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regard him solemnly. ‘Here, with us in Perth? All the time?’

      ‘All the time,’ he reiterated gently. ‘Occasionally I’ll need to visit Madrid, but I won’t be away long, and sometimes you and Mummy can come with me.’

      ‘I’d like it. Very much.’ She leaned forward and kissed his cheek and assured plaintively, ‘I missed you.’

      ‘I missed you, too.’

      It was enough knowing Marcello would be a permanent fixture for Nicki to go happily off to kindergarten while her parents met with real-estate agents.

      The Peppermint Grove house won Shannay’s vote. It was so right in every aspect, with its large grounds, spacious rooms and the most glorious curved staircase leading from an elegant tiled foyer to the upper floor.

      All she needed to do was say “I love it”, and Marcello closed the deal there and then.

      Next came legal confirmation notification that the court would in all probability succeed in negating the processing of their decree absolute, thus voiding the existing divorce application.

      The following few weeks proved hectic, as Shannay ordered furniture, furnishings and fittings, and, with Marcello organising delivery and placement, successfully orchestrated the move to their new home.

      Shannay refused to leave John without a registered pharmacist, and worked a shorter evening shift for the week it took to employ a replacement.

      Nicki loved her new bedroom, and delighted in the special playhouse Marcello had set up in the grounds for her.

      By far, the baby news won out, with the future advent of a little sister or brother providing endless excitement.

      Marcello was busy setting up a city office, employing staff and organising office space at home.

      At his suggestion Shannay chose to lease her Applecross apartment, fortuitously to Anna’s daughter and son-in-law, who had decided to relocate from Tasmania.

      Everything seemed to fit into place with organised efficiency … mostly due to Marcello’s influence, including a re-affirmation of their wedding vows to be held in the gardens of their Peppermint Grove home.

      Sandro and Luisa flew in via private jet to attend the ceremony, while Penè declined on the grounds she was still mourning Ramon.

      The day dawned with pale sunshine and a sky with drifting cumulus, and caterers moved in mid-morning to prepare a sumptuous late-afternoon feast for the few guests Marcello and Shannay had chosen to invite.

      It was the antithesis of the media circus their first wedding had become, and Nicki was in her element as Anna helped dress her in a miniature version of Shannay’s gown. Wearing ivory shoes and a coronet of small flowers in her hair, she resembled a little princess.

      Shannay chose a simple full-length gown in ivory silk with a long-sleeved slim-fitted jacket in matching fabric with a stand-up collar, ivory stilettos and a sheer scarf in ivory chiffon draped over her hair.

      Her only jewellery was a diamond pendant and matching ear-studs.

      There was an ornamental white gazebo in the grounds, decorated with white flowers, and Marcello stood resplendent in a dark suit, white shirt and ivory satin tie together with the celebrant as they waited for Shannay and Nicki to join them.

      John and Anna acted as witnesses, and the vows were personally selected to endorse Shannay and Marcello’s commitment to each other.

      Guests were few, and consequently it was a very intimate gathering, with fine champagne, exquisite food, and much laughter.

      Nicki was in her element, loving every minute of the day, and she made no protest when it came time for Carlo to take her with Anna for a sleep-over at Anna’s apartment.

      The caterers packed up, John departed, together with the remaining guests, and Sandro and Luisa left soon after for their city hotel.

      Marcello closed and locked the door, then he drew Shannay into his arms and touched his mouth to hers in a gentle salutation.

      ‘Have I told you how beautiful you are?’

      He had, when he’d slid her wedding ring in place, and again as the afternoon drew to a close.

      A teasing smile curved her lips and she tilted her head slightly to one side. ‘Should I commend how incredibly handsome you look?’

      ‘Minx. Come dance with me, hmm?’

      ‘That could lead to trouble.’

      ‘Of the most delightful kind,’ he agreed. ‘But what’s a wedding without a bridal waltz?’

      She pressed a light kiss to his chin. ‘Where?’

      He activated a remote control and slow, dreamy music filtered through concealed speakers.

      Together they barely moved, just held each other and drifted a little, swayed some, and Shannay felt boneless as the music crept into her soul, meshed with the overwhelming love she felt for the man who held her, and she rested against him, following wherever he led.

      The track eventually concluded, and she pulled his head down to hers and kissed him.

      ‘I love you.’ The words drifted from her lips in a husky murmur. ‘So much.’ She thread her fingers through his hair, then caressed his nape, the sensitive skin beneath each earlobe, and rested against the pulse beating strongly at the base of his throat. ‘I always have. Always will.’

      He caught hold of her hand, unfolded it and laid his lips to her palm. ‘Gracias.’

      She’d said the words before, but not quite like this, without accompanying passion, or in the dreamy aftermath of lovemaking.

      ‘Let’s go upstairs.’

      Marcello placed a kiss to her forehead. ‘Is that an invitation?’

      ‘Do you need one?’

      He placed an arm beneath her knees and lifted her into his arms, then began ascending the staircase.

      ‘Isn’t this just a little over the top?’ she teased, and he chuckled.

      ‘Perhaps I’m conserving your strength?’

      ‘Next you’ll suggest I lie supine while you do all the work.’

      ‘It has been a long day.’

      For which he received a thump on his arm from a very feminine fist.

      ‘Wretch. Just as long as you remember I get to play payback in the early dawn hours.’

      ‘Promises, huh?’ They reached the main bedroom and he slid her down onto her feet, then they began removing each other’s clothes … slowly, with infinite care.

      Their love was everlasting, infinite and very special.

      There was no need to hurry. They had the night, and all those remaining for the rest of their lifetimes.

      Eternity.

      Ramon Alejandro Martinez was born five months and two weeks later in the presence of his father, who cut the umbilical cord and handed him into his mother’s arms.

      With black hair, knowing eyes, he was the image of Marcello, and appeared to possess his mother’s nature.

      His sister, Nicki, adored him from first sight, and vowed to take care of him forever and teach him everything she knew.

       Mistress Arrangements

      Passion’s Mistress

      Desert Mistress

      Mistress by Arrangement

      Helen Bianchin

      HELEN

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