The Family Part 2

By Adrienne Garlen

Vincent wanted Bella to always remember this.  The night he had held her for so long. Vincent could feel her long wet eyelashes on his chest. Vincent hoped Bella would forget all the pain and suffering of the gruesome day, and remember the different type of intimacy he was offering tonight.

The one special night

• Language: English
• Publisher: Palmetto Publishing
• Release date: Aug 10, 2022
• ISBN: 9798885909488

Book preview

CHAPTER 1

Fifteen years later

T

HERE WERE SO MANY THINGS THAT WERE HAPPENING IN ITALY FOR the past fifteen years. Vincent and Tristan had returned home fifteen years earlier and Tristan married Sophia, while just ten days later Vincent married Bella.

That September, both Sophia, and Bella became pregnant, and Ava had her second baby, Gina in November. Sophia had a baby boy named Christian in April, and Bella had a baby girl named Rosa, on the first of May.

Maria and Angelo had their first baby, Angela, who was a very difficult birth. But she was the spitting image of Angelo with the beautiful Lorenzo smile.

All of the men were possibly happier than they had ever been watching the women, either with child or with the other children, who almost all had the same Lorenzo family look.

After little Gina had been born, babies, babies, and more babies began to fill the dwelling. Gina was indeed the oldest of all the cousins, with curly hair just like Anthony’s and a winning smile just like Ava’s.

Gina did have one big thing exactly like her uncle Tristan—she was mischievous to every fault. In fact, her first word was no. At that time, Tristan thought it was funny; it wasn’t very funny as she got older.

With Gina’s long, curly locks, dark skin, and brown eyes, all the local boys buzzed around her like bees to honey, and Vincent loved to watch Tristan try to protect all the girls. Anthony always let him probably because the boys listened to Tristan and stayed away.

One boy, in particular, that wouldn’t stay away was Alonzo. Alonzo Moreli, had been in their lives since they were all very small. He only lived a short piece down in the village and was Christian’s best friend in the town; that was just part of it, though mostly his eyes were on Gina these days.

Alonzo pulled up on his dirt bike and saw the beautiful Gina—her hair blowing to one side, deep brown eyes—and he took off his helmet.

Hey, Gina. He smiled.

Hey, Alonzo, She smiled back.

Tristan immediately went to work. Keep moving, Alonzo, he said gruffly.

Uh, hello, Mr. Hart, Alonzo said, I’m here to see Christian.

Then why are you talking to my niece? Tristan asked.

Christian ran out the house and put on his helmet. Come on, Alonzo, let’s go, huh?

He always tried to save his friend from his dad.

Hey, Christian, say goodbye to your mother first. You know she worries, Tristan said.

Christian ran over and kissed his mother as she got the laundry in. Love you, Ma.

Then the two boys went off.

Mama, Gina yelled, he did it again!

Tristan. Vincent smiled. Alonzo has been around forever; he does seriously want to talk to her.

Are you saying I am wrong? Tristan asked slowly. I would expect it outta any one of my brothers to do that for one of my girls. I would be very hurt, mad even; we are a close family. What if it was Rosa, Vincent? She is becoming a woman to ya know. All our girls are beautiful. I know how young boys think, and if you remember a second, so do all-a you. You knuckleheads should be thankin’ me.

Vincent, Anthony, and Angelo all just shut up, while Gina continued to whine to Ava.

Mama, Gina said, that is the fourth time Uncle Tristan has done something like that! I will never get a boyfriend that way. Christian gets to go and do whatever he wants.

It doesn’t seem fair now, my dear, but if you will notice, your father and uncles are up working from sunrise till sunset and will have to because they are also finding men, they can choose to do that work. It’s not easy being a farmer, father, husband, fixing everything, and keeping all young boys at bay. Your Uncle Tristan just wants to look out for you in hopes we would do so for his girls as well, Ava said softly.

"Mama, when do you think he will ever let up? Gina asked.

Maybe when you’re thirty? Ava smiled.

You’re joking, Gina said.

"I am joking. Ava smiled. If one day Tristan sees you love a boy and he loves you in return, then he will let up."

How can I ever know that though? He will never leave me alone, Gina said.

I promise you someday, every day, in every way, but a boy must become a man not only in your father’s eyes but also in Uncle Vincent’s, Uncle Tristan’s, and Uncle Angelo’s. One day, Christian, Michael, Cash, Mario, and whoever else those men deem worthy, may work this dwelling. It is very important they do not ruin it.

Ava was right. The men of this family had started this farm when the girls were very small, and now they were still working until they were able to find suitable husbands for their girls, and the men were not ready to marry off their baby girls yet.

Gina could see now there were a lot of girls and only four boys. The dwelling was very important. It would only be right to screen boys suitable, she guessed. After all, she was only fifteen; she might as well make the most of everything, she guessed.

It still is not fair, Gina said low and under her breath.

Gina, can you come in here and help peel potatoes for family dinner? It’s at our house tonight? Ava asked.

Okay, Mama, Gina answered.

Gina walked into the kitchen and put on an apron, careful not to mess up her dress, and began to peel potatoes when Rosa came into the house.

Hello, Aunt Ava; hey, Gina, she said. Can I help? I know family dinner is here tonight.

Okay, Rosa, you can help me peel potatoes, Gina answered.

Rosa, Ava said sternly, does your father know where you are? Remember what happened last time? They were so worried!

Aunt Ava, please don’t make me go home; it is so much quieter here than my house with all those children fighting all the time, Rosa moaned.

Alright, you can stay then. Ava smiled.

Thank you, Aunt Ava. Rosa smiled back, picking up a potato.

Rosa was petite, like Bella, with the same baby blue eyes like Vincent’s and his mother’s. She knew how to work hard if need be. She also loved to dream of far-off places, not so far as America, but far like Rome and London, just far enough to get away from her brothers and sisters for a time and then come back to see them again.

Rosa was never really interested in boys yet. She had other things on her mind. Rosa loved to plan, just like her mother. Everything had a schedule, except when Bella started having babies—then nothing had a schedule. When Ava got pregnant, it was like Watch out, world, the Lorenzo family is going to repopulate the Earth, or at least Italy.

With each new year to come another blessing from above. From the past fifteen years down, Ava had Gina in November, Sophia had Christian in April, Bella had Rosa in May, and Maria had Angela the next April. Alexis was born in July, Lisa in August, and Olivia in September! Mario was born the next February, Teresa in March, Leah in April, and Gabby in October of the next year. Then the next year, Michael was born in August, Cash in September, and then finally little Claudia, who brought the rear as the youngest in the coldest December Italy had ever seen. All of them came, one right after the other.

With each beautiful precious, wonderful life also came struggles, colic, thrush, etc. Even though Alexis was born in July to Tristan and Sophia, Sophia was unable to nurse her, so by God’s grace, Lisa came in early August, and Bella insisted she nurse both babies. Sophia was so thankful, but also very hurt—she loved breastfeeding, this time through her milk just didn’t come in as it did with Christian.

Bella could have fed an entire army with her milk, and she didn’t mind—they were all family. Bella nursed the girls for only about nine months, then it was time for the vineyard planting again and grape stomping.

Olivia had been the colic baby; she was one of Anthony and Ava’s. Every night she would be passed around from one uncle to the next while they all stood holding her, singing to her, and nothing could stop her. Gina had once knocked on Vincent and Bella’s door at three in the morning saying these words: Uncle Vincent, can I live with you?

Vincent picked her up and loved on her for a long while, then convinced her that her mama and papa would miss her, and held her in his lap, rocking her all night long. Bella awoke the next morning to find Gina up against Vincent in the rocker, asleep on his chest, and his head down against hers, where he slept as well. Bella smiled then went to Ava’s and told them where Gina was just so they wouldn’t worry in case they had woken up and noticed Gina was gone.

Mario had quite possibly been the best baby; he had slept the best and was probably the quietest. Possibly a trait from Angelo, they all figured. Mario didn’t like to say very much, but when he did, the things he said made a lot of sense. He studied things a lot and was very good at agriculture, what things brought, or might bring. Mario might have been silent, but he was indeed an amazing asset.

Teresa had been born to Bella in March, right after Mario in February. Out of all the babies, Teresa may have seemed to be the happiest and have the biggest heart. Teresa would love on her cousins from the time they were all very little and would always put them first. Vincent swore she was just like Bella that way. If one of her family cried, she immediately stopped what she was doing, walked over, put her arm around them, and consoled whomever it was. It never mattered if it was a boy or a girl, Teresa never failed to stop and go see if there was something she could do to make their problems somewhat better.

You see that? Tristan said one day, watching her tend to Michael, his son. That is love. God, I love this family!"

Ava had her final baby, Leah, in April, after Teresa was born in March. Leah was a big baby—almost nine pounds—and the doctor had worried about Ava during her last trimester, so when Leah was born, Ava was in labor for a long time, almost too long. The doctor did arrive just in time to save them both, but then he told Anthony there were so many complications that , she could never have any more children.

Anthony just looked and his reply was But how is my wife?

With rest she will be fine. You can see them both now, the doctor said.

Thank you, Anthony said as he walked right past where Bella held the baby, dropped to his knees, and thanked God she was alright.

I am going to be just fine. Ava smiled. I love you.

I was so afraid I had lost you, Anthony said as he kissed her hand.

Go look at our daughter. Ava smiled.

Anthony did, and when he did, he saw a little girl, a force to be reckoned with already.

You almost killed your mommy, he said.

Sophia had Gabriela in October of that year, the one-child born of all the children with golden blond hair, exactly like Tristan’s. She was dark-skinned and brown eyed like the rest , but her hair was exactly like her daddy’s. Tristan had fallen in love with her immediately! At first, he had thought Gabriela was just a beautiful name, but then they all realized she was named perfectly. Gabby talked very early and very fast, so Gabriela became Gabby very fast, and she had Tristan wrapped around her little finger.

Next, Sophia and Bella almost got pregnant at the same time. Sophia hadn’t meant to, but Michael came as pretty as you, please the next August. His birth was quick and easy—between labor and delivery, it took only about three hours for the entire thing!

Bella had Cash in September. Vincent had seen that name on a window in town and decided that it might be a perfect name, and so did Bella. Cash was not a very Italian name, but it didn’t matter; he certainly looked like Cash.

Then finally, Bella had little Claudia, who was carried for ten months instead of nine and was born on one of the coldest Decembers Italy had ever had, the very next year. Bella was miserable during that pregnancy.

With each child the doctor always let the men know when the women couldn’t handle any more childbearing. Claudia was Bella’s last., Bella had bled so much that she lost part of her uterus during the process of that birth. They were both healthy, but Bella was also sad; she was afraid Vincent would see her as less now.

My darling Isabella, Vincent said as he knelt beside her, you have given me so much, five beautiful, healthy children. I could only see you as more every single day.

Do you promise, Vincent? Bella said. You will always love me?

I will always love you, and the amazing children you have given me. Do you really think we need more than five? Vincent laughed while stroking her hair.

No. Bella smiled weakly.

I do still want some of you for myself, you know. Vincent smiled.

And that was the way the entire story was laid out, from Gina, aging in at fifteen now, to Claudia, who was just five years younger at nine.

Hey, babe, Tristan called, Soph, Sophia?

Yes, my love. Sophia walked out onto their porch.

Tristan walked over to her. Where is that cream we put on my hands last time?

Oh, my love, we are all out. I am sorry, Sophia said walking from the small porch to look at his hands.

Ugh, that is the one thing that helps, Tristan said.

You have drawn so much blood this time, my love, Sophia said, holding his wounded hand. If you give me some money, I will go into town and buy some for you tomorrow. We will need to put it under some warm water tonight though. All that dirt can cause infection.

You’re right, babe, Tristan said. Thanks. I’ll give you the money in the morning.

Sophia went back into the house to finish making her famous bread to take to Ava’s, and the boys all began to joke with Tristan.

Don’t you ever get tired of her babying you, Tristan? Anthony asked.

Hey, man, shut up, Tristan said. I love my wife, and she loves me, always has.

So, you don’t mind if she kisses it and makes it better, Tristan? Vincent said.

I don’t mind at all, really. Tristan smiled. Does your wives do that?

My wife is usually too busy helping me with either work in the fields or with our children, Anthony said.

My wife is actually usually tending to the five we have or working on mending clothes or the vineyards, Vincent said.

Lorenzo, shut the hell up. Bella waits on you hand and foot, and the only reason Ava ain’t waiting on you hand and foot all the time, Anthony, is because of your town job, Tristan said.

How about you, Angelo? You only got two kids. What’s the deal with your wife? Tristan asked.

She spends lots of the time working in the fields with me or helping to watch all the other kids. There are a lot of us, you know, Angelo said. And I work in town as well, Tristan.

So how do you keep Sophia loving and babying you so much, Tristan? Anthony laughed.

I adore Sophia, more than anything in this world. When I look at her, my entire world stops. I know I wouldn’t have anything I got if it wasn’t for her. Most people think, ‘Ah, any woman could do that.’ But not like Sophia; she is eternity all wrapped up into one body here on this Earth, just for me. There I look at her, and I see everything I have always wanted: a beautiful woman, and an amazing family; I am forever grateful. Nothing is as good as her, Tristan said as he looked in the light at Sophia.

We all know Sophia babies Tristan. Angelo laughed. I wish Maria babied me, like Sophia babies you, brother.

Tristan might be the one who gets babied the most, but I do believe, my wife is just as perfect to me, and she also gives me whatever I desire. Vincent smirked.

Shut up, Vincent! Tristan smiled, pulling his gloves onto his bloody hands. How about this? You and me, we will be tied for the perfect wife?

Vincent knew deep down that Tristan loved and adored Sophia, and he couldn’t have picked a more wonderful man for his sister. No other man would have waited on her hand and foot when she was pregnant or brought things to her in the hot fields. No other man would have told her she was the most beautiful creature alive that God had ever made. No other man would have sung to her off-key, and Sophia loved it.

Tristan, Sophia called outside, what are you doing?

Sophie, the weeds ain’t gonna pull themselves, baby, Tristan said. I got gloves on. I will be okay.

You will not, with those bleeding hands of yours. It is different when it is callouses—we all get those—you are getting blood and callouses, breaking skin, Sophia said holding his wrist. I will not have those rough hands touching me. We will wash them in lukewarm water, with a warm cloth, and I will buy the cream in the morning.

Michael? Sophia called.

Yeah, Ma? Michael said.

Go and help your uncles pull up the weeds in the garden.

Ma, what for? Michael moaned.

Because there aren’t many left, and if you hurry you will be right on time for family supper at Aunt Ava’s.

Michael walked outside and looked at his three uncles, putting on his gloves, and pulling up weeds. They all laughed at him.

You hate this, don’t you, Michael? Vincent laughed loudest.

Yeah, so? he said. At least I am doing it. Christian ain’t even here.

Michael was right; Christian had been gone all day, and nothing had been said. Michael was a slow-go at the weed pulling, even though Tristan had done his fair share.

Michael, why don’t you start taking things over to Ava’s for the family supper? If anyone says anything to you, I will take it up with them, Vincent said.

Michael pulled off his gloves and walked into the house and came out with homemade bread and fresh butter, on his way to Ava’s.

Sophia stomped outside into the weeds and gave each brother a dirty look, especially Vincent, as she began to angrily pull weeds.

Why did you just tell him to do something when I told him to do something else? Sophia asked.

Sophia, we are truly sorry, but he wasn’t really helping out here, only questioning where Christian was, not really even doing anything, Anthony said, defending Vincent.

Tristan came out and sat on the porch with his hand in a cloth.

I swear he is never going to learn if you all keep allowing him to stop right in the middle of a chore and go do something else, Sophia said. He will end up being like the lazy man that wouldn’t even pull weeds for a living beside the fence, she reminded.

Sophia don’t be so dramatic, Vincent said watching her finish her son’s work.

Hey, Tristan pointed, don’t be correctin’ my wife, Vincent.

Dramatic! Sophia said. My husband is wounded, his sons should take care of him as you did papa Vincent, but my oldest is still not home, and now Michael was just told to go away from chores and on over to Aunt Ava’s.

He isn’t wounded, Sophia. Vincent shook his head.

He is bleeding and bruised from our family’s dwelling. The wounds do heal but that takes time. You have only one son, Vincent, and Anthony, you had only one—may he rest in peace. And Angelo, you have Mario, who will have a solid head for business, Sophia said. I must depend on my sons to do some of this farm work to help their father and their uncles. They must learn. So, if my husband says, ‘My hands are bleeding,’ it is the perfect chance to get Michael up and helping him. Now that the weeds are pulled, I must go and check the other bread.

Sophia walked past Tristan and kissed him, then into the house.

Well, I gotta hand it to you, Tristan, she does love and respects you, Angelo said.

That she does, Vincent agreed.

Almost makes a man jealous, Anthony said.

I love her just as much, Tristan said. Come on, let’s see if we can carry anything to Ava’s.

There really was nothing left to carry. Everybody had gotten there; the potatoes were made. So, to celebrate everything, a wonderful roast was cooked in honor of the entire family.

The back forty is cleared now we are thinking of putting goats and sheep on it and then begin to plow come summer, but we have no idea what to put up there. We can’t agree on anything, Anthony said.

Wheat brought a good price that year, didn’t it, Anthony? Ava asked.

Indeed, it did, but if the storms come again, we might lose it all, Tristan reminded.

What do you think, Mario? Tristan looked up toward Mario.

Mario came toward the table, his luscious curls about shoulder length, and he sat on the stool right beside Tristan.

Well, Uncle Tristan, since you ask, Mario said, I think the best bet this next year would be to try wheat again, and rice.

Two crops, lad? Angelo said.

Yes, sir, and next year maybe even again wheat, rice, and the vineyards, Mario said. I know the storms got the wheat a couple of years back, but the almanac says that there shouldn’t be another storm or frost like that again for another ten years at least. Mario shone when he spoke of agriculture. It wouldn’t be such back-breaking work on all the uncles, and the women could, always do the work of the vineyards when it came time. I have checked there also; it should just be rainfall, nothing major, nothing too light, Mario said softly.

What would we do, oh wise one, if something did happen and the wheat was lost?, Leah said, who was sometimes jealous of Mario’s talents.

I have already thought of that, Leah, Mario said.

Well, we are waiting. What is your brilliant plan? Leah asked.

Leah, stop, Teresa said. Go ahead, Mario I can hardly wait to hear it.

Well, if the wheat gets destroyed, we will just do as they did in the biblical times, glen the wheat. I know it sounds a little old-fashioned, but it makes sense; you do with what you have and then you do even better, Mario said. If the wheat doesn’t prosper as it should, then we can glen it, then sell it, buy a goat, sell goat milk, goat cheese. Christian is a good shot; he can keep us in a good supply of meat for the winter. Then of course the women always have a wonderful time come spring during the grape- stomping in which we can sell wine.

Good job, son, Angelo said. And way to think of the whole family.

Always planning ahead, Mario. Tristan smiled.

Thank you, Mario said.

He was only thirteen when he thought of all that. A humble thirteen, but a brilliant one.

Later that night, after everyone had gone to their own homes, Tristan and Sophia still had no idea where Christian was or when he would return, and Sophia was starting to get worried. She would never admit it in front of Tristan, but he could always tell. When she couldn’t breastfeed Alexis, when Michael had the chickenpox and his fever got so high, he passed out twice, when Gabby got lost in the marketplace, and it was because she was talking to a homeless man who needed a place to go, and now that Christian had turned over into his rebellious days, she stayed worried unless he was in her sight.

Sophia did everything in fifth gear anyway, always trying to multitask, but when she was worried, she went even faster. Tristan just watched her as he paced throughout their little house. It was pointless to tell her not to worry; she would do that anyway.

Sophia was a mama, and no matter where Christian was, she loved him beyond a question and beyond any doubts.

Sophie, baby, Tristan called to her, that is the third time you have sewn that button in the wrong spot.

I’m sorry, she said, I guess I just don’t have my mind where it should be.

Sophia put the shirt down and looked up at Tristan. Yeah, me neither, he said.

Then they heard the motorbike slowly, but surely, start pulling up the drive. Tristan looked out the window and could see the lights of all four of the Lorenzo houses on—everybody had been waiting up for the lost boy. Thank God, he’s home! Sophia smiled.

Yeah, Tristan said as he watched the lights go out in every other little house.

Christian came in slowly; seeing his mama and papa sitting there was not something he really wanted to see though.

Hey, Mama; hey, Pop, he said casually.

Is that it? Tristan said.

Is what it? Christian shrugged.

All you got to say is ‘hey’ to us both? You left early this afternoon. Do you have any idea what time it is now? Tristan asked.

I lost track of time, Pop, Christian said.

Christian, it’s three in the morning. Your mother has been sick with worry. I didn’t know if you were alive or dead! You have got to stop doing this, son!

Pop, Christian said, I am gonna be fifteen in a month.

So, what is that to me? Tristan said.

Shouldn’t I get to do what I want sometimes? Christian asked.

Excuse me, Tristan said, you do more than anybody around here and get by with it! Nobody else has a motorbike; nobody else stays out all hours. Everybody was worried about you.

Pop, come on, gimme a break, Christian said sarcastically.

Son, we really could have used your help today on the dwelling, Sophia said.

Ma, can you please stay out of this? Christian said.

Hey, you do not talk to your mother that way, Tristan yelled.

Sophia just hung her head. She had no idea what Tristan or Christian would say next. She knew Christian had started having wild days and nights; ever since he was thirteen, he stayed out later and later. She wondered if Tristan was like that in America and had only calmed down for her.

Rosa sat up in her bed, a few houses down. She could hear Christian getting in trouble, again. Bella walked past her room and then walked in.

Rosa? Bella asked. Why are you still awake?

Mama, I know you hear them, Rosa said. Christian is getting in trouble again.

We were all worried, Rosa. It is very late, and we all love Christian very much, Bella said. He is getting in trouble though, you’re right.

Rosa had a special bond with Christian, maybe because they grew up so close together—they were just three weeks apart. Either way, Rosa always sided with Christian, almost like they had a twin bond. It seemed almost amazing Rosa being so loyal to Christian, and he was just like that in her favor as well.

Anytime Christian stayed out too late, no matter the reason, Rosa always had his back. Rosa knew anytime Christian needed someone to have his back on anything, she would automatically be there, only three weeks younger, just as he would for her.

Rosa, go to sleep now, it’s late enough, Bella said.

Rosa did lie down, but she still heard the racket over at Christian’s. He was late; it wasn’t too bad. Rosa hoped the punishment wouldn’t be too harsh. He was talking back, and that was a sin.

Finally, through all the noise, Rosa somehow drifted off to sleep. The morning would come sooner now than later, and the cow would need to be milked and the chicken’s eggs would probably need to be gathered and taken into town to be sold.

Early the next morning, Rosa awoke to see Christian outside cleaning out the stalls on the dwelling, but she also saw Gina out there with him.

Oh no! Rosa thought to herself.

Mama, I’m going to gather the eggs, okay, I love you, Rosa yelled as she raced out the door.

I love you too, Rosa, Bella said, turning to look at Vincent, who just shrugged.

So, I hear you got in trouble last night, huh, Christian. Gina smiled at him with her beautiful curls blowing to one side.

Christian didn’t say a word.

You didn’t come home until three in the morning? Gina asked.

Knock it off, Gina, Christian said, still raking the stalls.

Really? Knock it off? Gina asked with so much sarcasm.

Gina, one of these days you are going to push him a little too far, Rosa said as she came outside pulling her hair up in a ponytail.

Shut up, Rosa, Gina said.

Hey, Christian said, there is no need to mistreat Rosa. It’s my fight.

What is it with you two anyway? Nobody can say anything without you constantly defending the other, Gina said.

You are always picking on him! I swear, Gina, rubbing in how you are the oldest, and crap, whenever he gets into trouble, you are right there to remind him! It is not fair! Rosa said.

I am the oldest, Gina said.

That doesn’t make you the wisest, Rosa said. And only by five months. Christian is already taller than us both, and he has more common sense than you will ever have.

Rosa . . . Christian smiled.

Rosa Linda! Bella called out.

Yes, Mama? Rosa said.

Do not ever insult Gina in such a manner again, do you hear me? She is family. Whatever happens in our family, we will all work through it, Bella yelled. Gina, as for you, it is none of our business what time Christian got in last night if your aunt and uncle handled it. It is our job to pray protection over him and to love him.

Yes, ma’am, Gina said.

The next time I hear you girls degrading each other, you will receive a punishment, Bella said. But it will possibly be from Anthony or Vincent, do you understand me?

Yes, ma’am, they agreed.

Bella walked over to Sophia’s, ready to go into town and pick up Tristan’s cream and her fruit, and then walked back over to Ava’s and Maria’s.

Ava couldn’t go; she and some of the younger girls were cleaning up from the night before, and Maria had offered to help them, so only Bella and Sophia went.

Spring was beautiful, and the men all walked the back forty, deciding where the wheat would go, and then also the rice. They took Mario with them this morning. He did feel important to go with his uncles and father through fresh, cleared land and to talk about things.

Oh, Bella, Sophia said as they walked into the mercantile, I love Christian so much, but I was so worried. I had no idea where he was, or who he was with.

We all were, Soph, Bella said softly. He’s the oldest boy. He carries a lot of weight in our family.

I don’t think he wants to, Bella, Sophia said.

What do you mean? Bella stopped and asked her.

Tristan tries so hard to tell Christian his responsibilities, the responsibilities that come with a big family, and it seems to go in one ear and out the other, Sophia said. I know what the other men think that I baby Tristan, but I see how hard he works, how he sits up at night thinking over and over to himself, how Christian is the oldest. Think of the weight on his shoulders, Bella.

Bella hadn’t thought of that, but she knew that when Vincent was young and took care of his mama and sisters, a lot of responsibilities hung onto him. He made decisions daily, big decisions . . . some he regretted, and some were for his family, which he needed to consider.

We should all try and be more considerate to Tristan, I think. I will try talking to Vincent. I am sure he remembers the huge weight of being the only son, Bella said.

Thank you, my sister, Sophia said. Not a word to Tristan.

I promise. Bella smiled. And while we are waiting for Christian and the rest of the family to come around, do not worry at all. Rosa Linda is certainly in his corner, ready to fight for him.

Then both women laughed. They knew the relationship between those two. It was one of protection and amazement but also of love and friendship.

I will meet you back here soon, Sophia said as she walked a little farther into the village and left Bella at the fruit stand.

Okay. Bella nodded and began to fill her basket with the freshest apples, cinnamon, sugar, and pie crust. It would be a surprise for Vincent—he loved apple pie—and she also picked up some red grapes. Vincent, a man of thirty-eight, loved to entertain the kids by throwing them up and catching them in his mouth. Of course, he also loved fruit. The fruit he could play with was his specialty. Bananas were on sale, so Bella decided to pick up some as well, and then she saw Sophia coming down the road.

Did you get it? Bella asked.

Yes, and it was good. It was the last jar, Sophia answered with relief.

The fruit feels good and firm and is at a good price today, Bella said.

Oh, Bella, look at the peaches! Sophia said. I must get some. Tristan’s hands do hurt so much, and peaches are his favorite.

Bella smiled and picked up a couple peaches for her house too. Sophia really did love Tristan and tried to help him in every way possible. Bella thought back and couldn’t remember a single time they had fought.

Oh, look at the time, Bella, we have to get back. The men will be wanting lunch soon, Sophia said.

You’re right, Bella said. I’d say next month is a good time to ask our husbands for the money to buy seeds for the gardens, you think?

We always do set out our seeds to plant. Asking for the seed money from our husbands and then each of us dividing them, it does make it easier, Sophia said.

Chapter 2

V

INCENT SAW BELLA AND SOPHIA COMING FROM DOWN THE ROAD and ran to them to help them.

Here, my love, I will get that bag for you. Vincent kissed her then looked to see what she had gotten. Do I see everything for my favorite apple pie in here, love?

Yes! Bella said.

Tristan came up to help Sophia. Hey, baby, did they, have it?

They did, my love, but only one jar. We were very blessed, Sophia said, opening the jar immediately, and looking at Tristan’s hands. She put some of the thick cream on his hands gently and then a fresh bandage.

I also got my favorite man some peaches! Sophia smiled.

Tristan smiled too. I can’t eat peaches right now, Soph. Can you imagine the peach juice getting into these hands? How that would burn?

I already thought of that, Sophia said softly. I can cut them up and you can eat them with a fork, or I will feed them to you.

Sometimes you love me too much. Tristan smiled.

No, I love you the perfect amount. Sophia smiled.

I don’t deserve you. Tristan said.

Tristan, never say that again! Don’t you want our daughters to find husbands that will love them as much as you love me, and our sons to have wives that love them as much I love you? Sophia said.

No woman is as good as you, Sophia, Tristan said following her inside.

Bella and Vincent walked over to their house, Vincent still looking inside the bag just like a child at Christmas.

I see you got peaches as well, bananas, and, oh my favorite, red grapes! Vincent laughed.

Bella laughed as she saw Vincent call for the youngest kids, who weren’t so young anymore.

Where are they? Vincent asked.

Vincent, they aren’t so little anymore, Bella said, unloading the bag.

What is that supposed to mean? Vincent asked. They liked it before.

Maybe Daddy and Uncle Vincent should eat the grapes until it’s time to be a poppy now. Bella smiled.

Bite your tongue, Vincent whispered, putting his arms around her waist, and gently kissing her neck. I’m not so old, am I?

Not to me, my love, Bella said. But Rosa is fifteen.

Ugh, why did you have to spoil my fun! Vincent pouted, then turned away from Bella and popped a grape in his mouth. And correction, Rosa is fourteen!

I fell in love with you at that age, Bella said.

I don’t want to have this conversation, Vincent said, turning from her.

You always say that my love, Bella said.

So, I don’t want to talk about my children’s love lives; they are my children, Vincent said.

We share everything, Vincent, the struggles, happiness, sickness, children, Bella said as she sat beside him.

I was talking to Sophia today, on the way to the market, Bella said quietly.

I should hope so; it would have been awkward to walk in silence. Vincent raised his eyebrows.

Vincent, I need you to be serious! Bella said.

Alright, love, I’m sorry. What about? What is wrong with Sophia? Vincent smiled.

It’s not really Sophia but what she had told me; she and Tristan are very worried about Christian and his place in the family, Bella said. I told her I would talk to you because I knew you understood what it is like to be the oldest son, making all the decisions and the weight of the world resting on your shoulders.

Ah, it was a bit different with me though. Vincent rubbed his wrinkled forehead. I was the only boy, the oldest of four sisters, and then Mama.

Christian is the oldest, Bella said. Sophia said Tristan has tried to teach him the responsibilities of the oldest and he just won’t listen.

Isabella, now there are many men; I had to be the only man. Vincent almost seemed to be frustrated.

Vincent, that is true, you learned at sixteen to be an amazing man, carrying many burdens, making decisions, that is my point, Bella said.

What is? Vincent asked.

Vincent, God forbid something happens, to Anthony, or Angelo, Tristan, or especially you, my love, Bella said. Of course, the responsibility will fall on Christian. He has no idea what to do with it.

Nothing is going to happen to that many men in one family, Bella, Vincent said as he stood up.

You can guarantee that then? Bella said.

Well, sure, Vincent said.

For certain, Vincent? Bella said.

Nothing is certain, Isabella, Vincent said harshly.

Vincent, every day, I wake up next to you, and I am so thankful you are still here as the head of this family. I have loved you for more than twenty years and will always stand by your side. But every day I am also scared, what if something happens to the love of my life?

Bella, nothing is going to happen to me. Vincent sat beside her.

You can’t promise that Vincent. Bella smiled. I can only pray that every day, that as the head of this entire family now, you know how you are respected and loved. Sophia babies Tristan so much because Christian won’t step up; he won’t learn his place in the family.

Darling, Sophia babies Tristan because she thinks she should, Vincent said taking a bite of an apple.

Maybe, but she also babies him because Christian won’t accept responsibilities, Bella said. God forbid something happen to Anthony at work or Angelo fall off a roof! Then you and Tristan die the very next day of a terrible disease!

"My darling, Isabella, you are what makes my world better every day.