squeeze past a moped coming in the opposite direction through a narrow path under some buildings, and then we were out in the open again. This time, surrounded by tourists. “Keep hold of her,” Gabriel said, and I could tell by the dark tone of his voice he was in Sensible Dad mode. I tightened my grip on Bethany’s hand. “We’ll look but won’t stay long.”

“Look at what?” All I could see was people.

He lifted his head above the crowd and pointed. “The Trevi Fountain.”

I followed his hand and looked up. It was the wildest thing I’d ever seen. We were in a tiny square but on one wall was a huge building that seemed to have a marble Triton bursting out of it in his chariot, bringing the crashing waves of the sea with him. “It’s . . . wonderful,” I said.

Gabriel grinned and then his face turned stern. “Keep close. I’m going to get us to the front.”

He moved into the crowd with the confidence of a man who knew he would get to wherever he was headed. It must be why he was such a great lawyer.

Sure enough, we got to the front and it seemed even more majestic, more imposing from up close. “Can you see the horses?” I asked Bethany, pointing at the marble statues of the sea horses riding through the water. “It’s like they freeze-framed an invasion,” I said as I stared up at the onslaught of marble.

“Yes, it’s very baroque.”

“You hold tight to Daddy while I get some euros out.” I rummaged in my purse and pulled out some change. “Here. You have to throw over your right shoulder,” I said, tapping her gently to indicate the correct side. “Turn around.” I handed her a coin in her right hand. “Throw it back over your shoulder and make a wish.”

She did exactly what I’d said. “I wished for really good ice cream,” she said, and I laughed.

“I hope that one comes true for all of us,” Gabriel said.

“Now you,” I said, pressing a coin into Gabriel’s hand.

He rolled his eyes but turned around and threw the coin over his right shoulder just the same.

“What did you wish, Daddy?”

His gaze flitted between his daughter and me. “I wished to stay as happy as I am right now.”

My stomach flipped and I reached for him, wiping the raindrops from his wet cheek.

“What about you?” he said, as he took Bethany’s hand.

I turned around and tossed my coin over my shoulder.

“What did you wish?” Bethany asked.

“I cheated,” I confessed. “I made two wishes in one. I want great ice cream and to stay this happy.”

Gabriel held my gaze. When I’d left Oregon, I’d expected to come to London, start my job as a trainee executive, and have the time of my life. I had no idea that the time of my life would be had hanging out with the best man I’d ever met and his daughter. Unexpected as this was, nothing could have made me happier than I was right now.

Eighteen

Gabriel

I couldn’t remember when I’d had a better day. And now the skies had cleared and the view through the balcony doors was breathtaking. Autumn was putting Bethany to bed. She was sleeping in a rollaway in my room and Autumn had the second bedroom in the suite.

Autumn appeared in the doorway in her pajamas. “What did you do?” Her face broke into a grin as she took in the laid table.

I shrugged. “I made a few calls.” Room service had delivered dinner, champagne, and flowers, and set it all out on the dining table that overlooked the floor-to-ceiling windows with a view of the city.

“I feel underdressed.”

“I would argue the opposite,” I said, pulling her toward me as I reached under her top, smoothing my hands around her waist.

“I had the best day,” she said. “Rome is so much more than I expected. So . . .”

“Italian?” I offered and she laughed.

“So beautiful and over-the-top extravagant. It just feels full of life.”

“Sounds a bit