Smiling, Stella patted the horse's hind quarters gently.

"Remember to keep your heels down. Papa Marco will have you galloping in no time."

The elder Viacelli clicked his tongue a few times and steered his horse toward the vineyards. Bella, mounted on Stella's first horse Luna, was finally having her first riding lesson today. Her horse gently nodded it's head and picked up behind Papa Marco at an easy pace. 

Stella stepped back beside Gavin and watched, shading her eyes from the early afternoon sun with the palm of her hand.

"I remember the first time I rode Luna across the vineyards- all the way to the sea. If Bella is anything like me, you may end up having to buy ponies for your girls. And...a few stable hands."

The thought of trying to keep a barn in South Philadelphia made Stella chuckle a bit. It really was a charmed life that she had here.  Business among the grapes, visiting friends on horseback, picnicking by the sea. The idea of leaving had weighed more than heavily on her mind since Gavin and Bella's arrival; not to mention the exchange of letters between herself and Tara- who had been gently urging her to think about a return to the States. 

Once Bella was out of sight, Stella touched Gavin's shoulder and motioned for him to come with her.

"Walk with me, Gavin. I need your unbiased opinion on something."

She smirked a bit, exaggerating the word "unbiased" just slightly.

Gavin smirked.

"We can afford it. And there was something I wanted to talk to you about, as well."

He offered Stella his arm for extra support as they began to walk.

"And you know me. Very unbiased about everything."

Slipping her arm into the crook of his, Stella and Gavin started down a small stone path that wound around the side of the house beside the glass wall of the library and toward the fence line that led to the barreling barns. 

"I hope you two have been enjoying your time here. Of course, the business end of things; well, that follows us everywhere, no? But it's really been wonderful to have you here and share this place with you both. I've come to adore this place, as well as Catania. But, I can't help but feel that I'm living in a dream that isn't really sustainable. Surely, I could run the business and die an old woman among the grape vines- but I don't think that is what I'm really meant to do.  I don't think that is what Zia Regina and Sofia would have wanted for me."

The path led down a gentle slope, and a flock of sparrows swooped down and fluttered near the ground not far from them before taking of back into the air.

"So, I have been thinking about leaving; taking the show on the road, so to speak. Papa Marco can easily handle the running of the winery and the vineyards, but the business part doesn't really have to be tied to Sicily.  Perhaps it's time for me to expand my horizons a bit, and those of the Viacelli family."

Gavin listened carefully as he walked with Stella, keen eyes keeping a lookout for any loose stones that could send his friend for a spill.

"Our time here has been wonderful. And what you said... running this business... dying in the vines... well, that's winning for a lot of people. But if you're not satisfied, I think it's better to go chase things and see what you want. If it doesn't work out, you can always come back here."

Gavin furrowed his brow, thinking.

"Did you have plans... if you didn't, I know Tara would love to have you back in Philly. That's actually what I wanted to ask you about- building up your ties there."

Stella chuckled a little. 

"Between you and Tara, I haven't really considered anywhere else. The only thing that's had me hesitant is getting back into the life. The business end is easy, but you know how the rest can be. I'm not what I used to be, you know."

She tapped her cane against the ground and sighed as they paused at the edge of the pathway that looked over the vineyards. 

​​​​​​"No. I want to go back. It's time, and I've missed my friends."

Looking back at Gavin, she squinted with curiosity. 

"What about you and Bella? Trying for another kid and all, seems like it might be a tricky thing to navigate over the bodies piled in the back yard."

​​​​​​

"Well... there's degrees of 'the life' you know. You don't need to be rolling around with two pistols blasting to be an effective soldato. The business part, as you said, is easy for you. If there is a need for action... well, you've got friends."

He grinned.

"I have helped you out once or twice. And I'd be happy to again. I expect that you'd be able to help me as well. Over the next couple years, I think I'd like to get a little more involved in the business end of things. Maybe open up a place of my own. I'm always going to be in the life... but I've been working less lately. Taking big jobs, special jobs, but focusing on the family more. I could never go straight... but maybe a little straighter, ya know?"

"Really? Well, I know that I'm one of at least three women that are going to be happy you're going to stay further away from the firing line; even if it is just a little."

Marco and Bella trotted past a few hundred yards away, with Bella now in the lead. Stella grinned. 

​​​​​​"I absolutely adore your wife. She's a dear friend to me already. Maybe all this is just the universe pointing me in the right direction. Whatever my next adventure is supposed to be."

A warm afternoon breeze blew by. 

"I guess that's that, then. I should start making some arrangements. When will you two be heading home? I know you must miss Aurora." 

"If only it were just three... I'm surrounded by women these days."

Gavin smirked.

"Well, I suppose I was in the old days, too. Just a little different now. But yea, I'm glad you and Bella get along so well. It's a good fit for both of you."

Not wanting to be awkward by pointing out the similarities between Stella and his wife, Gavin simply nodded.

"I think we'll head back soon. This has been nice... real nice. But it's time to go home."

"You two needed to get away. After so much that's happened, even a few days rest is better than none at a all. But I'm so happy you came here. And, you are always welcome here, any time you need to get away."

Before she could continue, a car could be heard pulling up to the main house. Stella glanced back, then rolled her eyes slightly. 

​​​​​​"Excuse me, Gavin. I've got to attend to something. Supper will be early tonight, around five, if you want to come up. Or I can have it sent down so you can enjoy a quiet night together."

Stella took her arm from his and gave him a little smile, then started carefully up the path to where an older gentleman with a black bag was waiting beside the car he arrived in. Stella greeted him, then led him inside the house, followed by Paul.