Artur kept barking. When she opened the door, he put down the sack and reached for her. “You look sensational and smell divine. I like your outfit,” he murmured, eyeing the dark skinny denims and attractive hoodie.

  The soft, pale green set off her coloring. Her brown eyes looked alive as they studied his blue pullover and cargo pants. The dog kept running around his feet, finally breaking the trance that held them both.

  “Artur—” she called to him so Vincenzo could walk inside with the sack. He lowered it on the kitchen counter, then hunkered down to play with the dog. He’d missed him like crazy. The building attachment warmed his heart. But there was another attachment so strong, it propelled him to Francesca’s side. She’d started emptying the sack.

  He slid his arms around her and pulled her against him. “Good morning, Dr. Linard. Our daily lunch hours weren’t nearly enough to satisfy me.” In the next breath he covered her mouth with his own. Like flame to kindling they lost track of time pouring out their hungry need for each other. The taste of her, the way she felt in his arms filled his heart and drove every other thought from his mind.

  “Ti adoro, Francesca,” he cried against her lips.

  “Ti amo anch’io,” she answered. Her confession of love thrilled him in every fiber of his being. They clung until she had the presence of mind to ease out of his arms. “If I don’t get started on this lunch, there won’t be one.”

  They’d planned cheese fondue with French bread and Riesling wine. Vincenzo got busy helping her. While he set the table he said, “This is the most important meeting of the century. I want your parents’ blessing more than anything I’ve ever wanted in my life.”

  She finished grating the cheese. “So do I. But what if they don’t give it?”

  “Do you honestly think they won’t?”

  “I—I don’t know...” Her voice faltered. “This is one situation none of us could have imagined.”

  He put the wineglasses on the table. “In that case, how do you feel about a quick elopement? That would solve everything. We’d be total outcasts and start a new life where we’re unknown. You could set up a vet practice and I would help you.”

  A smile broke out on her beautiful face. “I’d love it. But you’re teasing of course.”

  This woman had been made for him. “I’ve never been more serious, Francesca.”

  “I know you are. That’s why what you’ve said is so scary.” Her comment coincided with the sound of footsteps outside the door, followed by a familiar knock. Artur barked.

  Vincenzo’s gaze flew to hers. “This is it.”

  “I’ll let them in.” She washed her hands and hurried over to let her parents inside.

  As Vincenzo put bread and fondue forks on the table, he watched the loving affection the three of them had for each other. Francesca resembled both parents. She’d inherited her mother’s attractive looks and her father’s smile.

  “Mom? Dad? I’d like you to meet Prince Vincenzo Baldasseri.”

  “Your Highness,” they said in unison.

  Vincenzo stepped forward to shake their hands. “Call me Vince.”

  “If you’ll call me Niccolo.”

  Vincenzo had already been prepared to like him. The Visconti brothers shared a resemblance in their dark coloring and firm body builds. But Francesca’s father had softer features and laugh lines not apparent in Stefano Visconti.

  Francesca hugged her mother’s waist. “Vincenzo, this is my mother, Greta.”

  “Signora Visconti. I’ve been waiting anxiously for this day.”

  “I’m Greta, and I’ve been eager to meet you too, Prince Vincenzo.”

  He was charmed by her. “Please let me be Vince to the two of you. Francesca is definitely your daughter. Among other lovely traits, she has your blond hair and warm brown eyes.”

  “They trapped me the first time we met,” her father volunteered.

  Yup. Vincenzo knew the feeling.

  “You two have had a long drive,” Francesca broke in. “Why don’t you freshen up in the guest bedroom and bathroom down the hall while I put the dog in his crate. Otherwise, he won’t leave us alone. Then we’ll enjoy some fondue while we talk.”

  * * *

  Francesca’s parents were so wonderful and made Vincenzo feel so comfortable, she could have cried out for joy. The four of them ate fondue and drank their wine while she told them how Karl had brought her and Vincenzo together.

  “After I put him down, we drove to the mountains where he used to play. I found myself wanting a dog just like him and fell in love with Artur. One thing led to another, and here we are.” She darted Vincenzo a glance. “The dog is already attached to him.”

  Vincenzo sat back in the chair. “As the two of you are aware, I’ve become attached to your daughter. The bizarre coincidence that she’s a Visconti couldn’t have shocked me more. She was Dr. Linard to me.”

  Her mother nodded. “No one could question the innocent circumstances under which you met.”

  “The truth is, from the moment she greeted me, the instant attraction I felt for her was like nothing I’ve ever experienced in life and has only grown stronger. What made it so shocking was that I was still engaged to Valentina.”

  Her father shook his head. “When did your engagement come to an end?”

  “A few days after I took Karl to the clinic. Later I received a call from my cousin Rinieri. He told me he’d recovered from his amnesia and was relieving me of the duty of Crown Prince. I’d never been so happy with the news that I wouldn’t have to be King one day. A few days later Valentina broke our engagement. It has upset my mother.”

  “Of course. I’ve been through a traumatic experience in my own family,” her father revealed. “When they couldn’t be happy for me and Greta, we left Milano for good.”

  “Francesca told me.” Vincenzo leaned forward. “I explained to her that my engagement to Valentina had been arranged by both families. The truth is, I was never in love with her. By the time I’d heard from Rini, I’d already met Francesca and understood what it meant to find that perfect someone you knew could fill your whole life. That’s why I asked her if I could meet with you. I’d like your blessing to go on seeing her.”

  She felt her father’s eyes on her. “Do you feel the same way?”

  “Yes. It’s why I called you.”

  “Even knowing all the repercussions that are going to happen?” This from her mother.

  “Yes. But I’m afraid this could hurt the two of you, which is the last thing we want.”

  Her father reached for her mother’s hand. “We’ve already been through our Gethsemane. Don’t worry about us.”

  Vincenzo finished his wine. “I’m afraid there already is a problem that might influence how you feel about Francesca and me.”

  “Go on,” her father prodded him.

  “My sister told me that my mother invited Valentina to stay at the palace a week ago to try and get the two of us back together. I was away spending time with your daughter and didn’t know anything about it.

  “My mother wants to affect a reconciliation of which I want no part. I knew I had to meet with the two of you and let you know my intentions before I took Francesca to meet my mother and grandparents. The sooner they understand the situation, the better. Today, if it were possible, but that’s asking a lot. Maybe too much.”

  A smile lit up her father’s face and eyes. “Nonsense, Vince. I admire you for doing the honorable thing and putting Francesca first. You’re wise to do this right away. You have our backing.”

  “Dad—” Francesca cried for joy.

  Vincenzo got to his feet. “That means more to me than you will ever know.”

  Her mother grabbed Francesca’s hand. “I couldn’t be happier for both of you, and I have an idea. If you two want to leave for the palace now to state your case, your father and I will tend Artur and stay the night.”

  Francesca looked at Vincenzo whose indigo blue eyes blazed with light. His were asking if she wanted to accept her parents’ offer. Their approval meant everything. “Vincenzo? If we go, you’ll need to inform your mother that we’re coming.”

  “I’ll do it now.”

  “Use my bedroom. While you do that, I’ll take out the dog.”

  “And I will do the dishes,” her mother piped up.

  Her father got up first. “I’ll clear the table.”

  Out of the corner of her eye she saw Vincenzo shake her father’s hand. But her parent had other ideas and gave him a hug. Nothing could have thrilled her more. She put the leash on the dog and took him out. “I promise you’re going to love my parents, Artur.”

  A half hour later Francesca had changed to a light blue summer suit and they headed for Scuol. “You look fantastic.” Vincenzo grasped her hand and never let it go during the short trip. “Meeting your parents has explained you as nothing else ever could. They’re beyond remarkable.”

  “I’m glad you like them. They obviously approve of you.”

  “My prayers have been answered, but the meeting with my family won’t resemble what just happened with your parents.”

  “I’ll be fine because I know my folks are behind us. Does your family know what this is all about?”

  “No. I simply told my mother I needed to meet with the three of them right away and that I was bringing someone important with me.”

  “Any more word of Valentina?”

  “No. According to Bella there have been phone calls.”

  “Dare I ask about that?”

  “I didn’t give Mamma a chance to talk, only that I would be home shortly.”

  After his mother thought she could reconcile her son and Valentina, she would go into shock when she met Francesca. So deep were her thoughts, she didn’t realize they’d arrived at the palace until he’d parked his car in the rear and shut off the engine.

  “Before we go in, I need this.” He leaned over and kissed her with a thoroughness that left them both shaken.

  “Just follow my lead.” He got out of the car and walked around to help her. “We’ll go up the back stairway to the drawing room on the second floor. My grandfather will be in his wheelchair.”

  He squeezed her waist as they walked past several guards and climbed the stairs of the elegant palace. When they reached the drawing room, he led her to his mother, then his grandparents where they were introduced to her. She didn’t see his sister.

  From his grandfather, who had lost most of his hair, she could tell from his long legs he was a tall man. Through the bone structure of his attractive features, Vincenzo got the fabulous looks of his Baldasseri genes. She also saw facial traits from his striking mother with her auburn hair. His grandmother was a lovely, older white-haired woman.

  Vincenzo guided her to a love seat where they sat down. He clung to her hand. “Thank you for being willing to meet with me today because I have an announcement to make.” All eyes focused on him with guarded anxiety.

  “In the last month, a number of changes have happened in my life that have transformed me. First came the news that I’m no longer the Crown Prince of San Vitano. Following that came my broken engagement. Thirdly, and the most important one, I met the woman with whom I’ve fallen in love.”

  Gasps came out of the women. Francesca noticed his grandfather exhibited no reaction.

  “I introduced her to you under her professional name Dr. Francesca Linard, a vet from the Zoller Veterinary Clinic in Zernez. She was the one who treated Karl and put him to sleep. What you don’t know is that I soon learned her birth name is Francesca Giordano Visconti, daughter of Greta and Niccolo Visconti.”

  Vincenzo’s mother got to her feet. “Visconti?”

  Francesca’s heart began to palpitate hard.

  “That’s right, Mamma. As I’m sure Valentina would have told you, there was a falling out in the Visconti household years ago. Prince Niccolo married a commoner and they moved to Bern, Switzerland. He rescinded his title and severed all ties with the royal House of Visconti. Later on, Francesca and her brother Rolf were born. She and Valentina are first cousins, but they’ve never met.”

  “You mean to tell me you’re involved with Valentina’s cousin? The woman you were engaged to for the last year?” His mother’s shock and pain pierced Francesca’s heart.

  Vincenzo’s blue eyes fell on Francesca. “For now and always.”

  Oh, Vincenzo... I love you so much.

  “I haven’t officially proposed yet, or given her a ring, Mamma. Only today did I meet her mother and father and ask their permission to get to know her better. Now that I have it, I’ve come to my family to ask for yours.”

  His grandfather shook his head. “You can’t see her again, Vincenzo.”

  Francesca thought she’d been ready for his reaction, but it still hurt like a stab in the heart.

  “I’m sorry you feel that way, Nonno, but my heart has dictated otherwise.”

  “There’s another reason besides your heart that forbids it. This is a discussion you must have with your mother.” He started to wheel himself out of the room. His wife got up and helped him. When they’d left the drawing room, his mother sat back down with her hands clasped.

  “What other reason was Nonno talking about, Mamma?”

  “It would be better if you and I were alone, my son.”

  Vincenzo squeezed the hand he’d been holding. “Francesca and I are together in everything.”

  His mother sat straighter. “Very well. Valentina flew to the palace a week ago and stayed overnight.”

  “Bella told me.”

  “Bella doesn’t know everything.”

  “Then you tell me.”

  “Valentina is pregnant with your child. She just had it verified with her doctor. That’s why she flew here, to tell you in person. More than ever it’s imperative the two of you arrange to be married as soon as possible.”

  “I’m afraid it won’t be possible. I was never in love with her and it’s not my child. We never slept together.”

  Vincenzo had told her as much. The news had meant everything to Francesca. She held her breath waiting for his mother’s response.

  “Valentina wouldn’t lie to me.”

  In the next instance Vincenzo got to his feet. “I’ve never lied to you. How far along is she?”

  His mother lowered her head. “She said two months.”

  “Did she tell you all this in front of my grandparents?”

  “Of course.”

  He shifted his weight. “Since I brought Francesca to the palace to meet my family, we’ll discuss Valentina’s dilemma later. Under the circumstances, I’ll drive her back to Zernez. When I return later, I’ll say good-night to you and the grandparents.”

  Francesca groaned to see his mother so devastated. She didn’t know that her son had been telling the truth.

  CHAPTER NINE

  VINCENZO REACHED FOR Francesca’s hand and ushered her out of the drawing room. They didn’t speak going down the stairs and out the doors of the palace. Before he helped her in the car, he pulled her against him and rocked her in his arms. “I’m so sorry for what happened. This wasn’t the way this day was supposed to end.”

  She threw her arms around his neck, aching over the unexpected news that had complicated his life and hers. “Don’t worry about me. It’s your mother’s disappointment I’m feeling.”

  “Thank you for believing me, and being so sweet about my mother. Unfortunately Valentina couldn’t have done anything to raise Mamma’s hopes more than to tell her she was pregnant. If it’s true, then this situation is proof that her arranged engagement didn’t work. But if she isn’t pregnant, then this is a ruse perpetrated by Stefano to get what he wants.”

  “Either way it’s tragic, Vincenzo.” She was heartsick.

  He nodded. “Valentina pretended to be happy with our betrothal in front of the family, but this announcement is about to turn her life into a nightmare.” He gave Francesca a swift kiss. “Come on. Let’s get you home.”

  Back in the car, they headed for Zernez. “What are you going to do, Vincenzo?”

  “I’m flying to Milano in the morning and confront Valentina. I don’t know if she’s pregnant or not. Before I met her, I heard she liked to party and had various boyfriends. Though she denied she was involved with anyone when we met, I didn’t believe it. If she’s pregnant, there is someone else of course.”

  “But not the man her family had picked out for her,” Francesca murmured.

  “She could be pregnant and two months along. But thanks to modern medicine, a DNA test can be done at nine weeks to prove paternity without injuring her or the baby. I’ll go to her doctor with her and we’ll soon learn the truth.”

  Francesca shivered. “What if she refuses?”

  “In that case I’ll go to her father and insist. The sooner she gets the test that proves I’m not responsible, the sooner she can sort out her life.”

  “Do you think her father will cooperate?”

  “I doubt it. He’s a very difficult man.” Vincenzo turned his head to glance at her. “First I’ll attempt to reason with Valentina.”

  “In her state, I don’t know if that’s possible.”

  “Maybe not,” he said, making a turn near her apartment. “Why don’t we discuss it with your parents? No one knows Valentina’s father better than your own father. Perhaps he can shed some words of wisdom.”

  “My parents won’t welcome this news.”

  “Would you rather I didn’t tell them what happened?”

  She shook her head. “The truth has to come out.”

  Vincenzo parked the car and turned, pulling her against him. “Don’t you know I’d give anything to spare you all this?”