Total pages in book: 52
Estimated words: 49968 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 250(@200wpm)___ 200(@250wpm)___ 167(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 49968 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 250(@200wpm)___ 200(@250wpm)___ 167(@300wpm)
Then we slept, wrapped around each other.
I slipped from the warm bed, pulling on the sweats I’d worn home from the hotel. I left Vi sleeping and went downstairs, making coffee and putting a pan of frozen cinnamon rolls in the oven before heading to the den and taking something from the safe. I slid the dusty box into my pocket and headed back to the kitchen, knowing the scent of coffee would wake her soon.
She appeared as I finished a few emails and texts, including one from Roman telling me to take the day off and he would cover. I knew the next while would be challenging for him with Luca gone, so I appreciated the time.
I looked up as she walked in, wearing my shirt, her hair mussed, sleep lines on her face from her pillow and traces of my scruff and bite marks on her skin.
She was gorgeous.
I pulled her close and kissed her, chuckling as she looked toward the counter, anticipation in her eyes.
“Done with me, baby? Coffee more important?”
“I need it if you plan on more ravishing.”
“Get a big cup, then. I have the day off.”
She waggled her eyebrows. “Excellent.”
I pulled the cinnamon buns from the oven and chuckled as she ate two in a row, barely chewing.
“Hungry?” I asked.
“You depleted me.”
I threw back my head in laughter, watching as she licked her fingers clean. “I was feeling fairly depleted myself, but seeing you in my shirt and licking those pretty fingers, I’m suddenly awake again.”
She rolled her eyes. “Typical male.”
“Get used to it.”
A shadow crossed her face. “Did you mean it, Aldo?”
“Mean what?”
“Last night. That you loved me. And wanted to, ah…” She trailed off, looking uncertain.
“Marry you?” I finished. “Knock you up?” I leaned forward, pulling her hand from worrying the hem of my shirt. “Every word.”
She smiled. “Good.”
I slid the box her way. “The jewelry stores are closed. Maybe you can wear this until we get there, so every time you look down, you remember I meant it.”
She hesitated, then drew the box toward her. She opened the lid and stared at the contents. “It was my mother’s,” I explained. “My father gave it to her, and she always wore it with her band. He could never afford a big diamond, but she loved this ring. I’d like you to have it. To wear it.”
She pulled the ring out, looking at it in the light. The circlet of pearls was old, but the pearls’ luster was obvious even now. The gold was still thick, and tiny diamonds dotted the band.
“It’s lovely.”
I plucked it from her fingers and slid it on her left hand. It fit her and looked pretty. I bent and kissed her hand. “Until we choose your forever ring.”
“This is my forever ring. You put it on my hand.”
I smiled at her sentimental thought. “I’d like to give you a diamond.”
She laughed. “I would love that too, but I will always love this ring because you gave it to me and it means so much to you.”
I bent forward and she met me partway, and we kissed.
I sat back. “I’ll apply for the license this week. Roman is going to be crazy while Luca is gone. Would you mind waiting to get married until they’re back? I don’t want to leave him alone without Luca or me around.”
“I don’t mind at all. We don’t have to rush.”
I shook my head in amusement. “Listen to you, the voice of reason. I suddenly understand Luca’s need to fly Justine to Vegas. I want to marry you now. Today. I want our life to start now.”
“It has, Aldo. I’m not going anywhere. You can get all my stuff from the apartment. I’ll move in.”
“That’s great, but it isn’t enough. I want the world to know you’re mine.” I rolled my shoulders, unable to explain the need I was feeling.
She cupped my face. “Hey, I get it. But be patient. Roman is dealing with enough without you getting married the day after his brother. He needs you right now, and I’m right here.”
I huffed a sigh. “Fine. I’ll try. How big a wedding do you want?”
“Very small.”
“Here?”
She pursed her lips. “Is there a place in the hotel we could do it that isn’t massive? I’m talking a dozen people.”
“There is a suite on the top floor. All windows overlooking the Falls. It’s breathtaking. Used for a lot of small weddings. We could get married there. Do a lunch or dinner.” I frowned. “You don’t want the dancing and speeches and all that? The big dress and the music?”
She shook her head. “Oh, I want the dress. Something spectacular. But a few people, some champagne, and flowers. Pictures.” She paused. “A honeymoon?”
I laughed. “Roman will gift us a honeymoon—that’s his thing. Wherever we want to go.”