Grapevines & Skyscrapers 03 Weddingbells

By Haley Langwood

They met each other; then, they separated. Now, Raphael and Julian have reunited again, and life is good. Julian is over the moon after Raphael asks him to become his husband. If there only wasn’t Raphaella Agretti Bonaccorsi, Raphael’s estranged mother. The woman is hell band on preventing her son from marrying Julian because Raphaella Agretti Bonaccorsi hated Julian even before she met him.

Things get even more complicated when an old “friend” enters the scene, trying to break up Raphael and Julian.

When the woman gets wind of Raphael and Julian’s wedding plans, she returns to Italy and takes matters to a whole new level. She is determined to remove Julian from Raphael’s life, once and for all. Raphaella wants a grandchild that one day will take over the Agretti Bonaccorsi Empire. She already has the perfect woman for Raphael to marry.

A soon-to-be mother-in-law who hates Julian’s guts. The reappearance of Raphael’s ex-boyfriend. A sabotaged wedding and a pregnancy might prevent Raphael and Julian from ever getting married.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Haley Langwood
• Release date: Dec 23, 2020
• ISBN: 9781005351168

Haley Langwood

I always say that there isn’t much to tell about me. In 2020, right before the Corona pandemic, my husband and I moved back from Germany to the Netherlands. I love to write stories, and it’s still a learning process, as it’s with many things.I like traveling and taking care of Emma, my doggie. Also, I would like more spare time to read, but all my time is divided between my regular job, writing stories, and Emma.I’ve been a vegetarian for many years now and never regretted it. Also, I despise people who wear fur. It’s disgusting! I will never understand people who help keep maintaining this awful industry of torturing and killing animals.I like to cook and love to try new recipes; it’s how I learned that nearly every dish can be served with meat substitutes.My husband and I spend the winters in beautiful Spain, where the temperatures are pleasant. Even so, it’s Italy that’s still my favorite country.That’s enough for now. If you have questions, just contact me.

Book preview

Oh. My. God. You must be so excited, Kirstie coed while she buttered her croissant. Julian could see that she was genuinely happy for him. It was just the two of them having breakfast at Panetteria Dolce Vita. I can’t wait to marry Raphael. I love him so much, Julian said dreamily, and Kirstie could see the adoration and love for the handsome winemaker shining in Julian’s eyes. And is there a more romantic location than the vineyards in Tuscany Valley? Kirstie mused. Julian smiled. He wholeheartedly agreed with her because he had fallen in love with Tuscany Valley after his first visit, even though it was a short one. Julian had felt right at home the moment they had passed the sign that read, Agretti Vineyards.

Julian was excited and a little uncertain at the same time because he would meet Raphael’s parents for the very first time. His parents would join them in New York, where they would, legally, be married. Raphael and Julian would stay for a few days to visit friends and do some shopping. Julian had insisted on buying baby Zagorakis an ideal New York present.

He loved living in Italy, he really did, but he missed his mom and dad. His parents had visited for three weeks, and Raphael and Julian had shown them the vineyards and Florence and, of course, the beautiful surroundings of Lago Maggiore. Now they were home, in the States again, and Julian missed them already. It would take a while before he would see them again. Thank God for the invention of the phone and FaceTime. That way, he talked at least once a week with them.

Julian put his hand over Kirstie’s smaller one. How are you and the baby doing? he asked while he gently massaged Kirstie’s hand. She sighed. I’m fine, and the baby is too. If I only could convince George of that, she chuckled.

What do you mean? a worried Julian asked. He’s hovering over me like a mother hen. It’s suffocating. I know that he means well. George is concerned about my health and that of the baby, Kirstie admitted. That can’t be bad. I mean, to have a partner that cares for you and the baby so much, Julian said. The man is driving me crazy, Kirstie growled. Shall I talk to him? Julian offered. Kirstie’s smile was blinding. Oh, would you? I mean, you are his best friend, and he will listen to you. God knows he doesn’t hear a word I say, she sighed dramatically.

They both laughed. What? Kirstie said when she saw Julian staring at her. You look so beautiful, he whispered. I look like a whale, Kirstie growled. No, you don’t, Julian assured her. George tells me at least once a day that I look beautiful. But, Julian, honestly, it’s time for this baby to meet the world, Kirstie said while she munched on her croissant.

They finished their breakfast at Panetteria Dolce Vita, and to Kirstie’s astonishment and delight, Gabriella came to their table, carrying a package. For the bambino, she said as she handed Kirstie the gift. Oh, thank you, Gabriella. That’s so kind, Kirstie said as she stood and hugged her tight. They talked for a few minutes more, and then they said goodbye to Gabriella. As they walked away, Julian put his arm protectively around Kirstie’s shoulder.

Even though it was quiet for some time now, Julian had a foreboding feeling that trouble was lurking around the corner. Julian wasn’t a fighter, not in the least, but he would defend Kirstie and her unborn baby with all that he had.

Kirstie had been working for Valentine Investigators, and she knew how to handle herself. However, she was seven months pregnant, and that changed everything. There wasn’t any kind of danger, but Julian had been through so much that he still didn’t feel completely safe. It had been more than seven months ago when they had kidnapped him, and Julian really didn’t have any reason to fear for his life anymore. Yet, Julian was wary because his gut feeling had never failed him before.

Julian parked the car right in front of the mansion, and George came running to help Kirstie out of the vehicle. She glanced at Julian, and her expression said everything that he needed to know. Julian would talk to his best friend about giving his partner some breathing space. He knew that he could speak to George about Kirstie because they were best friends and could talk about everything.

Let me help you, gorgeous woman, said George. Julian understood what Kirstie had meant when she had told him that George was smothering her because the man was overprotective. They walked inside, and a smiling Raphael greeted Julian with a scorching kiss that made him moan. Get a room, you two, Antonio growled good-natured. Oh, we will, but not right now, Raphael grinned. Julian blushed, which made Antonio grin.

The last months had been perfect. Raphael had concentrated on his business, and Julian was working as a programmer again. He had made the mansion his home. Raphael had told him to redecorate the house so that he really would feel at home. Julian had remodeled some rooms but not the whole mansion. The room next to Raphael’s study had been turned into an office where Julian could work. To have his home-office next to Raphael’s had led more than once to hot and heavy make-out sessions.

They sat in the living room, drinking coffee when Raphael put his arm around Julian’s shoulder. Are you really okay with a small wedding ceremony? Julian glanced up into his fiancé's beautiful steel-blue eyes. He smiled and nodded. Absolutely. Just family and close friends. I don’t need a fairy-tale wedding; I need a fairy-tale marriage. Why would we have a glamorous wedding ceremony? For people, we barely see? Afterward, we can give a party for important business partners, if you like, Julian said. Raphael frowned. The thought hadn’t even crossed my mind, he admitted.

Well, then it’s something that you need to think about. We could hold a party at the vineyard or somewhere else, Julian suggested. I will think about it, Raphael promised. Julian leaned close, and they kissed again. Also, I’m curious about your parents, said Julian. He didn’t say that he was nervous as hell. What if they didn’t like him? Wouldn’t that be terrible?

Antonio nearly choked on his coffee, and Raphael looked uncomfortable. Did I say something wrong? Julian asked because this was not a normal reaction. However, now that he thought about it, Julian still had to meet Raphael’s parents; the man had met his parents already. So, wasn’t it time to meet his soon-to-be in-laws?

Well, you see, Raphael began carefully. Julian noticed that the man sounded insecure, but why? We aren’t that close with our parents, said Antonio briskly. Julian raised one eyebrow. He knew that the brothers weren’t close with their parents, but Julian believed that they were, at least, on speaking terms.

Raphael told you that our mother left us when he was only fourteen, and we were even younger. Julian nodded; he remembered Raphael had been fourteen at that time. Oriana was eleven, Giovanna was seven, and Antonio was just three years old. Well, mommy dearest never showed remorse for leaving us. To us, she basically is a stranger. After Raphaella left, it took several years before she tried to establish contact again. By then, it was too late; the damage, as they say, was done, Antonio explained matter-of-factly.

What about Gina Marie? Julian questioned. What about her? Raphael asked as he raised one eyebrow in question. Surely, your mother must be curious about her first and only grandchild, Julian said, and he sounded indignant. He couldn’t imagine that a mother would leave her children just like that and, on top of that, not even acknowledge her granddaughter? Julian shook his head. She couldn’t be that coldhearted, could she?

Well, as far as I know, she never even asked after the girl. I believe that she’s in Monaco right now because I saw her picture in some magazine, Antonio informed Julian. Since when do you read gossip magazines? Raphael questioned. I don’t, but a friend of mine showed it to me last week, Antonio defended; Raphael chuckled, Julian frowned. She’s close by, and she doesn’t even visit her granddaughter? Julian scowled because this was ridiculous.

Antonio nodded; he said, Well, that’s Raphaella. She cares only for herself. What about your father? Julian’s eyes searched Raphael’s. He did the best that he could as I told you at your first visit to the vineyards. He left when I was eighteen and handed the Agretti Vineyards over to me, Raphael explained.

Are you still sure that you want both at our wedding? Raphael questioned. Julian nodded because parents should be present when one of their children got married, right? I’m sure, Julian responded, even though he wasn’t that sure anymore. Well, he would form his own opinion about his future mother-in-law when she came to the wedding party. Raphael had insisted that she wouldn’t accompany them to New York for the actual wedding ceremony.

Julian had tried to persuade the handsome winemaker to allow his mother to attend the ceremony in New York when they tied the knot. Raphael had been adamant that he didn’t want her there. They hadn’t spoken about it anymore after that. Giovanni Agretti, Raphael’s father, would be joining the wedding ceremony, and of course, Antonio, and Oriana, and Giovanna, Raphael’s sisters.

Giovanna would bring her daughter Gina Marie. She had asked Julian if it was okay that she would bring her daughter to the wedding ceremony. Julian had insisted that the girl would be present because even though he’d seen her only once, he already adored her. Julian’s parents would attend the ceremony, as well. George couldn’t be there because he’d said that the baby would be too young to make a trip like that. Kirstie was due to give birth in July; the baby would be about five months old in December when Julian would marry Raphael.

Chapter 2

Four Months later, early December.

The doorbell rang, and Raphael glanced at Antonio. Are we expecting someone? he asked. Antonio shook his head. Julian stood and strode into the hall. When he opened the door, he saw a stunningly beautiful woman standing in front of him. She somehow looked familiar. Can I help you? Julian asked politely.

You could start with carrying my luggage inside, the woman snared. Julian frowned. Excuse me? he said, then he felt Raphael behind him. The winemaker gently squeezed his shoulders as he said, Hello, mother. And that’s no way to talk to Julian, my fiancé. Oh, shit, this was Raphael’s mother? Julian was baffled. Raphaella considered Julian for a moment; then she glanced at Raphael. She didn’t look friendly when she eyed Julian again.

Oh, my. How long do you want to keep up this, Raphaella waved her hand at Julian, this charade? she said in a cold tone as she strode into the house, pushing Julian aside in the process. Julian bumped against Raphael, who sighed deeply. Julian turned his head to look at his fiancé. Surely he hadn’t heard correctly. Raphael sighed again. I warned you, caro, the handsome winemaker said softly.

What the hell did you to the house? Raphaella shrieked when she entered the living room. Julian and Raphael were right behind her and entered the living room just in time to hear Antonio growl. Hello to you too, Raphaella. The woman eyed her youngest son critically. Hello, Antonio. Still working for your brother? She snapped. Julian was stunned. Then Raphaella turned to Raphael; her tone still wasn’t friendly when she said, Who is going to bring my luggage to my room? Julian was looking from his fiancé to Raphaella and then back to Raphael again. Shit! That was not good.

Well, mother. I suppose that you do it yourself, Raphael said in a calm voice that seemed to set off Raphaella even more. I’ll carry the heavy stuff, Antonio offered in resignation. Raphaella’s eyes softened for a moment. Thank you, she said. Then she walked to the front door again, took some of her smaller luggage, and stormed up the stairs.

Julian glanced at Raphael, and the winemaker saw disbelief and worry in his fiancé's eyes. Yeah, yeah. You warned me. I know, Julian sighed. That I did, Raphael chuckled. So, what do we do now? Julian questioned while they returned to the living room. What do you mean, caro? About your mother because you said that she would stay at some expensive hotel. Plus, she would come a day before the wedding, which still is weeks away. So, what is she doing here? a worried sounding Julian said. I don’t know why she wants to stay at our home or why she arrived a couple of weeks early. The woman always has her own agenda, Raphael answered, and he really wished that he knew what his mother was up to. The woman was devious, so Raphael knew that he had to keep an eye on her while she was here. Are you alright, caro? Raphael questioned. Julian didn’t know how to answer because he didn’t want to offend Raphaella, but he also didn’t want to lie to Raphael. Raphael came to stand behind Julian and wrapped his arms around him. Julian closed his eyes and let his head rest against Raphael’s chest.

Just when Julian wanted to answer Raphael, Raphaella strode into the living room and moved until she was in front of Julian and Raphael. I need to apologize. I’m sorry for snapping at you, Julian, Raphaella said. Julian blinked because what the hell?

It’s alright, Mrs. Agretti. You must be tired from the trip, Julian answered lamely. He didn’t have a clue how to address this woman, his future monster-in-law. Thank you, Raphaella said. She didn’t sound sincere, but Julian let that go. Was the suite at your regular hotel not available? Raphael asked while he kept his arms tightly wrapped around Julian.

Raphaella walked toward the chair in the furthest corner. She sat down and gazed into the beautiful garden. Julian had planted roses and other flowers he liked so much. The garden was a festival of brightly colored flowers. Raphaella turned her head to face Raphael and Julian.

Julian was wary because he didn’t trust her. I liked the garden better the way it was, she said quietly. Now Julian knew that he didn’t like her either. Julian has remodeled the garden, and I must say that my fiancé did an excellent job. There was pride in Raphael’s voice. I agree, said Antonio. Julian hadn’t even noticed that he had walked into the room.

Raphaella glanced at her youngest son. I helped him pick the roses and bougainvillea, Antonio said triumphantly. Julian repressed a chuckle at seeing the astonished look on Raphaella’s face. Raphael, however, started laughing. What’s so funny? she asked in an unfriendly tone. You should have seen your face when Tony told you that he picked the roses and bougainvillea, Raphael laughed even harder.

Raphaella scowled and shook her head, and that was when Julian started wondering why she had come here. It was obvious that she hadn’t come to see her sons or Julian, for that matter. Suddenly Raphaella said, Antonio, don’t tell me that you’re gay too. Julian, who just drank his coffee, nearly choked. Yes, Tony, why don’t you enlighten our mother, Raphael smirked.

Julian was confused because Antonio wasn’t gay. Antonio glanced at his brother and then at his mother, sighed deeply, and said, I’m sorry to tell you, mother, but yes, I’m gay too. Antonio’s expression was serious, and if Julian hadn’t known better, he would have believed the man. Julian was confused but held his tongue because somehow, his gut feeling warned him to stay quiet.

Julian saw Raphaella getting pale; her eyes were huge. She recovered quickly, though. Are you serious? You must be joking, she shrieked again. Raphael still was laughing. We really did scare you, didn’t we? he commented. Antonio laughed too; then, the brothers got serious; Raphael said, So, it does bother you that I am gay. I always suspected it, but now I know that I was right.

Julian was shocked; he hadn’t expected that Raphaella would be such a bitch. If he had known, he wouldn’t have invited her to his and Raphael’s wedding. Raphaella opened her mouth and then closed it again. Well, mother, don’t you have anything to say? Antonio said as he kept his tone neutral.

Julian glanced at Raphael when Raphaella stormed out of the room. What was that all about? he questioned. Raphael sighed. I always had my suspicions about my mother being homophobic. Now I know for sure, he explained. I knew from a very young age that I liked boys instead of girls. She must have noticed that too. And no, I don’t believe that it was the reason that she left us, Raphael added.

Raphaella just isn’t the maternal type. She never was and, never will be, Antonio chimed in. I’m sorry to hear that. And here I am, insisting that she come to the wedding, Julian felt so guilty. Raphael and Antonio smiled; Raphael said in a gentle tone, Caro, that’s not your fault. You don’t know that woman as we do.

On the other hand, Antonio paused, and then he added, Now she can see for herself that you two are happy together. Antonio turned to Julian. Raphael loves you. I’ve never seen my brother so happy. He will marry you, and Raphaella has no other choice than to accept this marriage.

I don’t understand. If she doesn’t like the fact that you’re gay, then why come to the wedding? Julian said. Good question, Antonio replied, glancing at Raphael for an answer. My best guess? She will try to prevent us from tying the knot. She’s up to something, so we need to keep a close eye on her while she’s here, Raphael said apologetically. I’m afraid that she will come after you because Raphaella knows that you’re my weak spot, Raphael told Julian, and the man didn’t look happy.

Chapter 3

Julian was still reeling from what Raphael and Antonio had told them about their mother. What was her plan? Julian didn’t know what to think. Raphael had assured him that he wouldn’t let his mother come between them. Julian believed his fiancé and trusted Raphael to keep his mother from scheming against them.

It was evening, Raphael had cooked spaghetti Bolognese, and Julian had made a green salad with green and black olives, tomato, and cheese. He had topped it off with a little olive oil, just the way they liked it. Smells delicious, said Julian as he sniffed the air. Raphael smiled. Come here, caro, so that I can kiss you, he motioned with the wooden spoon for Julian to come to him. Just then, Raphaella came into the kitchen.

Bolognese? I love spaghetti Bolognese, she said approvingly. Raphael and Julian cocked their heads. She gazed at the salad, and Julian expected her to comment on it, but she didn’t; in fact, she dismissed Julian all together. When is dinner? she asked her son. Raphael told her the time, and then she marched out of the kitchen again.

Julian looked at Raphael. What just happened? You met my mother, Raphael chuckled. Caro, don’t even try to please her because you won’t succeed. She doesn’t like you simply because you are my fiancé. She wants me to marry a woman of her choice, who would become the future Mrs. Agretti, Raphael said matter-of-factly.

She doesn’t even know me; still, she doesn’t like me, just because I love you? Julian exclaimed. Sadly, yes. So, if you want her out of here and ban her from our wedding, just say so. I will gladly send Raphaella on her way, Raphael said, and Julian could tell that he meant every word. So, she wouldn’t be able to convince you to break up with me? Julian had to ask.

Raphael looked confused; then he shook his head. No, caro, absolutely not. I love you so much. It’s you that I want to grow old with, no one else. Raphael sounded determined as he assured Julian yet again that he was the love of his life. It’s not that I doubt you. It’d just, I know, caro. I know. And believe me, I know my mother. In the dark ages, they would have burned her at the stake, Raphael said. That statement made Julian laugh. A witch? You see your mother as a witch? he laughed so loud, tears sprang into his eyes. Yeah, well. I guess that I do, Raphael chuckled.

Dinner is ready; why don’t you put the salad on the table? I’ll be right behind you with the sauce, Raphael said, smiling. I’ll take the pasta, Antonio said as he grabbed the porcelain bowl that was filled with spaghetti. Right before they marched into the dining room, they heard Raphaella gasp. Raphael knew why his mother had reacted that way, and he inwardly chuckled because Julian had replaced the elongated-table with a round one. Raphael had asked why Julian wanted a round dining table. Julian had told him that there was no head of the family, not really.

Before that, it had been Raphael who always sat at the head of the table. Not because he felt superior to the rest of the family. It just always had been that way. Now that they had a round table, it didn’t matter where you sat down because every spot was equal. Raphael had liked the idea of getting a round table, much to Julian’s delight.

Raphaella turned when Raphael, Julian, and Antonio walked into the dining room. The horrifying look on her face was almost comical, almost. What’s this, she motioned to the round dining table. What did you do with our beautiful dining table, she shrieked. Julian wished that she would stop screaming; it hurt his ears.

As you surely can see, mother, it’s a round dining table, Antonio said, and Julian saw that the man did his best not to grin. Why? she stopped abruptly. It seemed that she only now realized that not only had the living room been redecorated, but most of the house had a new interior. Who on God’s green earth did the decoration? Raphaella demanded to know.

Julian did, Raphael said, and the warning in his tone didn’t go unnoticed. Raphaella blinked a few times; she seemed lost for words. Then, finally, she said quietly, Oh. I see.

Everyone sat down, and the Agretti Brothers put the sauce and the spaghetti on the table. Julian placed two bowls of salad in the center. Raphael? Julian began as he scooped spaghetti on his plate. Yes, caro? What is it? Raphael responded in a soft tone. Could we visit Kirstie and Yara? Raphael smiled