Total pages in book: 145
Estimated words: 136915 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 685(@200wpm)___ 548(@250wpm)___ 456(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 136915 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 685(@200wpm)___ 548(@250wpm)___ 456(@300wpm)
Mom joined me on the flight and because of that, Dad did too. Mom wanted to help Aria with wedding preparations, since I still wasn’t fit enough to rush from one location to the next. I was happy to give them plenty of freedom with their decisions. Mom knew my style so I was certain I would be happy with the outcome. Dad would meet with Luca for their first meeting as future in-laws. The thought still seemed strange and I was a tad worried about their encounter though Dad had assured me it would be fine.
Amo waited for us at the airport. I still needed to use crutches, though I could walk a few steps without them. Bending my knee was still difficult and would take weeks of more physiotherapy before I would be able to walk without a noticeable limp.
Amo lifted me off the ground when he reached me and kissed me. At once I felt a sense of utter happiness that let me forget the hardships of my knee injury.
Amo put me back down, but didn’t release me. I’d missed him so I was eager for his closeness. “My parents are expecting us for dinner.”
“What a pleasure,” Dad said. Mom elbowed his side but he didn’t react.
I sat with Amo in the front of the car, his hand holding mine. Dad ignored our displays of affection.
My heartrate picked up when we pulled up in front of the Vitiello home. The last time I’d been there I had been anxious for very different reasons. Now I worried whether the Vitiellos would like me. I had my family in Las Vegas, but I knew life in New York would be easier if I got along with Amo’s family, not to mention that it would mean a lot to him too.
Amo gave me a reassuring smile and helped me out of the car. Before we reached the steps leading up to the front door, it opened and Aria stood in the doorway. Her warm smile hit me like sunshine and relieved my anxiety at once. I smiled up at her while Amo helped me climb the stairs.
Aria didn’t try to hug me, though Amo had mentioned that she was a hugger. Maybe once I knew her better, I could hug her. “It’s so wonderful to see you again.”
Luca stepped up behind his wife. He gave me a small smile. I knew he was an imposing man, someone who scared many, but because he reminded me of Amo and because I was used to my father and brother, I actually didn’t feel wary of him. “Greta. Welcome to our home.”
“Thank you. It’s a pleasure.”
Amo led me past his parents and into the living room so our parents could greet each other. His brother Valerio, a man who must be Marcella’s husband Maddox and Marcella who was very heavily pregnant sat on the couch. They all got up when we entered. Even Marcella managed to lift her remarkably big belly quickly. Seeing her, I remembered Mom’s offer. I hadn’t told Amo about it yet. I’d needed time to process it myself and decide what I wanted to do about it. But I knew this wasn’t something I could decide alone.
Marcella came over to me. “Good to see you. If you ever want to talk about my brother’s annoying nature, or anything else, call me.”
“Thank you.”
“I’m glad my brother finally marries a decent woman.”
Maddox shoved Valerio who only laughed. “Ignore him. The filter between his brain and mouth isn’t working. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
“I’m not easily offended. My brother doesn’t have any kind of filter between his brain and mouth.”
“Or knife hand,” Amo added.
We all laughed and I relaxed even more. I could tell that I would feel welcome in Amo’s family. Maybe it wouldn’t take long until it would feel like my family too.
Dad didn’t allow Amo and me to sleep in the same room just like he hadn’t in the weeks prior. Since I didn’t want to test his patience, I accepted his order, even if it was ridiculous considering Amo and I had already shared a bed. But I noticed that Amo seemed almost relieved about it. Maybe he worried about his abilities to stay honorable and not claim my virginity before our wedding night.
Mom, Dad and I slept in a suite in the Mandarin like last time.
When I limped out of my room into the living area of the suite very early in the morning because I couldn’t sleep, I found Dad on the sofa, staring into the dark. I limped over to him and sank down close beside him. He wrapped an arm around my shoulder.
“I never thought I would have to let you go.”
“You make it sound as if we can’t see each other. I’m just a flight away.”