CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO
For the next two days, they avoided the television trucks and the press, making their way to different parts of Rome to shop, eat, and explore. On the third day, they packed their bags, and Enzo and Aldo drove them to the airport.
“This has been the best trip of our lives,” said Grace, hugging the two men.
“Please come back and see us,” smiled Enzo. “I will miss you all so much. It was so exciting to have you here.”
“Yes, I guess it was,” laughed Faith.
With hugs all around, they walked toward their private plane, waving at the uncle and nephew. Just as they reached the steps, Enzo shouted at them.
“Ciao bellas!”
Nine could only laugh as the others burst into laughter as well. Happy to be on board, secure, and on their way home, they took off over the gorgeous landscape of Italy and settled into their seats.
Gaspar and his brothers laughed about watching Alec try to get into the Ferrari while Tailor talked incessantly about his favorite chocolate shop. When it seemed a bit too quiet, Ivan pointed toward more than thirty beautiful, reclining, sleeping women.
The men stood, watching them, grinning at one another.
“Should we tell them that we know?” asked Ghost.
“No. Let them think they were the only ones that saw the boys. We thought we were saving the vacation by ignoring them. The fact is that they were the ones that saved it. It was sure fun watching them do this on their own,” smiled Ian.
“It only proves what we already knew,” said Antoine. “We all married well above our station. They’re smarter, better looking, and definitely have more guts and compassion than any of us.”
“I couldn’t agree more,” said Nine. “Maybe we should start planning next year’s vacation. I’ll bet we could find somewhere with an unsolved mystery for them.” Gaspar laughed, shaking his head.
“I bet we can.”
Ten hours later, they were putting their feet on Belle Fleur soil. Their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were there to meet them and find out what souvenir was purchased for them.
Although the women had slept nearly the entire flight, they were still physically and emotionally exhausted. All they wanted was a shower and their own beds, and their husbands were more than happy to give that to them.
When Gaspar spotted his mother, he walked up to her and hugged her, kissing her forehead.
“Okay, Mama. What new animals do we have?” he asked. She looked at him strangely and shook her head.
“None. In fact, I found homes for the wolverine and grizzlies, and we might have found homes for the giraffes as well.”
“Really?” he frowned.
“You look disappointed. I thought you’d be happy,” she said.
“I guess I was getting used to the surprises, Mama. You never failed to shock me,” he laughed.
“I think this vacation did you good, son,” she said, kissing him.
“Mama, you have no idea.”