Love in Texas

Chapter3

In the beginning, it was an escape. She had fallen in love with someone forbidden to her. It was wrong, and even though she knew that, she had needed to attempt it all those years ago. The situation caused considerable awkwardness and a slight rift with her family. She felt they were sending her away to rid her of the influence.

In reality, her mother had decided she needed to go abroad. Amelia herself had fallen in love with the boss’s son and never left town. Her heart was filled with wanderlust; she had never quite been able to banish it. She wanted to give her children a better life.

Amelia never once felt she was unhappy, but her children took more after their father in respect of his temperament, which tended to be on the more fiery side. They traveled after the children had left home, but it was just not quite what her heart yearned for.

“That sounds like a wonderful thing. We all want to be fresh-faced and bright-eyed for the evening of wine and dancing,” said Amelia. “ I have a feeling this reunion will last into the wee hours of the morning.“

“Carlo, I will have Betty show you to your room. We do not allow unmarried couples to sleep together, regardless of whether they are engaged or not. Pointedly looking at her daughter’s left hand, which held the 5-carat engagement ring.

“I understand Amelia, and I appreciate you finding room for me at such short notice,” he says as he slides his eyes to Paisley. The tips of her ears turn a bright shade of red, like they tend to do whenever she is embarrassed or angry.

"We always have rooms open for friends and family. It's a part of our Southern hospitality. That's one reason Giorgio and I get along so well; Italians and Texans share many similar family traits. I always hoped my girl would find an Italian man to settle down with," Amelia winked at Giorgio.

Giorgio rolls his eyes at his wife’s comment. If these kids knew some of the mistakes they made, perhaps they wouldn’t be so obedient in following this rule.

He takes his wife up to bed also. She has been starting to show fatigue lately. He is not sure if it is due to her recovering following her breast cancer or just her age getting to her. The years had flown by, and Paisley’s travel continued to be a family issue. Amelia was getting older and tiring more easily.

Giorgio was also tiring more easily, as him being a few years older than Amelia. Their marriage was mostly an arranged marriage. She had fallen in love with him long before he did with her. His parents made him settle for a short engagement and a quick wedding, or he would not receive his inheritance. He was too busy carousing and being a playboy; his father did not like his image. Georgio had been raised with it as his birthright. Dominic had been groomed from an early age to he would take over the family businesses.

Meanwhile, upstairs, Betty and Paisley are showing Carlo to his room. Her mother had put him at the complete other end of the house from the family wing. There is no way Carlo would attempt to find her room at night; he was too scared of getting lost and discovered.

“Your home is amazing, Paisley. I am surprised you were able to stay away so long. Plus, your family is so welcoming to me, except your father. He seems to be very upset with me for no reason. Do you know the reasoning behind his anger?” He asked Paisley once they were alone.

“I will have to ask him or Dom. I noticed that also. Dad is usually so friendly to everyone. Growing up, I never really brought home any boys. Maybe that is the reason. He is very protective.” Paisley stated.

“I hope you are able to find out and tell me. I don’t want to be on the bad side of my future father-in-law. My dream is to be welcomed into your charming family,” said Carlo.

“Let us all get some rest. Be sure to come to the main room by 5. I need to be there to greet the guests. Dress formally, please.” And with that, Paisley kissed him on the cheek and left with Betty on her heels.

Paisley entered her old room. She had not been home in ages, but it looked exactly the way she left it. She really should think about changing a few things up. She knows Betty has taken great care with her room. There is not a speck of dust to be found. She turns around and gives Betty a hug.

“Thank you so much for leaving everything as it was. I feel like I walked in after being gone for the day at school,” Paisley gives Betty a peck on her cheek. She has known this woman since she was a baby. “I will be downstairs at four thirty, we can chat then. Right now, I want a long bath and to prepare for my big night. “

Paisley goes into the bathroom and starts the tap. A nice long soak will make her feel so much better and will make her relax enough for a nap. This trip had been very long and stressful, plus she had a restless night. She had been so excited about the prospect of coming home and seeing her family. Nothing ever beats being back home in Texas.

When Giorgio’s father came to the States, he wanted a place similar to his home in Italy. Hence, the reason he chose this particular area of Texas. Green rolling hills, beautiful sunsets, and magnificent views as far as the eye can see.

After her bath, she does her routine of lotions. The flight over had been so dry, and she enjoyed keeping her skin as smooth as silk. Then she went to her walk-in closet. She saw the maids had hung her items while she was cleaning up. She chooses a beautiful, green dress with an asymmetrical hemline. Underneath, she chose a sheer green bra and panty set. Mom always told her to match, as it makes men desire you more. She pulled out some brown leather sandals to complete the look. Her hair was down as her parents enjoyed seeing it.

Paisley headed over to the guest wing. She felt she should take pity on Carlo as he was unfamiliar with the layout. She knocked lightly on his bedroom door. He answered the door looking as handsome as ever, his slim frame wrapped in a beautifully cut Italian suit.

She smiled shyly as she stared at him up and down. One thing that attracted her to Carlo was his effortless good looks. He looked magazine-ready, even just rolling out of bed.

“You look beautiful, bellissima Bella,” he whispered, and he leaned in to give her a peck on the cheek. “You look more stunning every time I see you.”

“I thought I would show you the way down. It can be a maze in the beginning. You will get used to it in no time.”

They hold hands as they walk down the stairs. She sees their reflection in the mirror as they pass. Paisley doesn’t know how she got so lucky with such an amazing man in her life. In her heart, she leans more toward the engagement every day. Her head is what keeps getting in the way. Practicalities and location seem to be a stumbling block. But she knows, given time, everything will work out like it is supposed to.

They stopped several times on the way to the sitting room as she pointed out interesting features about the house. Such as the giant portrait of Grandpa Dominic and his father Rafael, several antiques brought over from the old country, and different fun facts. She felt nostalgic just being home and seeing all the old familiar homestead.

Her favorite room was always the library. It is full of so many wonderful and exciting books. There was a cute little window seat tucked into a corner of the room. It also has a tall and majestic fireplace.

She would spend many hours in front of it, curled up in an armchair, reading or lying in front of the fireplace while her father read books to them. Framed paintings of her family's favorite horses over the years grace the dark wood wall. Her mother had redecorated the room years ago, and nothing had changed.

They walked into the sitting room laughing with Carlo’s arm around her waist. Upon entering the room, all conversation stopped. Their frivolity stopped as everyone gave a disappointed look, so Carlo slid his arm from around her. Everyone started talking again like nothing had happened. She didn’t think her family would be so upset about a casual touch. Now she began to realize her family’s attitude. They didn’t approve of Carlo!

She panicked as she didn’t know what to do next. They are a very affectionate couple, so she doesn’t see a problem. She makes a mental note to ask her mother some questions after dinner.

Dinner was almost always a formal event when they had guests around. The rest of the time, they eat in the kitchen whenever they are hungry. Tonight was a special event as the Moretti family was all under the same roof. It was to be a night of laughter and love, sharing memories of past adventures.

Carlo really had a wonderful experience full of exposure to all the family stories. He learned a lot more about Paisley than he had in the year they were together. It really made him love her more. She was always very shy about telling him personal things. He paid very close attention to all the new information; he was just drawn more to her.

Paisley keeps reaching under the table to squeeze his hand or touch his thigh. She wanted him to feel included, but she didn’t want anyone to see and scold her.