Chapter 61

“Gert,” I said, changing the subject, “will your kids be coming here to ski this winter? They’re more than welcome to stay at our house again.”

“Yes, they will, although I don’t know precisely when. In another year I plan to have a house on the mountain myself.”

“Really? That’s great.”

“Yeah,” Andreas said, “she purchased a vacant lot near us.”

“I finally sold my place in Boston,” Gert said.

“I guess that means you really are a permanent resident now,” I said.

“You bet. Moving here was the best decision I ever made. I love it here, and I’ve especially enjoyed getting to know my mother’s family down in Italy.”

I heard a chime in the distance but paid no attention until Stefano entered the room and walked up to where Father was sitting. He bent down and whispered something in Father’s ear, which caused him to stand up quickly. “Marco,” he said, “will you join Stefano and me in the other room for a minute?”

“Sure,” I said, and I got up and followed them from the library.