She closed her eyes and played the Moonlight Sonata without a second

thought. The notes seemed to express her confused feelings, which ranged from

mournful to frantic.

Christopher approached carefully, making sure to stay in her line of sight, and embraced her, urging her away from the piano and up the stairs. “Let's rest, love,

in our own home. In our own bed.”

She nodded, allowing him to lead her up the stairs. Between their bedroom

and the furnished guestroom down the hall, a third remained empty.

Katerina looked at the blank walls and bare floors for a long, silent moment.

Christopher slid his arm around her waist. He didn't say it would be an ideal

nursery. He didn't have to; it was obvious. He could sense her discomfort, and it

didn't surprise him. This is a heavy burden for a woman still so unsure of herself.

In the morning, Christopher headed off to work, late as usual.

Katerina, after a long bath and a hearty breakfast, scrawled a brief note to her

mother-in-law, letting her know they were home and sent it by messenger. Julia

arrived for a visit two hours later.

“Oh, how lovely this house is,” she exclaimed, claiming a spot on the sofa while Katerina rang for tea.

“Thank you,” Katerina replied, her tone subdued.

“And how was Italy?” As usual, Julia bubbled with enthusiasm. She seemed

not to notice Katerina's lack of excitement.

Rather than spoil the visit with her gloomy mood, Katerina pasted on a false

smile and gushed, “Wonderful. We met my grandfather. He's been widowed for

several years, but he recently remarried a lovely singer from France.”

Julia smiled. “I'm glad to hear it. It's not good to be alone.”

“No. I suppose not. Um, Mother?”

Her tone must not have been as neutral as she'd intended because Julia

suddenly focused on her. “Yes, love?”

Katerina swallowed. “I wanted to ask a favor of you.”

Her mother-in-law leaned forward with an encouraging nod. “What do you

need?”

“Well,” Katerina said slowly. “I remember you were talking about having a

party for us, for our wedding…”

“Yes. I did want to do that.”

She chewed her lip and thought another moment. “My birthday is coming up

at the end of April, and I was wondering if you would…”

Julia seemed to understand her reluctance and didn't force her to complete the question. “Yes. Of course. Just tell me how you want it to be: how big, whom

we should invite. I don't want to overwhelm you.”

“Thank you,” Katerina said, relaxing. “I appreciate it.”

“You seem… better,” Julia commented.

“Oh, I am. So much better.” She smiled.

“And also troubled.”

Drat, she noticed. “Well, yes, that also.”

“Care to talk about it?” Julia asked, her eyes kind.

“If you'd like,” Katerina replied. But how on earth will I be able to express

myself this time?

“Of course I will listen to anything you care to share, my dear. First, tell me

what's good.”

That part, at least, was easy. “I love Christopher. He loves me too. We figured it out in Italy.”

“Excellent!” Julia exclaimed, her wide smile showing slightly gapped front

teeth. “And the troubling part?”