“Daniel, I feel like I’m going to pop,” Katherine said as she rubbed her large belly.
“Hun, you have another three weeks to go. I love this farm but please don’t go into labor here!” Daniel laughed, but in the back of his mind he hoped it didn’t happen.
“Don’t worry, I won’t go into labor. I feel like I’m going to be pregnant for another year. I can’t wait to tie my own shoes again.” Katherine walked over to the bar to visit her uncle.
“Katherine! You look like you’re going to burst!” Andy rubbed her stomach.
“Thanks for the compliment,” laughed Katherine. “What time am I singing?”
“We’re starting at eight. People are so excited to hear you sing.”
“Okay, that gives me about an hour to put my feet up.”
“You should get as much rest as you can and take care of yourself. That’s what I’m doing!” Andy had decided it was time to take better care of his health, and Maryann wasn’t going to have it any other way. He ate right, and they went on walks together. Katherine had never seen her uncle look so good, so happy and calm. He’d taken off the extra pounds, and Rosie had made sure there were healthy menu choices at the restaurant that was due to open in the fall.
At eight on the dot, Andy approached the microphone and welcomed Katherine back to Prairie. "I know all of you have been missing Katherine. Are you ready to hear her sing?" The crowd went wild. Francesco and Rosie watched Frankie. Daniel made sure he had a front row seat.
“I’m kind of nervous, Daniel. I haven’t sung in front of people in a very long time.”
“Sweetheart, you’re going to do great. Just get up there and do what you do so well.” Daniel couldn’t wait for her to begin.
Katherine started to walk toward the microphone. Her nerves were getting the best of her. She kept fidgeting with her ring, slipping it on and off until it fell to the floor. Feeling embarrassed, she bent to pick it up, but her uncle scooped it off the ground for her and set it on her open palm. That’s when she noticed the writing. She held it up to the light and read the two words, “Thank You.” She slid the ring back on her finger and looked into Daniel’s eyes. He watched her read the engraving and smiled with love.
“I dedicate this first song to my wonderful husband Daniel, whom I love with all my heart. He rescued me in so many ways, gave me all of his love, a beautiful son, and a child on the way. Thank you.” She blew him a kiss, stared right into his eyes, and sang to him with every ounce of her soul.
Giordano Seas was flourishing, and so was Francesco’s pride for his son. Katherine and Daniel had agreed to live at the mansion, and baby Lillian Rose Giordano’s cries often filled the rooms. Her dark curls and pouty mouth melted everyone. The pristine mansion was converted into a home full of evidence that children lived there. Toys were scattered around, and an occasional drawing on the wall by Frankie could be spotted. Francesco was a very doting grandfather, and Rosie made sure the children never cried for too long. Daniel fell more in love with his family each and every day, which gave Francesco another reason to have so much pride for his son.
On a clear day in July, Francesco Giordano glared at his son from across the large mahogany desk. Daniel could tell that his father’s blood vessels were ready to pop any second. His father, dressed in a red t-shirt with "World's Greatest Grandpa" written on the front, and blue jeans, just didn’t look very intimidating.
“Daniel, you have to get a new car! That truck is old!”
Daniel smiled at his father and shook his head.