“I'm not. She made me look like a fool,” he growled.

“Oh.” That she did, and what a mess. I almost feel sorry for her. “Well,

maybe it was a mistake. You know, things got a little out of hand. I would hate to

see you unhappy.”

“She tried to steal your husband,” he reminded her.

“She couldn't. I don't think he even noticed her. Even if he had, he's a man

who honors his vows.”

“Doesn't it matter that she tried?”

“I don't know if she was really trying,” Katerina objected, biting her lip.

“More likely, she was only attempting to upset me.”

“What a bully.” Alessandro gestured with the fingers of his upraised hand.

“I'm sorry you ever had to meet her.”

“It's true,” Katerina admitted at last, resisting the urge to flinch “but still…

she is important to you. I only wish we could have been friendly.”

He shook his head. “Well, that's between Aimée and me. As for you, you

may use my instruments any time you like,” he vowed, hand on his heart.

“Thank you, Nonno.”

He hugged her again. She slid her arms around his neck. I love my

grandfather. I'm so glad Christopher suggested coming here.

He released her and turned, addressing the room again. “I've heard from

many of you, and I believe we are all in agreement. Choosing between two such

superior musicians would be impossible. One has more training and experience,

the other more sweetness and passion. Therefore, I declare the competition to be

a draw. No one loses, and we all win because we all had the privilege of hearing

such a fine concert.”

Heads nodded in approval, and a round of applause set Katerina's cheeks

glowing. Then, her uncle claimed her arm and took her to meet his wife and their

children.

Alessandro approached Christopher, who was conversing sedately with a

middle-aged British couple.

“Signor, signora,” he addressed the couple, “may I borrow my grandson-in-

law for a moment?”

The couple acquiesced and Alessandro escorted Christopher to a quiet

corner.

“Is everything all right?” the young man asked.

“Yes. I just wanted to thank you.”

“For what?”

“For Katerina,” Alessandro explained. “For rescuing her, keeping her safe. I

often wished to do the same. I feared for her, especially after her mother's passing.”

“You had cause,” Christopher said grimly.

“It must be very gratifying that what began as a good deed turned into such a

deep love,” Alessandro commented.

“It is,” he replied, unembarrassed to lay his heart clearly on his sleeve.

“Perhaps someday she will heal enough to love me back. I look forward to that

day.”

“No. She already does,” the older man insisted.

“What?” Christopher gaped. “Why do you say so?”

“Because of her last song. Could you understand any of it?”