Page 66 of Silent Snowfall

“Nonna didn’t tell me, if that’s what you’re wondering.”

As she spoke, I swept my arm for her to begin walking. It might be after ten, but every night this week, I’d planned a series of wintery dates. We’d driven a golf cart, bundled in blankets, to look at Christmas lights. We’d watched a Christmas movie in her grandmother’s living room. I’d even attempted making candy canes in the kitchen, but we’d burnt the sugar. Which made Uliva wake up and reprimand us. I’d never been more grateful for the ski mask in my life. I didn’t want Rose to see how red my cheeks turned after that scolding.

Tonight, there would be no such interruptions.

We began to walk down the street to the park, where the city of San Pietro Cove had flooded an outdoor pond. I had no reason to care for the yearly tradition…until now.

“Does it bother you that I’m a criminal?” I asked as the twinkling lights surrounding the pond blinked into view.

Rose chose her answer carefully, remaining silent as we approached the bench. “Not as much as it should. I’ve come to terms with the idea of living here.”

My heart skipped a fucking beat. “You don’t plan to move away?”

Rose shook her head as she pulled off her boots. “I don’t have the funds for that even if I wanted to. We’re kinda out of options.”

I bent before her, capturing her wriggling toes. My thumb kneaded the pad of her foot.

“You’ll want for nothing,” I murmured.

“I know.” She let out a tight breath. “I felt stuck when we moved here. And while I wish things were better, I don’t feel as destitute as I did.”

The skate slid over her toes, enveloping her foot. I laced the strings, wrapping them around her ankle before securing them in a knot.

“If it’s independence you want, we can figure something out,” I promised.

Her responding laugh was hollow. “I’m not joining the mob, if that’s what you’re proposing.”

I shook my head. “There are plenty of local stores who would hire you. Or you could go into business for yourself. This town thrives on tourism.”

Rose hummed. “I’ve always thought I would make a good party planner.”

That came as a surprise. She’d never spoke of—never so much as hinted at—a secret career choice.

I hated myself for not asking her sooner.

“You’d be great at it,” I breathed.

She simply rolled her eyes, but the small smile on her lips told me she was grateful for my support.

I secured her second skate, placed a kiss on her knee, and then moved to sit on the bench next to her. “There are endless possibilities with that. Tourists flock here for small-town charm. Weddings, anniversaries, and corporate retreats could use those skills.”

Plus, the locals were always having babies that needed showers or birthdays to celebrate.

“It’s an idea.” Rose pushed to her feet, wobbling a little as she tested her balance. “We’ll keep talking, yeah?”

She was planning a future here. She wasn’t running. This was progress. And I was included in the conversation. Triumph blazed through my chest.

I nodded, rising to join her. “Absolutely.”

Turning to look over the glittering pond, Rose took a deep breath. “The lights make it look like someone spilled a fistful of stars.”

A smile tipped my lips. But I wasn’t looking at the frozen pond. There was only this enchanting woman and the possibility of a future by her side. I took her hand and pulled her onto the slick surface.

Her mitten tucked against my glove. The perfect fit. We glided forward together.

“You’re going too fast!” Rose protested, wobbling mid push.

“I’m barely moving.”