It's a Love Story

He chuckled, looking away. He seemed a bit embarrassed, which he was. "I am sorry. You are beautiful. You have my eye," he nodded towards the white ribbon on the rose. "And I have no control over this."

She smiled. "Why don't you have control over it?"

"We italians are passionate in everything we do," he chuckled. "I fear my heart will run away from me, but I cannot stop looking at you," he admitted.

She blushed now a bright red and nodded. "Look all you want then." she smiled.

He smiled, gazing back at her. "Only at you," he murmured softly.

She smiled and nodded. "Sounds like a dream." she said softly.

"If it is, no one wake me," he murmured, moving closer again, raising his other hand to gently stroke her cheek with his knuckles, brushing hair out of her face.

Roman's heart beat against her chest like a drum but she stayed calm on the outside. "I don't plan to." she whispered, gazing up into his eyes.

"I thank you," he whispered in reply, his hand now cupping her cheek tenderly. Their faces were close to each other now. It looked like he was about to kiss her. And truly, he wanted to.

She leaned into his hand, liking the feel of his skin against hers. She had never really been touched so tenderly by a man who wasn't her father. Her eyes closed and her arms wrapped around his waist, pulling her body closer to his.

He smiled softly and wrapped his arms around her, holding her close. He would not force her to do anything. Not even steal a kiss.

She took in his sent and smiled. It was like she belonged in his arms. "we should get back before they come looking for us..." she mumbled.

"Yes," he agreed, though a bit sadly. He liked holding her close. "You and your brother's secret is safe with me," he promised her.

She smiled at him. "I trust you."

He smiled. "That makes me happy," he stroked her cheek with her thumb gently and took her hands in his. "Let us go."

She smiled and walked with him, soon getting back into her yard as the food was being dished out.

Mike helped Lilli hand out all the food, frowning a bit as he saw Rome and the itallian boy come back from the forest alone. What on earth had he done to his baby girl?

Roman smiled at her dad and brought Pavo over to him. "Daddy, this is Pavo. I don't know if you've met him yet. Pavo, this is my dad, Mike Kingsly."

Mike nodded, offering his hand. "Good to meet you, Pavo," he said politely.

"Is pleasure to meet you, Mr. Kingsly," he shook his hand respectfully.

Roman smiled and once the hands were let go of, Roman pulled Pavo to the end of the line of food.

Once the introductions were made and the food was eaten, Mike pulled out his guitar as they sat by the bonfire.

Roman smiled, staying close to Pavo. This night had turned out perfect.

--

John smiled also as he came up with another hamburger, only his third one, and sat behing Ren so his legs were on either side of her and she could lean against his chest. His excuse was that he was keeping her warm but in reality he just wanted to hold her. "Are we going to hold hands and sing koom-by-yah, Dad?" he asked, kidding.

Ren blushed, being between Jon's legs like that, but she was comfortable and didn't complain.

Mike chuckled. "No. But I thought we could help Rose choose which songs she should sing with Taylor."

"Taylor who," Timmy asked.

"The singer, Taylor Swift," Mike smiled at his nephew.

"Really!? That's so cool!!!"

"Can we meet her!" Sami asked, now really excited. "Uncle Mike, please?!?! Can we meet her?!"

"She's going to let all of us up on stage with her," Mike smiled. "She said the whole family is welcome to join her on stage, and a party after wards with free food and everything."