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“Who was that?”

“I have no idea, but stay away froitated, and he passed a hand over hishim

“I don’t know” Gabriel’s eyes were sincere “But there’s sohed, the sound echoing across the gallery “He’s a bit odd, but he seemed nice”

“Pit bulls are nice until you put your hand in their cage If he moves in your direction, turn around and walk away Promise me” Gabriel dropped his voice to a whisper

“Of course But what’s the matter? Have you met him before?”

“I don’t think so, but I’ at you His eyes could have burned holes in your dress”

“It’s a good thing I have Superman to protect me” Julia kissed her husband firmly “I promise to avoid him and all the other handsome men here”

“You think he’s handsolared at her

“Handsome the way a work of art is handsoet him entirely”

Gabriel leaned forward and caressed her cheek with the backs of his fingers before pressing their lips together

“Thank you” She chewed at the inside of her mouth “I’m afraid you embarrassed me in your introduction I don’t like the attention”

“You’re the true benefactor I’ain, but this tiuests, aiting a respectful distance away

“Youescort, Professor”

“Thank you” He leaned over to whisper in her ear “I’ toto the orphanage”

“Then embarrass e, this entire exhibit will have been a success Even if they hate the illustrations”

“How could anyone hate soestured at the rooue Several different artists had illustrated Dante’s work over the centuries, but Botticelli had always been her favorite

They continued through the roo in front of each picture Gabriel noted with satisfaction that the stranger seemed to have disappeared

When they’d reached the one hundredth and final illustration, Julia turned to her husband

“An incredible exhibit They did a fantastic job”

“It isn’t finished” Gabriel tried to s

“Really?” She looked around, confused

He took her hand in his and led her to the second floor and into the Botticelli room

She stopped short, as she always did, when she passed through the doors Seeing The Birth of Venus and Primavera in the same room always left her breathless

It was the location of Gabriel’s lecture during their first visit to Florence He’d spoken of s that at the time seemed as ethereal as a dream

As she stood in front of Pri conificent to view a copy as it was to see the original