Gabi was reminded of another experience at Christmastime around twelve years of age. One of her best friends had almost died from a bad appendix. Their group of friends were so sad, and someone suggested they wish on a star for her so she’d get better.

None of them really believed it would do any good, but they’d grasped at any hope to pull their friend through. Wonder of wonders, she did recover. To Gabi it had been another miracle. This boy needed one, too.

“Good. However, the family may not allow it. But if they do, you can take him a gift to let him know we received his letter. Since it’s getting close to Christmas, I’m thinking the latest building blocks game. It’s a Christmas scene with trees and snowmen. Children that age love it. I’ll ask our gift department to get it ready for him. But if it turns out the family doesn’t want anyone to come, then we’ll send him the gift.”

“I knew you’d have a solution. You always do. Thank you for giving me this opportunity.”

Gabi left her office and rejoined the others in the conference room. She told them what Edda had said. Near the end of the day Edda’s secretary walked in and gave Gabi a sheet of paper with the telephone numbers of the Berettini families.

Stefania smiled at her. “Go ahead and make your call at the desk while we finish up.”

“Thanks.” She walked over to the corner of the room and sat down, wondering which number to choose first. But it didn’t matter as long as she reached the person who sent the letter.

On the first call she was asked to leave a message. Gabi decided not to do that before trying the other number. On the third ring, someone picked up.

“Pronto?”

“Hello. My name is Signora Parisi. I’m calling from the Start with a Wish foundation in Padova. Today we received a letter from a boy named Dino Berettini. There was no address on the envelope, but we saw that it was postmarked from Maniago. Edda Romano, the founder, has asked me to speak to the person who knows about it.”

Maybe Dino mailed it himself and no one in his family knew about it. If he’d wanted to keep it a secret, it was too late now.

“Signora Parisi? I’m Giustina Berettini, Dino’s grandmother, the one who sent it for him.” Her answer filled Gabi with relief. “I’m surprised you received it so quickly. I only mailed it on Friday.”

“We try to be prompt with a reply when the letters come in because we know the desperate needs of these children.”

“I was home with him on Friday when he said he wanted to watch your program,” the older woman said. “I’d heard of the foundation, of course, but I’d never seen it on TV. Before long he asked me to help him with his letter and mail it. What he printed came straight from his heart.”

Gabi nodded. “When I read the letter to my coworkers, we were all very touched. Once Edda read it, she suggested I contact your family. We realize he needs an operation, and we can’t bring back his mother, but would it be possible for me to come and bring him a gift? Edda wants him to know all our prayers will be with him.”

“That’s very kind of you. He’ll be so thrilled.”

It would be a thrill for Gabi, too. “I’ll bring it when it’s the best time for you. I believe the sooner he receives it, the better.”

“Would it be possible for you to come to my house in the morning? Say nine o’clock? Or is that too early? I don’t have any idea about your hours of work.”

“Nine o’clock would be no problem. What’s the address?”

After writing it down, Gabi hung up and told Stefania what was planned. Then she headed for the gift department to pick up the Christmas-wrapped set and put it in her car.

Excited over her mission, she drove home to Limena and shared all that had happened with her mother. They talked until late and she slept poorly, waiting for morning to come.

CHAPTER TWO

THE DRIVE ON Tuesday morning took an hour and a half. Gabi was familiar with part of the route leading to Venice, but she’d never had a reason to take the turnoff going north to reach Maniago. The picturesque town filled a valley surrounded by the Italian pre-Alps.

Her car’s sat-nav helped her drive to a lovely pale pink villa located in the foothills. Gabi found the property enchanting as she made her way along the tree-lined path to the front door carrying Dino’s gift.

She rang the bell. Now that she was about to meet Dino, she was feeling nervous for fear she might say the wrong thing. At least his grandmother would be with him. Gabi would follow the older woman’s lead.

Soon the door opened. A sober-faced woman in a maid’s uniform appeared. She eyed the gift. “Buongiorno! You must be Signora Parisi from Padova. Signora Berettini is waiting for you. Come in.”

Gabi followed her through a luxurious entrance hall to a set of opened French doors on the left. Her gaze traveled to the elegantly dressed older woman who was probably the same age as Gabi’s mother. She detected traces of silver in the woman’s black hair. The boy’s grandmother was tall and very attractive, but there was such sadness in her eyes.

She asked the maid to take the package and put it on the damask love seat, then turned to Gabi. “Thank you for being on time.”

“I enjoy getting up early. It was a beautiful drive and I’m anxious to meet Dino. Is he here?”

“No. He and his father live in a villa on an estate about two minutes away. Luca has already driven him to school. Come and sit down.”

The news disappointed Gabi, who didn’t understand why his grandmother had asked her to come if he was at school. And why not at Dino’s home?

“Thank you.” She found an upholstered chair opposite her and took her place.

“Allow me to explain. His father doesn’t know about the letter. If he’d heard about it, he might have discouraged me from sending it in order not to get Dino’s hopes up. What if there’d been no response? He adores that child and doesn’t want anything to hurt him. That’s why I preferred that you and I meet here first.”

Gabi nodded. “I can understand that. Edda gave me some background about the avalanche where Dino lost his mother, but she didn’t know specifics or why he needs an operation. I honestly don’t know how you survive a tragedy like that.”

“I’m not sure we’re doing it very well,” the older woman said in a sad, quiet voice. “But I don’t want to dwell on it. What’s important is that you’ve come. It will make him so happy.”

“I’m glad Edda sent me.”

She wiped her eyes. “I could never deny my grandson anything. He and my son are both in a fragile emotional state at the moment. As the time gets closer to the operation, I’m afraid Luca has grown as anxious as Dino. You see, when my grandson was brought in to the hospital after the avalanche, the scans revealed a benign brain tumor.”

“Oh, no.”

“The doctor says it’s the reason for the headaches. But removing it could cause other complications, increasing our anxiety.”

“Of course.” Gabi clasped her hands together. “How soon does he have to have it?”

“December 21. That’s three weeks from now. The neurosurgeon will fly in to Padova and perform it at San Pietro Hospital.”

“No wonder your son is so worried. How frightening for all of you.”

“Exactly. But we can’t afford to think about anything negative now. The family has videos of Dino with his mother at various ages, and he watches them whenever he misses her too much. I hope that your quick response to Dino’s letter and the fact that you came in person will cheer him up even if it can’t solve the problem. He’s struggling so terribly over the loss of his mother you can’t imagine.”

Gabi’s heart went out to her, to all of them. “The poor thing. Everyone at the foundation is praying for him. Edda sent a gift for him. It’s a building blocks game he can put on a table.”

Tears kept welling in her blue eyes. “What I’d give if that present and your kindness to come in person will help him face the operation! My son is absolutely desperate.” The older woman clasped her hands under her chin. “Since I want it to be a surprise, this is what I’d like to do. If you’d be willing, I’d like you to follow me to my son’s villa.”

“Of course.” Gabi had made her first phone call there apparently.

“When we get there, I’ll go pick him up at school and tell him I have a surprise waiting for him at home. The cook will have our lunch prepared. He’ll be delighted to get out early since his father doesn’t normally bring him home until one. But not today! I’ll leave a message at his office that I wanted to pick him up. That way my son can stay at work longer.”

That made sense to Gabi, who was eager to meet Dino.

“When he comes running in the house, he’ll see you and the gift. We’ll go from there.” She stood up and called to her maid.

“He sounded so sweet in his letter, I’m looking forward to meeting him, Signora Berettini.”

“He’s a combination of imp and angel. I’ll get my car and ask Carla to take the present back to yours.”

“Thank you.”

In a few minutes she found herself following the black Mercedes sedan through the hills. When she rounded the next corner, she let out a quiet gasp at the sight of a sprawling two-story yellow villa set in the mountain greenery like it had grown there.

From the style, she imagined it had been built in the eighteenth century. Gabi had toured through many splendid villas from the past opened to the public. But she’d never seen anything more gorgeous than this one owned by the wealthy Berettini CEO. How sad his money couldn’t fix what was wrong with Dino.

She drove through the gates and went all the way to the circular drive in front, where she parked the car behind Giustina’s. After retrieving the gift, she joined her at the entrance, where another woman answered the door who was all smiles.

“Ines? Please meet Gabi Parisi from the Start with a Wish foundation. Gabi? This is the nanny who has looked after our precious Dino with unswerving devotion.”

“I’m very happy to meet you, Ines.”

“It’s a privilege to meet someone from the program we see on TV. He loves it and watches it every time it’s on. He won’t believe you’re here.”

“I hope it will bring him some comfort.”

“We’re counting on it, aren’t we, Ines? Will you take this gift into the family room?”

“Si, signora.”

They followed her through the magnificent interior to the rear of the villa. It overlooked the breathtaking town with snow-covered summits beyond it in the far distance. Ines placed the present on the big table.

The first thing Gabi saw was the framed photograph of a young woman that hung above the fireplace. With her long dark hair, what a beauty she was! “Is this Dino’s mother?”

“Yes. That’s Catarina.”

Gabi looked around at the warm, friendly room. It was made for a child’s pleasure with books and games, comfortable furniture, a TV and several wonderful photographs of animals living in the wilds of Africa.

She turned to Giustina. “A room like this must be heaven for a little boy.”

“Dino’s mother decorated it. Naturally it’s his favorite spot in the villa.”

“It would be mine.”

“Gabi? I’ll leave now to get Dino and won’t be long. His school is nearby. I’ll ask the maid to bring you tea or coffee. Do you have a preference?”

“Tea would be lovely.”

When she left, Gabi walked over to the floor-to-ceiling bookcase to look at them all. There were so many darling storybooks he’d probably been read over and over again.

Ines brought the tea. Now would be a good time to ask a few questions. “Tell me about what Dino is like.”

“He’s very bright and loves to play with friends. When he doesn’t have a headache, you would never know he has a problem. But he still suffers from nightmares to do with the avalanche. It came upon them so fast. When he hears a really loud noise like thunder, he freezes and runs to hide under his bed.”

“I can imagine. How horrible for him.”

“His father is hoping that once the operation is over, he won’t be so anxious about everything.”

“The poor dear. What are some of the things he likes?”

“Swimming and comic books. His father won’t let him look at Diabolik for fear it will give him nightmares, but he’s allowed to read Lupo Alberto.”

“I too loved the comics when I was young.” While she was deep in thought, she heard the sound of footsteps running down the hall toward the family room.

Suddenly the boy raced inside but came to a halt when he saw Gabi.

She jumped to her feet, taking in the sight of Dino Berettini in the blue smock all Italian children his age wore to school. He appeared on the taller side of seven with forget-me-not-blue eyes and black shiny hair like his mother’s in the photograph. The handsome child didn’t look like anything could be wrong with him.

“Hello, Dino.”

“Hi! Who are you?”

His grandmother came in the room. “Dino? You should wait to be introduced.”

“Sorry, Nonna,” he murmured.

“I’d like you to meet Signora Gabi Parisi. She’s come all the way from Padova to meet you.”

“How do you do, signora?” What an adorable boy. “Why have you come to see me?”

Gabi took a deep breath. “Because you sent a letter to the Start with a Wish foundation, right?”

His eyes widened. “You got it already?”

“Yes. That’s where I work. Yesterday the mail came and I opened it.”

“You did?” He sounded utterly incredulous, then turned to his grandmother. “You said you mailed it, but—”

“You didn’t believe me?” The older woman sounded surprised.

“Yes, but... I was afraid it wouldn’t get there.”

Gabi took a step closer. “Well, it did, and it was my lucky day because my boss said I could come to visit you and bring you a present.” During their conversation Gabi had seen his eyes darting to the package on the table.

“You have a boss?”

“Yes. Her name is Edda.”

“My papà is a boss, too.”

She nodded. “He’s such an important boss, everyone knows him, even Edda. She was the one who wanted me to bring his son a special surprise in person. Would you like to open it?”

“Yes, but it’s wrapped for Christmas.”

“That’s true, but she said you could open it now if you want. I know if I were in your shoes, I’d run right over to the table and rip off the wrapping paper to see what she sent you.”

A smile broke out on his face. No longer hesitating, he rushed toward the table. Gabi’s eyes met Giustina’s. They both walked over to watch the untidy unveiling.

“A building blocks set!” His happy exclamation told her a lot.

“It’s a winter wonderland scene. I bet you can make it look like the one here in Maniago at Christmastime.”

Those brilliant blue eyes darted to her. “Can you stay and help me put it together?”

“There’s nothing I’d rather do, if it’s all right with your grandmother.”

“Is it, Nonna?”

“Of course. I’ll have lunch served in here while you play.”

“Can I call you Gabi?”

“Of course.”

“Evviva!”

For the next two hours Gabi had the time of her life helping him put the project together while they ate. They talked about dinosaurs and his favorite emojis. Soon they got on the subject of another comic book character called Tex, from American television; the indomitable hero. Dino was so smart and a perfect delight. You’d never know anything was wrong with him.

Unfortunately, she’d overstayed her welcome and the time had come when she needed to leave for Padova. Edda would want a report in person before the day was out. “Guess what, Dino? I’ve had such a terrific time, but now I’m due back at the office.”

“No—” he cried out and jumped to his feet. The abrupt change in his demeanor took her by surprise.

“I’m sorry.”

Tears filled his eyes. “But I want you to stay.”

“I would love to if I could.”

“Will you come tomorrow?”

“She has to get back to work,” Giustina spoke up. “Now thank her and say goodbye.”

“But I don’t want her to go.” He was relentless. It was an indication of how difficult life could be for him at times. Her heart ached for him and his whole family. His grandmother looked absolutely crushed.

As Gabi turned to leave, he dashed past her and out of the family room.

The older woman seemed frantic. “I’m sorry. I’ve never seen him act quite like this before.”

“He’s going through a very difficult time in his life.”

“I shouldn’t have mailed his letter.”

“Don’t say that. He loves and trusts you. Now he knows our foundation received it. He believed in something and it happened. That has to have increased the faith he needs to face his operation.”

Giustina followed her to the door. “About his letter... There’s something I have to tell you before you go. As I told you, his father doesn’t know about it. When he finds out, I don’t want him to know everything Dino said. It would kill my son if he thought Dino saw him so unhappy all the time.”

“I hear what you’re saying and will let Edda know.”

“Thank you, Gabi.”

“Thank you for the delicious lunch. I’m happy to have met you.”

Gabi hurried out of the villa to her car. As she started the engine, she looked up and saw Dino standing at an upstairs window staring down at her. That precious boy. There was so much sadness in that house, she could hardly bear it as she drove away.

Between the grandmother’s pain and the worry in Ines’s expression, Gabi couldn’t see any happiness. She wished something else could be done, but she didn’t know what.

* * *

At four o’clock, Luca ended the staff meeting and headed for home. His mother’s earlier message that she’d be picking up Dino had allowed him to get a lot of work done today.

For the last two years Luca had trimmed his work schedule in order to put his traumatized boy first. Because he was no longer in kindergarten, their normal routine had changed.

Monday through Saturday they ate breakfast together first before he drove Dino to primary school at eight o’clock. Then Luca would leave his office in time to pick him up at one o’clock and they’d go home for lunch. After that, Luca would go back to work until five and Dino’s nanny, Ines, would take over.

But today had been an exception from start to finish. Now he could enjoy the rest of the time with his son. Maybe they’d go to another hockey match. He liked watching it with Luca.

He got back in his car and drove to Tauriano. He was furious that his father, who’d always been cold and unyielding, seemed especially devoid of human feelings when it came to Dino. He’d always resented Luca’s marriage to Catarina, and had passed on a feeling of dislike toward his grandson.

Thank heaven for Luca’s mother and Catarina’s aunt and uncle Maria and Tomaso, who’d raised her from a young age. They were like another set of grandparents to Dino, and he adored them.

For the next three weeks he needed to fill each day with activities for both of them in order to face the ordeal coming up. Once the tumor had been removed, who knew what other problems might ensue. But right now he needed to shelve that worry and handle the present.

He pulled up to the villa and hurried inside. Since his son was usually in the family room, he headed there first. “Dino? Papà is home!”

There was no answering cry, and nothing from Ines. Luca paused long enough to see a giant set of building blocks on the table. The box it came in showed a winter wonderland scene. A certain amount of work had been done on it already. He was impressed.

Apparently this was a surprise from Luca’s mother and that was why she’d gone to pick up Dino today. Maybe he’d gone home with his grandmother for dinner.

Curious, he took the stairs two at a time to the next floor, passing Dino’s bedroom on the way to his own suite for a shower. That’s when he heard sobbing and opened the door to see Ines sitting on the side of the bed trying to comfort his son. Luca felt like he’d been kicked in the gut.

Ines got to her feet and hurried over to him. Sorrow was written all over her face. “He’s had an upset today,” she whispered, “but it’s not because of a nightmare or a headache. He had a visit from a woman representing the Start with a Wish foundation. She brought him a gift, but when she had to leave, it upset Dino. I’m glad you’re home. He’ll be much better after talking to you.” On that note, she left the bedroom.

Luca walked over to the side of the bed. Dino lay on top of the covers on his stomach, hugging a pillow. He was dressed in a T-shirt and jeans. Luca sat down and began to rub his back.

“Polpetto mio.” The meatball endearment he’d used with him forever usually brought a laugh, but not this time. “Want to tell Papà what’s wrong?”

He whirled around and sat up. His face was a study in misery. Luca hadn’t seen a look like that in a long time. “My nonna is mad at me. Did she call you?”

His mother didn’t have a mean bone in her body, but clearly something had disturbed Dino to the point of tears. “No. I just got home from work.”

“She didn’t say anything?”

Luca put up both hands. “I swear it.”

“Well, she’s going to.” He slid off the bed. “And then you’re going to be really mad at me.”

Since when? What the devil had gone on here? “Why would I be mad?”

“Because... I was rude to Gabi.”

Gabi? “Who’s that?” he asked, though Ines had already informed him.

“She brought me a present from that Start with a Wish program on TV.” Luca had heard of it, of course. Who hadn’t? How had they known about Dino?

“We were having so much fun putting it together, and then she had to leave and I didn’t want her to go. I got so mad I ran out of the room. After I went upstairs, I watched her drive away. And now I know she’ll never come back.”

He ran to Luca and wrapped his arms around him. “I’ll never see her again.”

Luca didn’t have a clue what was going on, but with those words, he knew this had something to do with the loss of Dino’s mother. Luca needed to stop the bleeding before there was a full-blown emotional hemorrhage.

* * *

Gabi arrived at work Wednesday morning, anxious to talk to Edda when she came in. She hadn’t been in her office when Gabi returned yesterday. Today she needed to pass on Giustina’s concerns about certain contents of the letter and tell her what had happened at the Berettini villa. Dino hadn’t wanted her to leave, and heaven help her, she hadn’t wanted to leave either.

His quick mind, his laughter, the funny things he said—everything about him tugged at her heart. She’d meant it when she’d told him she’d love a son just like him. It was true. What wasn’t there to like? The fact that he was facing a serious operation only made her feelings more tender toward him.

An hour later, in the middle of opening more letters, Stefania told Gabi that Edda wanted to see her in her office. Gabi hadn’t realized her boss had already come in.

She excused herself and walked down the hall. Edda welcomed her in and told her to sit down. “I’m happy to inform you that your visit yesterday made a deep impression on Dino Berettini. So much so in fact that he’s downstairs in the reception area with his father, who took time off from his work to drive them here. They’ve come specifically to see you.”

What? His father had brought him? Gabi couldn’t credit any of it.

“There’s more, Gabi. They’ve asked if you could spend the day with them while they’re here in Padova. I told them it would have to be your decision. Of course you have my permission. How do you feel about that?”

How did she feel? “Do you think I should?”

Edda scrutinized her. “Is there a reason you wouldn’t want to see him again?”

“No, but I haven’t met his father.”

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