Contract to Love Read Online Free Page B

fruit, and milk, Elizabeth changed into a blue-striped top and navy blue shorts.  She made her way to the beach to read Guide to Pregnancy .  She watched a family lay a blanket on the beach.  They came every day.  The first time she saw the man, he reminded her of Lawrence.  Every time she saw dark eyes and hair, or strong arms, she thought of Lawrence.  Look, there’s a tall, dark, man walking towards her.  He looks like Lawrence.  A lot like Lawrence.  Her heart contracted.  It was Lawrence! 
         “Wha--, what are you doing here?”  Elizabeth choked up.
         Elizabeth nonchalantly slid her book under a towel.
         “I came to find you.”  Lawrence said simply.
         “Find me?”  Elizabeth’s eyes filled with tears hoping but not believing.
         “Yes, Elizabeth.  I love you.  I have for a long time, but I was afraid of Nonno.  In my Italian family, everyone obeys Nonno.  No one even challenges him.  So I couldn’t admit my love.  Nonna tried to get Nonno to see my love for you.  He arranged a marriage to an old family friend.”  Lawrence paused for a moment and then continued.
         “I was going through with it because Nonno said, but I just could not stop thinking about you.  I finally told Nonno that I loved you.”  Lawrence took Elizabeth’s hand in his own hand and gently caressed it. 
         “Nonno, said that he knew I loved you.  He was just waiting for me to stand up to him and tell him what I truly wanted.  He said that now he has full confidence that I can run the business.”  Lawrence gently brushed the hair that fell across her eyes.
         “I want to run the business, but I love you.  I want you, Elizabeth.  I have looked everywhere for you.  Then one day the doctor called and left a message for you.  I called him back.”
         Elizabeth looked surprised.
         “Yes, I know we are having a baby.  Come home Elizabeth.  I love you.”
         “I’ve waited so long to hear you say those words, and I never believed you would.  Oh, Lawrence, I love you.”  Elizabeth cried.
         Lawrence took a beautiful, ornate diamond solitaire and carefully slipped it on her third finger of her left hand. 
    ***
    Elizabeth and Lawrence packed her things immediately and flew out to see her parents.  They spent
    a few days with them, then headed home to the big Christmas party at the Karapelli mansion.
          The house was decorated in the festive red and green.  A huge tree greeted them in the entryway.  Lawrence opened the door and grabbed Elizabeth for a kiss.  When Elizabeth looked confused, he just smiled mischievously and pointed up.  Mistletoe hung above them.  Lawrence ushered he to the large dining room with immaculate place settings.  He led her to a spot that had her name - Elizabeth Karapelli.  Just then the family all came in to take their places and dinner was served. 
          At the end of the meal, Sabin hit his fork on his wine glass, and all eyes turned to him.
          “My family,” Sabin began, “this is a very joyous occasion for us.  This year lots of changes have occurred.  First, I have allowed Young Sabin to take over the business’ day-to-day activities.”  Everyone clapped and cheered.
         Sabin continued, “Second we have new members to our family.”  Sabin named all the new editions.
         “Next summer Donna Lortoli will marry my grandson- Jack.”  Sabin went on, “And last, but certainly not least, to Elizabeth,” Sabin hesitated, “I know my grandson love you.  You are good for him.  I want you to know we welcome you to our family with my blessings.”
         Rosetta handed Sabin a small package and winked at Elizabeth.
         “This is one of your Christmas presents.”  Sabin announced.  “It is a ruby brooch that belonged to my Mother.  She was a strong-minded gentle woman who loved my father in good times as well as bad.  You