Free Innocent of His Claim by Janette Kenny

Far away from Marco Vincienta.
    “Please, let’s sit and talk,” Delanie said, motioning to theseating area where a sumptuous cream sofa was flanked by overstuffed chairs. “What are your preferences as to color?”
    Bella slumped onto a stripped chair, pulling her bare feet beneath her. “Pale blue.” She frowned. “Or green.”
    “Both are lovely choices,” Delanie said as she took her electronic notebook from her purse and eased onto the sofa close to Bella, ready to fill the blanks in on her unique form. “With your dark coloring, you would look stunning in either though the green would truly bring out the gold flecks in your dark eyes.”
    Eyes that were strikingly similar to Marco’s. They must have their father’s eyes, she surmised, though she refrained from saying that aloud.
    “I would love that,” Bella gushed.
    A glance at Marco found him watching his sister, dark brows drawn over his classic nose and muscular arms locked over his broad chest. Delanie had expected impatience but he seemed as interested in what his sister said as Delanie.
    She shook off the distraction that was solely Marco with a discreet cough, vowing to ignore him. “I gather you’d like nontraditional flowers as well?”
    Bella nodded. “Anything but roses or calla lilies or anything else that someone has declared as symbolizing everlasting love.”
    Ah, that was a telling remark if she ever heard one. But she didn’t press the point now with Marco watching them like a hawk.
    She was here to please his sister. Not him. He’d already told her money was no object.
    Delanie made a few notes, already having an idea of an avenue to pursue. “Where will the ceremony be held?”
    “The cathedral in the village,” Marco said.
    “No! I will marry in St. Antonio de Montiforte or not at all,” Bella said.
    An uneasy tension pulsed between the siblings. Delaniecleared her throat, having dealt with similar matters in the past.
    She faced Marco. “You hired me to plan a wedding that would please your sister, to do as she wishes. That means that she decides where to exchange her vows. Correct?”
    Marco mumbled something, likely a curse. “Fine. Have the wedding in Montiforte. Force your guests to drive an hour to your wedding and back here for the reception. Unless you have changed your mind about that as well!”
    “We want to hold the reception in Castello di Montiforte,” Bella said.
    Marco scrubbed a hand over his mouth and shifted, and for a moment Delanie almost felt sorry for him having two women tear down his plans. But his refusal to believe her still rose like a wall between them, bolstering her determination to keep her distance from him.
    He heaved a sigh. “Perhaps since the gardens are less than perfect it is best to hold the reception there.”
    “I knew you would understand,” Bella said, then smiled such a serene smile that Delanie nearly laughed.
    Marco snorted but kept his thoughts to himself.
    In short order, Delanie went over a few more points to ensure she had no doubts as to the bride’s preferences.
    “That should do it,” Delanie said. “I’ll contact you if I have any questions. And please, if you want anything changed, no matter how insignificant it seems, let me know right away.”
    “I will.” Bella clapped her hands together and rose. “Thank you for agreeing to plan my wedding after all.”
    “Thank your brother,” Delanie said. “He convinced me to travel here.”
    Bella squealed and ran to her brother, throwing her arms around him with a hug that looked comfortable. “Marco,
grazie!
It will be perfect now. Oh! I must tell my fiancé. You will take care of Miss Tate?”
    “Very good care.” He gaze flicked to Delanie, his smile going from brotherly to something knowing and hot.
    A zillion butterflies took flight in her stomach and she pressed a hand to her middle before taking a breath. She couldn’t stay here at the villa while she was planning a wedding that was taking place an