Authors Note: My apologies for the delay in this chapter. I hope you enjoy this chapter. Thank you to everyone left comments or sent me feedback about previous chapters of this story. Thank you to Margaret who proofread for me again, she is a gem. ~ellie
*****
Peri woke up in the bed that she and Josh shared during their visit to the farm and was not surprised to find Josh missing. He revelled in the large gathering and catching up with all the friends and relatives he rarely saw except at these events. The whole family seemed to be hyperactive and as promised Peri found herself being drawn to Emily and her quiet little corner of the Donati world.
They often sat in the glass atrium together chatting about the various groups of people they could see through the windows. They had announced her impending motherhood as soon as they had arrived rather than trying to maintain the secret and having people ask why they didn’t say something earlier. Emily had been good about not lecturing her on anything to do with pregnancy but rather listening when Peri wanted to talk and answering direct questions with short factual answers, rather than long anecdotal spiels about what she had been through like the other women did.
Emily could remember when she was about to become a mother for the first time and how inadequate she had felt when taking with friends and relatives. Rosanna, on the other hand, had been a quiet port in the storm who had sat and listened as she now tried to do for Peri. Carmen and Bianca were full of unsolicited advice and scary stories, and Emily felt for the young woman who had been through so much already.
“It’s so nice here away from the noise and excitement outside,” Peri said leaning back in her chair and placing her book down beside her.
“I think Ben has threatened everyone with violence if they disturb, upset or over-excite me,” Emily laughed lightly. “I love that man to bits, but he can be overbearing at times.”
“I think it’s a family trait,” Peri agreed. “Plus all of the brothers seem to say the same thing. I have had Dante checking in on me so often I could almost forget which brother I am married to,” she laughed with Emily.
“Josh is the baby brother they all love him the best. He’s the one they all rely on never to be too busy to lend them a hand or keep them company. He’s been at the hospital when each of his nieces and nephews was born. He’s Mr. Congeniality in a family of big egos and even bigger wallets. You’re lucky that they aren’t all watching over you,” Emily spoke of Josh with genuine affection. “If not for you I am sure he would be fussing over me like a mother duck and keeping me company while everyone else was out there enjoying themselves. Family means the world to him. I’m not sure Nik ever understood just how much he loved being part of this unruly mob. She hated these gatherings and would often pull him away from the crowd with one of her tantrums.”
It was the first time Peri could remember when someone had mentioned Nik in casual conversation, and she blanched unconsciously prompting Emily to apologise.
“Oh, I am sorry, Peri. I didn’t mean,” she shrugged speechlessly.
“It’s fine,” Peri smiled. “I’m just not ready to think of her as part of the family again or at least part of Josh’s life. I know that’s irrational, but I have had to divorce her from all of you, so when someone mentions her casually like that, I react. My shrink tells me it will get easier as times goes on, though.” She gave a sad half smile.
“Maybe it will help to talk about her in a distant context, you know like once removed. Or maybe it would help you to know that she was no one’s favourite, but they all forgave her for being a bitch because she was family. She’s been cut off from the family now, and they talk about her as if she is dead,” Emily admitted. “What I am trying to say is that if anyone mentions her it will be in the past tense, and you have nothing to fear from the name being mentioned.”
“Dead?” Peri took a deep breath and closed her eyes. “I don’t wish her dead,” she said quietly. The truth was that she barely thought about how the rest of the family were taking Nik’s guilt and subsequent incarceration. So much had happened so fast in their relationship that she and Josh had barely spoken of her since the panic attack at the engagement party. It bothered her more than she would have thought possible that Josh and his family treated Nik as if she had died. Had Josh grieved for his twin? Had he taken the time to consider what this would mean twenty years from now when she was a free woman again? Would he resent her in time for the loss of his sister? The thoughts swam in her head bringing forth new insecurities along with older ones that she had thought she was beginning to conquer.
“I know that,” Emily said quickly watching a range of emotions play across Peri’s face as she considered the words. “I have upset you, I’m sorry. I wasn’t thinking, you seemed so happy and recovered I just didn’t think,” she gave a small shrug again. “I’m sorry, I never meant to upset you in anyway.”
“I’m okay,” Peri said. “You’re right I am happy, and aside from a little nausea now and then I feel fabulous like I am bursting with energy all of a sudden. I feel like I could be out there playing, but Josh is trying to wrap me in cotton wool,” she said. “It’s like you said, I love him to bits, but he can be overbearing at times.” She added making Emily laugh happily.
“I’ve come to steal my wife away,” Josh announced walking into the atrium. “I have however brought you a replacement.” Marisol walked into the room behind him.
“I could use a stretch,” Peri said brightly coming to her feet. “I’ll catch up with you later on,” she smiled at Emily and took Josh’s hand.
They walked through the main house which was teeming with people to the Athenaeum and up the long staircase to the main floor. Peri saw two women and three men all sitting at one end of the long rectangular table, and she looked up at Josh in surprise.
“I know we hadn’t made a clear decision about the house yet but I ran into Carmella and Ferris, and they have some great ideas,” he pointed to two of the people as he spoke. “Then we spoke to Paul and Tarsia and Grant. They thought if we can come up with some plans while we are all here together we could get it drawn up and submitted to the council by the end of the month so we could start to build.”
Peri could hear the sense of urgency in Josh’s voice and merely nodded rather than saying anything into the silence at the end of his speech about the idea. Instead, she turned to the small group and smiled. “It’s very nice to meet you all. Josh had said there might be some people here who could help us out. It’s very nice of you to take the time to look at our plans when everyone else is out there having fun,” she said softly.
“Carmella lives for this stuff,” Ferris chuckled. “I have t drag her away from work to get her down here at all, so this will keep her from getting bored.”
“He’s worse than I am,” she shook her head. “I’m the dreamer, and he is the realist. Then we have the muscle and the pretty one and of course the bossy one.” She went around the table smiling at each person.
“Would you like me to translate that for you?” Tarsia offered, “Considering I am the bossy one?” She waited for Peri to nod before continuing. “Architect and engineer, builder and interior designer and of course project manager,” she pointed to herself.
“Thank you,” Peri laughed softly and took the chair offered to her.
“How exciting having a honeymoon baby,” Grant said with a wide grin and by the sounds of it, you’re planning a big family. That means a big house, the question, of course, is do we go up or out,” he said with an eagerness Peri hadn’t been expecting.
“If my husband has his way I will be eternally pregnant I think,” Peri laughed easily. “Honestly, I don’t even know where to start with all of this, which is why we hadn’t made any firm decisions before now,” she explained.
“That my darling is why we are the best team there is,” Carmella jumped into the conversation. “Relax and close your eyes,” she paused as Peri looked at her with a frown but closed her eyes and tried to relax in front of these people she barely knew. “Now you’re looking at one of those prize homes, except this one is different it’s the house you have dreamed of for years. Can you see it in your mind?”
“Of course, it’s Newstead House or something very similar to it,” she opened her eyes looking at the people around the table. It has the wide open veranda around the front part, but the back is all cool stone and multi-levelled, it even has a cellar. I know it’s heritage listed, but I have loved that house and grounds since I visited it on a school trip. I have seen a few similar ones, but they were never quite as good. It’s all the iron work and wood and stone that work together to create something with history and substance. I don’t know how else to explain it.”
“The interior as well?” Grant asked considering her descriptions. “Do you like those heritage features and colour palettes or would you prefer a more modern look to the interior?”
“I love the heritage features, but I think both modern and heritage can be blended nicely. I can’t imagine trying to cook in a heritage kitchen despite liking the look of it,” she said.
“I need a shower, modern and hot and steamy, maybe a sauna room too now that I think about it,” Josh said. “I need a modern bathroom.”
“I’ve seen the modern heritage style done well. Leave it with me for a day or two and I will come back with some ideas for you to look at,” Grant said. “Assuming that the dreamers pencil is sharp and raring to go,” he looked at Carmella, who had pursed her lips and was thoughtfully looking at her phone.
“Are you kidding? This will be more fun than anything else we have on the agenda I love an urgent deadline like this,” She looked up from her phone. “I’m not sure that six months is realistic, but we can give it a good nudge.”
“If you want it done before Christmas I’ll need the plans for council before the end of the month,” Paul grumbled. “Who do we know on that council that can smooth the way?”
“I’ll look into it,” Tarsia said. “You two come up with the concept and leave it to the three of us to make it a reality. Once the initial drawing is done, we can talk costs and how we can save money if need be but go all out to start with. I’m sure Josh wants nothing but the best for his family.”
“While that’s true it doesn’t need to be painfully so,” Josh chuckled.
“So wow, we’re doing this then?” Peri said with more than a little surprise.
“I’d like to bring our babies home to our forever home,” Josh said taking Peri’s hand. “I don’t want them to have to live through renovations and building when their start to life should be calm and filled with love and cosy comfort.” Again she could hear the urgency in his voice, and she squeezed his hand.
“Have I told you how much I love you today?” She smiled, and she could see some of the tension flow out of his body. She leaned over and kissed him lightly. “You’re right. I’m just overthinking everything as usual. I trust you, and if you believe your friends can build us our dream home, I believe they can too.”
“Great,” Tarsia said eager to get on with what she needed to do. Josh had already given them the details of where they currently lived and what the house looked like. They could get the plans couriered out here and send one of their men over to take photos. Her mind whirled with all she needed to accomplish this afternoon so the creative team could start the process. “We’ll get things underway and meet with you in a few days to let you know how we’re progressing.
“One last thing,” Carmella said as the meeting began to wrap up. “I didn’t miss the fact that you said babies’ plural just then. Are we expecting twins?”
“We aren’t very good at this whole secret thing,” Peri laughed looking at Josh.
“Shit,” Josh sighed. “What can I say I’m an over-achiever,” he grinned at Carmella and held up three fingers.
“It’s early days,” Peri said cautiously, “So we hadn’t planned to tell anyone just yet. If you could just keep that snippet of information between us for a little while, I would appreciate it.” Her anxiety about the pregnancy surfacing in her voice.
“Of course darling,” Grant said immediately. “How exciting for you both, I will try and leave enough money in your budget for the mountain of diapers you’re going to need.” He pulled a face and the others all laughed with Peri, who had been stunned by the comment. She hadn’t dared to think that far ahead. She had barely acknowledged that getting a housekeeper with nanny experience would be a good idea, and now she had to rethink even that decision as well.
Josh and Peri left the small team to talk some more about their future home and when out into the grounds to walk for a little while and talk away from the crowd. Peri had been surprised by how fast the small village had been filled with people on the first weekend and was glad she and Josh were in the main house where it remained relatively quiet away from the families and children and staff. She had been grateful for the quiet of keeping Emily company with her sisters-in-law. To say she had been overwhelmed by the amount of people in attendance was an understatement.
After they had been stopped for the tenth time and she had been introduced to yet more relatives she stopped in the shade of a big tree and leant her back against the bark.
“Josh maybe a walk wasn’t the best idea in the world,” Peri said looking up into his eyes.
“Are you feeling okay?” He asked concern for her written across his face.
“I’m perfectly fine. There’s just so many people here. I think I am possibly better off hiding out back in the atrium with Emily or somewhere quiet with you. I can’t possibly remember all these names.” She said honestly.
“I don’t expect you to remember them all,” he chuckled and leaned down to kiss her.
“Oh my gosh,” she said suddenly startling Josh, who stood back up and looked around for what had startled her. “How will we ever find names for our babies when you have hundreds of close relatives!”
“We’ll work it out, I am thinking Joshua Junior, Josh Junior, and maybe wah-wah Junior but that’s a heavy name to carry,” he said seriously, and she punched his arm laughing.
“No, no, and definitely not,” she laughed merrily. “I think we are going to have to tell our parents about the number of grandchildren they are getting, though. We can’t keep it a secret very long now,” she said.
“I guess I let that one out already,” he gave her a guilty look. “No time like the present I suppose, they are probably holding court in the front room and will be grateful for the diversion,” he suggested and took her hand again.
*****
As Josh had predicted Joseph and Antonia had been more than delighted to leave their friends in the front room and guide them back through the house to their rooms at the rear to talk privately. Peri walked into a cosy sitting room and took a seat. It was only as she sat on the comfortable couch beside Josh that took note of the subtle touches that told of their open love and sexuality. She blushed lightly trying not to look at the artwork and decorative touches in the room. She wondered idly how Josh dealt with it as if he had always been around such things.
Josh began to speak to his parents, and Peri found it hard to look at Joseph as a memory of their intimate interlude flittered through her mind like a movie she has once seen rather than starred in. She dragged her mind back to the conversation as she heard the word triplets spill out of Josh’s mouth and she took in the stunned faces of his parents.
“Excellent!” Joseph said happily and slapped his son on the back. “You were always one step ahead of everyone else.”
“My goodness,” Antonia gave Peri a concerned look. “How do you feel about this?” She asked carefully.
“Well I have a little nausea now and then, but it’s not terribly bad. Honestly, I’m not sure how I am supposed to feel because I’ve never been pregnant before but feel good. I have a lot of energy, and I’m happy. We always said that we wanted to start a family straight away, I guess this just means we will be starting with a bigger family than planned this early. It also means I will probably need some help.”
“Yes, we should start thinking about a housekeeper immediately, but we will have some time to train a suitable nanny or maybe even two,” she nodded wisely.
“I’m not sure that will be necessary,” Josh cut in. “The house, while we love it, it not going to be big enough for this sort of increase in our family let alone household staff. I’ve already met with Carmella about coming up with some ideas for a renovation or complete rebuild. We love the location and don’t really want to move from there, but the house just isn’t going to be big enough.”
“I thought you were going to build out near Andreas and Marisol?” Joseph asked scratching his chin, and Peri smiled at the affectation having seen each of his sons use it from time to time.
“Eventually, but we like the location of this house for now. It’s close enough to work that I can come home quickly if needed and not so far from the city that Peri would have to worry about getting to appointments or seeing family and friends. There’s enough room out there to build an airstrip so you can visit as often as you like,” He added as a softener to the fact that they had plans to alter the gift they had been given.
“That makes sense,” Joseph nodded. “Carmella and her team are good. I would like to see what they come up with. Are they working on it while you are here?”
“Yeah, we want to have some sort of plan happening by the end of the gathering that we could take to council for initial approval,” Josh nodded his sense of urgency over having a home for his family creeping back into his voice.
“The home is the woman’s domain and Peri, and I will be having an equal say about how this house is renovated,” Antonia said forcefully but winked at Peri, who looked on in stunned amusement. “Is Grant handling the design aspects?” She asked.
“Yes,” they both said in unison.
“Good Peri and I will meet with him after dinner tonight and get him to know exactly what we think,” Antonia decreed not allowing arguments from her husband and son. “I can introduce you to some of the girls who are looking for work as housekeepers and might be interested in training as a nanny. We have some lovely girls here at the moment, and it won’t hurt to get to know them while you are here you might find you click with one or two, and they would be grateful for the work,” she said directly to Peri.
Peri took a breath and calmed her nerves as Antonia took over and told herself that she could take or leave Antonia’s suggestions, despite the woman’s forceful use of the word “we.” She hadn’t considered that the girls who signed contracts here would be grateful for the opportunity of working with her and Josh, and she chastised herself once again for getting hung up on the word slave.
“I’d like that. I have a few questions and idea’s that you could probably help me with,” she smiled at her mother-in-law. She would like Andie’s input too, but there would be time for that she reasoned.
“It’s a shame your mother isn’t coming until the weekend, but we can catch her up on everything we talk about then,” Antonia said as if reading her mind.
“So tonight after dinner then, Papa?” Josh asked his father.
Joseph mumbled his agreement as if deep in thought and then looked at his wife seriously. “I can’t remember the last time one of our children let us be part of their projects voluntarily,” he said. “Let’s not get carried away with imposing what we think best and let them tell us what they would like us to help with,” he said gently. “I am quite liking one of my sons coming to us rather than the other way around.” He reached out to take Antonia’s hand in a loving gesture.
“You’re right,” she smiled softly. “We’ll meet tonight, and you can tell me if any of my suggestions are something you would like help with,” she said to Peri in the same soft tone.
“I think we had better be going now,” Josh cleared his throat as he spoke and stood quickly. “I’ve seen that look they are giving each other before.” Peri’s eyes widened at the older couple who laughed at her sudden blush.
“After dinner,” Peri stumbled over her words as Josh pulled her from the room. Once they closed the door behind them, Josh did not stop walking but rather went back through the house and up to the room they shared.
“That went well. They barely blinked an eye when you said triplets,” Peri smiled, “I think you made your parents very happy talking to them about everything that’s going on in our life. I should probably call Andie before someone else tells her the news. I’m not sure how she will take it. She wasn’t the happiest person when I told her that I was pregnant, in her mind I hadn’t fully recovered yet.” Peri was reaching for her phone when Josh moved behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist.
“Who knew letting them into our lives a little bit more would mean so much,” he murmured and kissed her neck. “Ben’s always handled everything for us in the city, and he let Papa know what was going on. I guess we always assumed he was busy with family business, and it was easier that way.”
Peri turned in his arms and looked up at him as he spoke, winding her arms around his waist.
“I was just going to go to Ben about the renovations and freeing up some money to get it done, but I guess letting Papa be involved cuts out the middle man,” he shrugged.
“How will Ben feel about being cut out of the equation?” Peri asked with a frown. “I’m still getting used to having so many people involved in our lives, and I don’t want to offend anyone.”
“It’ll be fine. I’ll ask him to come and meet with Papa and me tonight,” Josh bent his head to kiss her. Every single day she amazed him with her thoughtfulness for those around her. Sometimes he wished she would be selfish and tell him exactly what she thought without always worrying about the consequences and how the people in their close family circle would react.
“Tell me how you feel about Mama’s suggestions. You don’t have just to accept them. We can talk about it and decide what is best for us,” he said seriously looking into her eyes.
“How about you just kiss me again while I think about it,” she purred seductively.
“Oh the hardships you put me through,” he sighed dramatically and swept her up in his arms carrying her to the bed as he kissed her. He fell onto the bed cradling her in his arms as their kisses deepened and his hand began to roam down her body.
His need for her had been growing since they had left his parents room. Had his need had not been so strong he may have slowed down and asked for an answer to his question before continuing. His desire grew exponentially though as they lay together their hands exploring as they kissed. He knew that if he slowed down now, he could almost shatter with the need her felt to possess her, and his hands became rough with impatience as he began to undress her.
Peri nipped at his lips and jawline, and she whimpered softly moving to assist him in his urgency to remove the offending material from her body. As the dress slipped over her head, he growled and lowered his head biting at the soft flesh showing from above her bra as he undid it and moved away from her slightly to discard it with a forceful toss across the room. Her hands went to his chest to undo the buttons of his shirt, and he fumbled with the clasp and zip of his jeans. It seemed that in seconds they were naked.
He reached for her running his hands through her hair and taking fistfuls of the long thick locks he pulled her face back to his and kissed her deeply their tongues duelling within the twin caverns of their mouths. She matched his need with her own, and he felt that he could devour her at that moment. The chemistry between was as strong as it had ever been and he felt her quiver against him feeding his lustful need to possess her body and soul.
She could feel the violence of his need rising, and she revelled in it rather than recoiled from it. She pushed against him feeling that line between pain and pleasure being crossed as his teeth grazed down her neck and bit into her breast once more. She mewled and arched her head back as if offering the soft flesh up to him for more. Her hands grasped his shoulder as she arched and her nails dug into the hard muscle there repaying the painful pleasure he gave her.
A low rumbling growl came from Josh, and he lifted his head to kiss her again, almost sucking the air from her lungs as he rolled her onto her back and forced her hands above her head, holding the slender wrists in one of his meaty paws. His free hand roamed her body as he stretched the arm holding her wrists and lowered his head once more to her breast. He imagined they were already growing firmer and filling with the milk that would sustain his heirs.
She whimpered and strained against his mouth as he teased and tortured her nipples knowing that he loved the sounds he coaxed from her lips like this. She felt his body alongside hers, searing hot and damp with perspiration that matched her own. She panted in quick whimpering breaths and writhed beneath his possession of her body, as his hand found her cunt and she widened her legs to allow him the access he wanted to all of her.
Her heartbeat hammered against his mouth, and he could feel and hear the urgency of her climax rising quickly. He moved down her body leaving a wet lingering trail with is mouth and tongue. He paused over her belly kissing the soft flesh that held his progeny before moving slowing down to the hot wetness of her cunt where his fingers continued to delve ever deeper. Releasing her wrists, he breathed in deeply taking in her familiar scent and almost tasting her in the air before lowering his head to join his fingers.
Peri bit her lip in an effort not to cry out in pleasure as he took her clit between his lips and sucked on it. She felt his teeth graze over it as his tongue worked its magic. The rhythmic movement of his fingers added to the feeling of his talented mouth on her undid her, and she exploded bucking her hips up and grinding against his face. She shuddered and shook her teeth biting into the flesh of her lip muffling her squeals and shrieks of pleasure. She was dazed, and he slid back up her body bringing her legs with him and doubling her over in the movement.
Josh looked down at the woman he loved, her hands still held above her head as by an invisible rope and he plunged into her still pulsing cunt groaning deeply at the sensations of her hot wet flesh as he sank deeply inside her.
The movement seemed to free her hands, and she grasped his shoulders and ran her nails down his arms. Her eyes glazed over, and he could feel the heated pulse of her gripping his cock as she continued to ride the wave of ecstasy. She began to move with him thrusting up toward him as he slammed into her feeling the wave catch him as he raced to catch up with her. They became almost frantic in their movements. He felt her grasp onto his hips as if urging him on. Her ragged panting breath came out like sobs when he finally lost all control and erupted into her with a low rumbling groan that seemed to come from deep within him.
Josh eased Peri’s legs down before collapsing to the bed beside and lying on his back breathing heavily. Peri was still trembling and unable to move so she lay staring up at the ceiling with a smile playing on her lips. She felt the bed move as he rolled to his side to look at her and run his hand over her breasts playing lightly with her hard nipples.
“Can we just stay here until tomorrow?” Peri sighed enjoying the tingles that still rolled through her body.
“We could, but Mama and Papa would probably come to find us,” he chuckled.
“Do you think they would bring us dinner in bed?” she giggled knowing they couldn’t stay where they were for any amount of time during the gathering. Josh was a popular member of the family, and everyone seemed to be looking for him from the time they arrived.
“They probably would, you’re eating for four now and Mama knows it. You’ll be lucky if she doesn’t feed you ten meals a day,” he continued to laugh as she looked at him in horror.
“I’m going to become as big as a house aren’t I?” she said in a worried voice.
“I will love every single inch of you whether you stay the same sexy size you are now or become even sexier as our babies grow,” Josh picked up her hand and brought it to his lips.
“I’m gonna get so big you will have to widen all the doors in our house!” She tried to keep her voice light but the ramifications of having three babies grow inside her suddenly hit home, and she felt anxiety overwhelm her once more.
“Hey,” Josh said concern covering his features. “We can do this, together. I know it’s all happening to you at the moment, but I will do whatever you need to make this as easy as possible.” He held her tightly to him and felt the stiffness in her lessen slightly. “Even widen all the doorways and buy a crane to get you up and down the stairs,” he chuckled as she fought free of his arms and smacked him lightly.
“It’s not a laughing matter, what if,” she stopped talking as Josh put a finger on her lips.
“Let’s just take one day at a time and as each speed bump comes up we will find a way to get over it, together,” he said seriously and kissed her. “You are my priority. I promise I will make this as easy as possible for you. Please don’t worry about things that might never happen, let’s just enjoy all of the moments like this where we are healthy, happy and surrounded by people who love us almost as much as we love each other.”
“I do love that you are so close to your family. You’re going to be an amazing father,” she said softly.
“You’re still not comfortable here are you,” he rolled to his back and pulled her close to his side keeping his arms around her as the spoke.
“It’s a little overwhelming when there are so many people here but I’m comfortable with your immediate family,” she said defensively.
“Good because I couldn’t imagine life without them or you,” Josh admitted.
“You miss her don’t you?” Peri said softly remembering Emily’s words from earlier. She felt Josh stiffen slightly and remain silent. They hadn’t spoken about her since the engagement party and her panic attack. She had spoken about Nik to her therapist, and she was sure Josh had in his individual sessions as well, but they had both tried to forget, or she thought they had until today. Moving to lean on one arm she looked down at him with a sad expression.
“Sometimes,” he admitted closing his eyes rather than look at her.
“I never wished her dead, Josh,” she whispered. Josh’s eyes popped open, and he frowned at her statement. “Emily said the family talks about her as if she is dead. Like in the past tense,” she explained. “I don’t want her near me ever again, but I never wanted her dead.”
“She murdered a man Peri,” Josh sighed. “It hurts, and I do miss her particularly at times like this, but she attacked you, she killed someone, and she couldn’t see that she had done anything wrong. She needs help, and she will get it while she is there. Papa will see to it, and I feel better knowing that. I know you would never wish anyone dead, but no one would blame you if you did. I prefer to think of her as just gone.”
“Gone,” Peri mused. “It scares me to think she may come back into our lives one day but gone sounds better than dead.”
“If and when she ever gets out of prison, she won’t be welcome back here,” Josh said sadly. “Which is why I expect Emily spoke of her as being dead. She will be released to another family who will care for her.”
They spoke for the first time about his feelings for his twin sister and the loss of her presence in his life. He explained that Nik had planned to leave the family from a very young age. She had nothing but disdain for the old ways and the restrictions placed on her by family commitments. Josh had been helping her build up her business so she could eventually make it on her own without being reliant on family money. She had known he would never leave the family with her no matter how hard she tried to convince him and seeing Peri be accepted by the family and visit the farm was what probably pushed her over the edge.
As they spoke, Peri realised the depth of the guilt and blame Josh held for what had happened to his sister and in turn Peri. He admitted that Nik had always been a self-important narcissist who had just assumed he felt the same as her about their life and standing within the family. It was only when he began talking about a future with Peri that he believed she finally realised that he would never leave the family with her.
“She’s not coming back into our lives Peri, you have no need to worry,” he said reassuringly. “I will always care about her, but each of me sisters grew up and knowing they would leave our family for another. Lucia and Izzy only come home for this gathering each year, and it will be the same for Maryanne. I have always known that Nik would leave eventually, if not on her own then to another family.” He gave a half smile, “My brothers, on the other hand, are with us forever,” he chuckled.
“Even Carlo?” she giggled and watched the look of surprise on Josh’s face turn to amusement.
“Yes, even Carlo,” he chuckled.
“Thank you for explaining all of that,” Peri said softly. “I’m not sure I was ready to hear it before now, but I am glad I know how you feel about losing her, despite how she was lost. I worried that you might blame and resent me in time for the loss of her in our lives.”
“You and I are destined to live happily ever after,” Josh said and kissed her lightly.
*****
Peri found over the following week that she spent less time with Emily in the Atrium and more time with Antonia as plans for their home and family took on a life of their own. Antonia seemed to have boundless energy as she juggled the organisation of Maryanne’s engagement party which had been planned for the last weekend of the gathering and what she considered Peri’s needs.
Upon her arrival, Andie had been swept up in the vortex of planning for the arrival of her grandchildren. To Peri’s surprise, Andie had not only become firm friends with Antonia but also Marisol and a quite a few of Josh’s Aunts and their husbands. Once again she berated herself for not thinking about her mother as part of this big unruly family now that she and Charles were practically living together.
Even Louisa had been out to the farm on the middle weekend. It had surprised Peri that she had spent her time with Carlo rather than Dante but as it didn’t seem to bother anyone else she just accepted the change of affection in her friend and didn’t question her about it. Like all of the brothers underneath Carlo’s strong exterior beat a good and kind heart and Louisa seemed besotted by the big country man. She worried for her friend that she would be made to undergo a trial if the relationship became serious but she wouldn’t say anything unless asked. There was no need to alarm her friend.
She’d loved having her mother and best friend at the gathering and took the time from all the planning that was going on leaving the decisions to Josh and Antonia while she spent time with both women. Andie had not taken the news of becoming a grandmother to three new babies well, fretting about Peri’s health and the fact that she had barely recovered from such traumatic injuries, and now she was putting her body under such enormous stress.
“I didn’t choose this Andie,” Peri said gently. “It’s one of those freak things that just happens, and it happened to me. You know the chance of conceiving triplets naturally is like one in ten thousand or something, and the chances of identical triplets is even higher in the hundreds of thousands. Not that mine will all be identical.” She’d been reading a lot about the phenomenon and found it wasn’t as uncommon as she had suspected. “It’s rare Andie, but there are a hundred sets of triplets born every year in this country alone.”
“Oh baby,” Andie hugged her. “I am excited for you, but I wouldn’t be your Mum if I didn’t worry about you. Is Pete here? Has he been checking on you?”
“Yes and I have a great obstetrician, and they are bringing the best paediatrician on board for the babies,” Peri reassured her mother. As soon as Andi had mentioned their little cottage, Peri had taken her to find Antonia, who had hugged Andie fiercely.
“I’m so glad you’re here, we have a lot to do for our girl, she will need us both to help get everything she wants and needs in order,” she said with a smile. “Peri why don’t you see if you can find Grant while I make Andie a cup of tea and fill her in on your plans.” She said looking at Andie critically and seeing the worry lines crease Andie’s beautiful face.
“Okay,” she said slowly knowing that they could just call him, and he would come to them. Despite being dismissed, she was glad she had said “your plans” instead of “our plans” as she had been doing. She suspected Joseph had spoken to her again about stepping back and letting Peri set the boundaries. She wasn’t sure why Antonia wanted to speak to Andie alone but after checking with her mother she left the room and walked out to the front of the house and took a seat on the wide veranda before calling Grant.
“I know what you’re feeling,” Antonia said hugging Andie again. “She’s still frail from her other injuries, and this will take a great toll on her health so we have to do what we can to take away any stress,” Antonia said in a no nonsense way. “They are young and think they can conquer the world, so it’s up to us to make sure they have everything they need to do just that.”
“Oh Antonia, nothing ever goes smoothly for her. I just want her to be happy but triplets,” Andie said with tears in her eyes. “How can she possibly survive it.”
“She can survive it with our help. Dry your eyes you and I can have a cry about this later tonight but right now we have to be strong and happy for her,” she said walking Andie through the house to the large kitchen. “Come and have a seat and I will tell you what I have suggested so far and what Josh is doing as well, though Joseph is doing his best to support him and will get Charles involved now that you are both here.” She sat in a chair next to Andies, “I’m afraid this is an anxious time for both of our children.”
She went on to explain Josh’s urgent need to provide the best home and care for his family and how he was putting all his nervous energy into creating that. While Joseph had become involved in Josh’s plans, she had been discussing a small staff with Peri including a housekeeper and nanny, possibly two nannies if she could convince her she would need the help. She spoke in a calm, logical way and could see Andie thinking about each element of their planning before commenting or asking questions.
“I think I have an additional idea,” Andie said as Antonia finished speaking about the rebuild and plans for their home. “Peri will no doubt want to continue to work for some time yet. She’s very excited about this new project Joseph has given her.”
“Yes, I have spoken to Joseph about cancelling it until next year sometime,” Antonia agreed. “We are not sure how she would take that, though, so we were going to consult with Pete about what he thought.”
“Oh you can’t take that away she would never forgive you, but I do have an idea about it,” Andie tilted her head and smiled. Being their godfather, Charles was close to the twins, Dante, and Emilio. Andie had recently toured their enormous new home that had been built close to the auction house. “I would have to check with the boys,” she used the term Charles always used for the twins, “But during the build Peri could possibly stay with Dante and Emilio. Then she wouldn’t be disturbed by the noise and mess of the build, and she could go to work when she felt up to it and not have to drive.”
“It would ensure she got more rest, and we would both have more reasons to visit her there than out at the property,” Antonia grinned. “There would be extra people to watch over her while Josh does what he needs to create his dream home for her.”
“I could get Charles to talk to the boys, make a subtle suggestion. It would be better if the offer came from them rather than us forcing them to house a pregnant woman and her stressed out husband,” Andie have a light laugh.
“I’m all for anything that doesn’t involve us directly,” Antonia said with a smile. “Joseph pointed out that this is the first time one of our children has come to us rather than us having to push our way into their lives. So we are trying very hard to take a back seat and just support them. It’s harder to do it this way,” she admitted, “but it’s so nice to be invited to the discussions for a change.”
“We bring them up to be independent and then wonder why they don’t want our help with anything,” Andie nodded. “I’ve been rebuilding all my bridges with Peri, and we’re in a good place now. I don’t want to cross any invisible lines with her either.”
“Well, why don’t you talk to D. and Lio. Make it seem like it’s their idea,” Antonia said conspiratorially. “I think it’s a wonderful idea, and we would be crazy not to suggest it to someone.”
“If you’ve got idea’s I’m the man to speak to,” Grant said walking into the room with Peri.
“Grant this is my mother, Andie,” Pei introduced them. “So you’re all caught up on house plans?” she asked.
“I am, and it sounds wonderfully exciting. Just promise me you aren’t planning washed out pastels for the nursery, and I will be a happy grandmama,” Andie laughed.
“Heaven forbid,” Grant threw his hands up in the air with a laugh. “I’m going to convince the beautiful mother-to-be to find out the sexes of her babies before even entertaining any thoughts on the subject.”
“I think that’s probably a good idea, I don’t know how we will ever choose names with such a big family to consider so knowing who is coming will be important,” Peri said and placed a hand on her belly as she often did when talking about her babies now. It was still early days, but they had become more real in the last week now that everyone knew they were on their way.
“Ooh, are you planning a surprise for me,” Maryanne squealed in delight as she walked into the room and saw them sitting there deep in conversation.
“I haven’t even had the chance to congratulate you properly yet,” Andie got to her feet and approached the young woman. “I am looking forward to meeting your fiancé.”
“He’s coming up on Wednesday to meet everyone and help with all the preparations. Well not help, mama has already done everything, it’s going to be amazing!” she gushed.
Peri smiled she was glad that none of the activity surrounding her and Josh seemed to have affected Maryanne and her plans for an engagement party to eclipse all of her sibling’s parties. Peri had no doubt the wedding would be just as big and lavish if not more so.
“Actually, I was looking for Josh, he promised to go riding with me today,” Maryanne looked around.
“Do you want me to call him?” Peri offered.
“No it’s more fun like this, like a big game of hide and seek he doesn’t know he’s playing,” she laughed. “I’ve been playing it my whole life they just don’t know it.” She spoke of her brothers in the plural.
“That sounds fun. I’ll help if you like. I don’t like being this close to the kitchen when they’re cooking up a storm,” she pulled a face. Nausea continued to plague her so when she could she ate outside, and she tended to stay away from the kitchen.
“Sure we’ll try the stables next in case he did remember and was just running late,” she grinned.
“Don’t forget our meeting this afternoon,” Grant said to Peri as she began to walk away.
“I’ll be there,” she called over her shoulder and left them all to continue to talk about plans she had agreed to and those she hadn’t.
Josh was down at the stables and having saddled the horses he sat on a hay bale twirling a piece of straw between his fingers lost in thought. He looked up as they entered and smiled.
“I thought you forgot me,” he pouted at Maryanne.
“Fat chance. You were late, so I went looking for you and found Peri instead. There was a time I could always find you in the kitchen annoying the cooks,” she turned to Peri and whispered. “He was always the easiest to find.”
“Growing boys need food,” he shrugged. “I’ll be back for the meeting,” he murmured as he kissed Peri and then mounted his horse.
“I know you’re hiding up there, D. come down and walk Peri back up to the house,” Maryanne laughed. Then she galloped off into the countryside with Josh following along behind her after a quick look up at the hay loft, where Dante groaned and stood up close the edge so he could be seen.
“You don’t have to come down, I’m not an invalid who can’t make a ten-minute walk on her own,” Peri called up to him.
“Stay right there I’m coming down,” he called back and disappeared.
He came down a set of stairs at the end of the stable still dusting straw from his clothes and hair. Like Josh, he was tall and well-built, and it was easy to see the familiar family traits the brothers possessed.
“I didn’t think you were a horseman,” Peri said as he came closer to where she stood.
“I’d rather use the quads if that’s what you mean but the horses are good too,” he said looking around. “I guess Carlo and Josh were always more into them than the rest of us, but it doesn’t mean we didn’t like to ride occasionally.”
“I expect it would be hard to live here and not ride when you were younger,” Peri mused. “All this land to play on, I mean.”
“We all worked in the stable during our trials,” he explained. “It was one of the better parts of it, though I didn’t mind the landscaping either.”
“So you had to live and work with the people who worked for your family?” she asked. She had never spoken about the details of Josh’s trial with him, but he had told her everyone had to go through it. It was one of the family traditions that Joseph was strict about.”
“Yeah pretty much. I didn’t mind it, gives you a bit of perspective. Lio hated it; he likes his creature comforts, even back then,” he grinned. “We used to make a nest up there in the hay loft and just hang out once the chores had been done. I still like it as a place to go and think alone. Unless Maryanne decided to come and find me. Luckily she preferred bugging Josh and Nik.”
“Maryanne makes me laugh,” Peri said with a smile. “She so child-like it’s hard to believe she’s getting married.”
“I find it harder to believe my baby brother is married and has a baby on the way,” he chuckled.
“Babies,” Peri corrected.
“Wow I guess it shouldn’t surprise me that you’re having twins,” he said with a wide smile. “Conrat…” he stopped speaking as she shook her head and held up three fingers. “No way!” he said in amazement.
“Way,” she nodded. “So it’s good we have this chance to talk because we’ll have to widen the doorways and get me a reinforced chair at work because I am going to be HUGE!” She laughed at his shocked expression.
“Shit Peri,” he ran his fingers through his hair and gave her a sad expression. “I love you and all but your fired. We can’t turn the Auction house into a sideshow.” He grinned as she looked shocked at first then realised he was joking.
“I could make you some extra money,” she cajoled. “Come one, come all, and see the only living blimp in the southern hemisphere.”
“I’d have to run it past Lio, and you know how fussy he is about this sort of thing. Maybe if you offered him a ring masters uniform, you know with a top hat and tails,” he laughed.
“You could at least ask him before firing me without notice,” she complained with a smile.
“Fine,” he said dramatically rolling his eyes. “Just once I wish I could make a decision on my own. Let’s find him then.”
“Is Josh going to build a warehouse to house you when you’re huge?” he asked as they walked along. “Poor guy never saw this coming did he?”
“Since you asked,” Peri said giving him a sly look, “Josh is building me a warehouse. He’s tacking it onto our beautiful little house where he will live while I sit all fat and lonely in a warehouse built just to hide what he did to me!”
Dante roared with laughter. He was reminded of the first time he had ever met her when she had told the story of how she had met Josh and had then all rolling with laughter. He wished he had met her first and got to know what a smart and funny woman she was before knowing she was out of his reach. At times like this when they were joking and laughing together, it was hard to hide the love he felt for her. He took his phone from his pocket still laughing.
“Yeah it’s me, meet me on the front porch, I fired Peri but she’s under the delusion that you get a say in the matter,” Dante said into the phone barely holding back his laughter. Peri could hear Emilio’s expletive and terse agreement to meet them in a few minutes after he finished speaking with Andie.
Egged on by Dante Peri had almost the same conversion with Emilio, who wiped a tear of laughter from his cheek as Dante commiserated over the poor fat, lonely pregnant woman that needed a whole warehouse built to contain her growing bulk with a perfectly straight face.
“Well that’s just not right,” Emilio said as he got a hold of his laughter and scratched his chin thoughtfully. “Seems such an extravagant expense for poor Josh to have to build a warehouse for her when he’s just started a company. We could probably find some room in the warehouses we already have.”
“She’s gonna get…, what was the word you used Peri? Huge!” Dante shook his head. “I’m not sure we have that much room. Even if we do charge admission to see the living blimp, I don’t think we would break even.”
“You guys are too kind,” Peri rolled her eyes.
“In all seriousness, where will you stay while the renovations are going on?” Emilio asked.
“I don’t know that we’ve thought that far ahead yet,” Peri said surprised by the question after all the joking around.
“You and Josh could take Dante’s place, and he could move in with me for a few months,” Emilio suggested. “You wouldn’t have to worry about driving into work every day and Josh wouldn’t be trying to stop you. You know, now that he has started being so mean, he’ll probably be embarrassed to have you driving around in public while he builds that warehouse to hide you.”
“Or you could take Lio’s place, and he could move in with me for a few months,” Dante chuckled. “Then you could work the hours you chose to and be close to the hospital and doctors.”
“You’re the best man, so they should have your place,” Emilio pointed out with an air of finality.
“That sounds perfect, but I would hate to kick either of you out of your home,” Peri said looking at them both. “I don’t know if Josh has anything else planned so maybe ask him about it, it would mean a lot of commuting for him between work and the build and me. I’m not sure he will like the idea as much as I do.”
*****
“I wish all my clients were like you,” Carmella said with a smile several days later when she unfurled her drawings. She had been working on them and consulting with Josh and Peri from time to time over the past week. All of her team were present, but she had not invited the couple’s parents or the few people who had wanted to be involved in the project.
“Really? It’s such a rush to get things done I thought you would be cursing us for the urgency,” Josh looked surprised.
“I love a tight deadline,” Carmella said as she weighted the corners of the pages spreading them out over the table. “I meant that you both have very clear ideas about what you want in your home, and fortunately, those ideas don’t conflict at all.” She finished arranging the drawings on the table and looked up to her team. “Okay, I’m good to go.”
“Okay on with the presentation,” Tarsia nodded to Paul, who hefted a large LED screen to the table and turned it on. Josh and Peri looked at the screen as it flickered to life showing a still shot of a beautiful large house with wide veranda’s spanning the front and wrapping around the sides. The presentation went on to show the full exterior of the house before taking them for a walk through an unfurnished interior. At various stages, Tarsia stopped the presentation so that they could ask questions or for the team to explain possible features that could replace the ones they had built into the design at this point.
“So we could change the tiles or wall colour in any room,” Peri asked during one of the early pauses.
“Don’t be put off by the neutral colours at this stage,” Grant answered for the team. “Colour will come in with furniture and accessories, and we wouldn’t want you to limit what you could put in each room. Particularly the nursery and rooms for when the babies are older.”
“That makes sense,” Josh nodded.
“I know it’s hard to imagine with these large open areas, but we have added some touches of colour to the wet areas where furniture is not such an issue,” Grant added. “We can talk about colour once we’ve completed the virtual tour and tweak anything you like.”
Peri relaxed back in her chair and held Josh’s hand. The house was beautiful, and she knew it would be the perfect family home they had dreamed about building. She was just finding it difficult to imagine the furniture in the large open spaces. It had everything she had asked for and more with small splashes of blue and green in the bathrooms and warm golden glow to the kitchen.
Josh whistled as the presentation ended with a tour through the couples retreat which included a sauna and spa as well as a designated play room which made Peri blush as Josh talked about specifications for that room. She wasn’t sure she would ever get over his family’s openness about their sexuality. She had learnt much while sitting with Emily and staring out of the atrium windows. Affairs were common amongst the relatives, and it would seem not only tolerated but in many instances encouraged. Emily seemed to know who was into kinky things as she called them and who was straight-laced.
While Peri was initially put off by the gossipy nature their conversation, she found she was able to remember names more easily as the intricate webs of these relatives began to unravel before her eyes. Josephs brothers all came with their families and their families, but Peri found that his sisters who he rarely saw sometimes came to attend the gathering including Joseph’s twin who was expected to attend the engagement party.
With the initial plans for the house tweaked as much as possible and agreed upon Peri relaxed into her final days at the farm and looked forward to going home and away from the crowd. She picked up the book she had been reading and decided to spend the morning in bed. She needed a break from the constant ebb and flow of people who came and went from the main house throughout the day, and she imagined it would be a late night at the engagement party.
“Excuse me, Mrs. Donati,” a small voice spoke from the door.
“Come in, I was just reading,” Peri said in an equally quiet voice putting her book down and focusing on the woman in the doorway.
“I hate to disturb you but Mrs. Donati and Miss Andie said you wouldn’t mind if I came and introduced myself,” she walked into the room and performed a small differential curtsey.
“Oh, well I am sure they sent you for a reason then,” Peri smiled at the woman, “Why don’t we sit in the comfortable chairs,” Peri invited. She had met several women in need of a contract or looking for a change to their existing contracts.
“Thank you, my name is Bridgette,” she said taking a seat.
“It’s nice to meet you, please call me Peri,” she said keeping her voice as soft as the woman’s was. “Are you looking for a contract to work for my husband and me?” she asked tentatively.
“I would like that, I hear you are expecting and may have need of a housekeeper and a nanny,” she said hopefully. “I have quite a lot of experience at keeping house and looking after children, in fact, that is all I have done in the last twenty years,” she spoke with a wistful note in her voice.
“Were you with one family for that long?” Per inquired confused as to why this woman would want to leave somewhere she must have been so familiar with. Somehow the woman didn’t seem old enough to have so much experience.
“It was my own family, this would be my first contract, but I assure you I am very capable,” she explained.
“Perhaps you could tell me a little about them and why you are looking to join my little family when the babies arrive?” Peri placed a hand on her belly.
“Where to begin,” the woman sighed at having to tell her story again. “I married my childhood sweetheart straight out of school. We started a family right away, he had a good job in the family business, and we were deliriously happy, much like you I expect,” she smiled.
“We had three boys one after the other,” she spoke with the same wistful note she had from the beginning of their conversation. My family was so excited; there had only been girls born in my family for generations so to have boys finally was a wonderful gift. Unfortunately, the women in my family carry a faulty gene and pass down a debilitating and eventually fatal disease to their sons. We discovered the fact when my oldest son, Stanley was five years old. He had struggled for a while getting up and down from the floor and one night just couldn’t get himself into bed. He said his legs hurt, and we rushed him to the hospital.”
“Oh,” Peri put her hand to her mouth, “That’s awful I am so sorry.”
“Please don’t be. They were good boys who had full if short lives. My youngest William died three years ago. Without the boys to keep us together, my husband and I realised we barely knew each other anymore. The boys had been our world. We grew further apart, and he found love with someone else. When the divorce was final, I was lost. My volunteer work with the DMD organization had become increasing hard for me to bear without my boys and I answered an add that offered work for the right person with training provided.”
“I’ve done some small contracts, filling in for others who were ill or unavailable, but I would love to join a young couple just starting out,” Bridgette spoke well and was honest about her preferences and her motives for coming to Peri. “I have had a family of my own, and nothing can compare to that, but I want to feel useful and productive again, and I believe I could be an asset to a young family.”
“Thank you for being so honest with me,” Peri said in equally soft tones. “My husband and I have had to overcome many hurdles to get to this point and having some help when the babies come is going to be important. Did they tell you that I am expecting triplets?”
“No,” she said in surprise. “That will be quite a handful won’t it.”
“Several handfuls I believe,” Peri laughed. “We are also building a new house and trying to get it finished before the babies come so that means I wouldn’t need a nanny for some time yet. I am more looking for someone who can help with the day to day things I need to be done, like cooking or picking up dry cleaning. I am going to be staying with my brother-in-law while the house is being built, but I don’t want to take advantage of his housekeeper nor do I want someone I bring in to tread on her toes. It’s going to be a bit of a delicate balance act for the next few months.”
“I’m quite good at blending in and negotiating duties with others,” Bridgette said confidently. “I would like the opportunity if you are willing to take a chance on an old duck like me. I will leave my training folder with you and perhaps you could talk to your husband about it. Mrs. Donati senior has said she would give me a reference if you needed it.”
“Thank you, Bridgette, I will talk to Josh this afternoon before the party,” Peri said noncommittally. She liked the woman and the way she spoke without reservation about why she wanted a contract with them, but she worried that she was still grieving the loss of her family.
Once the woman had left, she leafed through the file finding it separated into three sections just as she imagined hers had been when she had gone through the trial. The section on etiquette and protocols was straight forward, and she could imagine Marcus writing it in his perfect handwriting. Peri glanced at the sexuality section not wanting to know but saw the determination that while willing the slave was unresponsive for the most part and did not wish to be considered for duties as a Kept.
It was the psychological section that Peri spent the most time on and read more thoroughly. They had focused on her grieving processes and her motivations for applying for the position once she knew what it would entail and the training program she would need to submit to. Peri could see the quiet strength in the woman and her need to belong somewhere. In fact, the more she read, the more she admired the woman who had been left with very little after the disintegration of her marriage and her determination to create a new life for herself doing something she enjoyed.
“It certainly wouldn’t hurt to give her a probationary contract to see if she is a good fit for you. You’re the one who will deal with her the majority of the time. Between the company, the house build and the commute to and from the city, I think I am going to be a very busy man, and I will feel better knowing someone is there to look after you or at least make sure you look after yourself properly.” Josh said as he dressed for the party.
“I like her better than the others I’ve spoken to so far,” she admitted.
“We’ll get Mama to set up a meeting tomorrow morning so I can meet her too, but if you are happy I know I will be happy,” he pulled her up from where she was sitting and wrapped his arms around her. “I love you, and I just want you to be happy and relaxed above all else.”
“I’m deliriously happy,” Peri stood on her toes and lifted her face to be kissed. “I’ve even enjoyed being here with all of your family.”
“They aren’t that bad are they,” he murmured as he kissed her.
“No, there’s just a lot of them,” she laughed. I’m glad we are going home for a few days first. I might even take Monday off work and just soak in the silence of the country.”
“I’m not so sure that will be doable,” Josh kissed her again. “Paul’s already started taking equipment and machinery out there, and Tarsia is putting anything you don’t take with you to Dante’s into storage. We did agree to it at the last meeting,” he kissed her again.
“I forgot,” she lamented.
“I imagine it will be pretty quiet at Dante’s if that’s any consolation. Especially as he will be at Lio’s,” he smiled lopsidedly.
“So the movers will be there Monday?” she asked anxiously over having to make the move to Dante’s so soon.
“Yes but we will still be able to access everything when it is in storage. It will be short term inconvenience for long term comfort,” he ran his hand up and down her back soothing her. “If Bridgette is halfway good it might be a good idea to bring her home with us to help us pack,” he suggested.
“That might be a good idea,” Peri nodded.
“If we had an airstrip we could have flown straight home,” he grinned. She had resolutely refused to entertain the idea and caught off guard she almost admitted that he was right.
“Nice try,” she laughed. “Let’s go down before someone comes looking for us.”
The engagement party was held on the front lawn and had been set up much as it had been during Christmas festivities at the house. The crowd was loud and full of speeches and about halfway through the evening Peri discovered the reason Josh had gone riding with Maryanne so often during their time at the farm when Maryanne called him to the stage. He picked up his guitar and sat on a tall stool beside his little sister.
“With the help of my brother, Josh, you all know Josh,” he pointed in his direction with both hands like a prize model on a game show. Josh chuckled and waved his hand above his head as if owning up to the title. “With the help of my brother, I’d like to dedicate this song to my fiancé,” she giggled smiling widely as he came to the front of the stage and looked up at her. “It’s a family tradition so bear with me,” she blew him a kiss.
Josh began to strum the up-tempo beat of the song and Maryanne’s surprisingly husky voice launched into a version of Colbie Caillet’s You Got me, to which Josh’s deep voice carried a soft background melody along with his guitar. It was lovely and heart-warming, and Peri smiled at Josh during the performance. She tried to remember if he had played guitar at Christmas time and couldn’t place it. It seemed to her that every time they were here on the farm, she learned something new about her husband. He could sing, dance and play music; he could write, edit and publish. She wondered if he had a hidden talent for painting, sculpture or something in the visual arts.
“Lonely already?” Dante said from beside her.
“Hardly when you are always around to look after me,” she laughed and linked her arm with his leaning in close as she listened to the remainder of the song.
“You two look cosy,” Lucia said from behind the pair.
“Lucy! I didn’t think you were going to make it,” Peri turned and hugged the woman.
“I heard you were causing trouble again and decided to come back and see what it was all about,” she laughed as she spoke but raised her eyebrow at Dante as she returned Peri’s embrace.
“I haven’t done anything. Your brother, on the other hand, is a lunatic who is turning everyone’s lives upside down,” Peri said defensively.
“To be fair, it’s usually the mother that causes multiple births to occur,” Dante murmured with a smile. “If she weren’t having triplets, Josh wouldn’t be trying to build the Taj Mahal in two weeks and kicking me out of my home.” Dante pouted at his sister but lost it when she tried to work out if he was serious or joking.
“Is any of what he said true?” Lucia asked incredulously.
“All of it I’m afraid,” Peri admitted.
“Why doesn’t anyone ever believe me?” Dante asked plaintively.
“I think it’s in your delivery, you should work on that,” Peri said seriously. “The pout was probably a little over the top.
“I’m going up there to squish my baby sister and then you and I are going to have a serious talk,” Lucia said sternly to Peri. “Then,” she turned to Dante, “I expect you to have located a couple of bottles of exquisite red wine and be waiting for me in our usual place.”
“Will mediocre do? I think Zio has been through all the exquisite stuff already,” he smirked.
“See what you can do,” she grinned and pushed past them toward the stage where Maryanne was accepting her applause.
*****
Josh and Peri flew back to the city Sunday afternoon taking Bridgette with them. In her quiet way, she asked if they could stop at a stationary store on the way back to the small house.
“It’s probably a good idea to pick up a few things for dinner and breakfast as well. I doubt there will be anything worth keeping in the fridge,” Josh added.
“Your wife looks tired. Perhaps you could drop me off at a supermarket close to the house and continue home while I do the shopping. You can send the car back for me once you have gotten her home safely,” she suggested. “If it’s not too inconvenient for the driver that is.”
“I’m sure we can organise the extra trip. Thank you, Bridgette,” Josh said seeing the driver nod his agreement. “That will be very helpful.”
It was over an hour later when Bridgette joined Josh and Peri in their home and went straight to work in the kitchen preparing a simple meal for her new employers while they sat on the back deck and talked quietly. The open plan living space afforded her the opportunity to take in there casual but stylish décor and the cosy feel of the cottage. She found everything she needed to set the table and left the dinner sitting for a few minutes while she went to speak the sweet young couple.
“Excuse my intrusion please,” she said differentially as she approached where they sat together on a day bed.
“Did you find everything you needed?” Josh asked pleasantly being used to having household staff.
“Oh dear yes,” she responded. “You have a very well equipped kitchen. The dinner can be served whenever you are ready. There is no rush it will not spoil if you would like more time to relax after the long trip home.”
“I’m starving,” Josh said and grinned.
“You’ll find that he is always hungry,” Peri laughed.
“If I could just speak to you on another subject for a minute before I serve the meal?” she inquired politely.
“Of course,” Peri sat up and gave the woman her full attention.
“I have had some experience with having to move quickly and how to ensure what you need accompanies you while other items go to storage. Assuming that your brother has a fully furnished house, I would think that you will not need to take any kitchen equipment or larger furniture with you. I thought perhaps as you moved around the house tonight and in the morning you could simply put a sticker on the items you would like to take with you, and I can ensure they are packed and sent to the correct address tomorrow when the movers come. It would save you both a great deal of time and perhaps stress if I stay and do the packing tomorrow while you go about your daily business,” she explained quietly and handed them both a box of different coloured stickers.
“It’s a smart idea,” Josh said cautiously looking at Peri.
“I overheard you say in the car that you wanted to find some quiet time tomorrow, and I am not sure movers understand the term quiet,” she let a small smile show. “I hope I’m not too forward. I am new to this role and your home.”
“Maybe you and I could spend a little time in the morning going through each room methodically to be sure I don’t forget anything,” Peri said thoughtfully. “Your assistance to pack and ensure it is sent to the correct place though would be a great weight off my mind.”
“Perhaps if you could also point out anything precious when we do that, I could pack them myself for the movers. I find they don’t take as much care as we might with precious items,” Bridgette suggested.
“We could organise a driver to bring her to the city once it is all done,” Josh suggested now that Peri had agreed to the woman’s suggestions. Peri nodded still thinking about the logistics of it all and grateful to have someone to help her with such a large task.
“Thank you,” Bridgette made a small curtsy. “I’ll serve dinner now if you’d like to take your seats.”
“Um Bridgette,” Peri called as she turned to walk away. “Please don’t curtsy to us, we’re pretty regular people away from the farm. And just call us Peri and Josh, okay?”
She bowed her head in a half nod, but she held a small smile as she continued back to the kitchen. Peri was obviously uncomfortable having a maid, and Joshua seemed to be hanging back from making any decisions where Bridgette was concerned to give his wife time to get used to the idea. The households Bridgette had experience with, albeit temporary, had no such problems treating her as a servant. While it may be different in the brother’s home with another housekeeper in charge, she was pleased she had been allowed the opportunity to serve this young couple.
*****