Total pages in book: 118
Estimated words: 108926 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 545(@200wpm)___ 436(@250wpm)___ 363(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 108926 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 545(@200wpm)___ 436(@250wpm)___ 363(@300wpm)
I helped Gianna bring the food to the table and waited for her as she wrapped up a small, plain lunch, and put it in the refrigerator. Warmth filled me as I realized she’d made food for Sophia, keeping in mind that her stomach was sensitive because of her medication. Gianna was everything I could have ever dreamed of for a wife and mother of my children.
I rang the doorbell of a small apartment building situated not far from the Columbia campus. Gianna’s father was a math professor at the university, but she’d mentioned he had no classes on Mondays and worked from home.
When the door opened, I was surprised to see a beautiful woman, no older than her late forties, with mocha skin, short, curly hair, and twinkling brown eyes. I was sure I hadn’t gotten the address wrong, so I asked, “I’m looking for Mr. and Mrs. Martin, am I at the right home?”
She smiled brightly and something about her seemed familiar. “I’m Mrs. Martin, what can I do for you?”
I was taken aback by her response and more than a little confused. “You’re Gianna’s mother?” I asked. Then wanted to kick myself for how rude it must have sounded.
“Gianna?” A funny expression came over her face, but then she laughed again and nodded. “I am Anna’s mother,” she confirmed, “but I didn’t give birth to her.”
Her stepmother. I mentally rolled my eyes at myself for not considering that option. I decided to start over. “I’m Nic DeLuca.”
“Ah, Nic. I’ve been expecting you.”
“I—you have?”
She stepped back and waved me in as she spoke. “My daughter and I speak quite often, Nic. Hearing how you met and the way she talks about you. I figured it was only a matter of time,” she said slyly.
I grinned, I already loved this woman, I could see the sass she’d passed down to her daughter. “She is irresistible.”
“I agree.” She held out her hand in greeting and I took it, kissing the back. “I’m Olivia Martin, but you can call me Livy. Please, come in.” She led me to a sitting room and when we entered, I was immediately drawn to the walls filled with my sweet Gianna. They told her life story and I studied every picture until I heard a deep voice from the doorway.
“DeLuca. It’s about time you got here. I was wondering if I was going to have to dig out my trusty shotgun.”
I turned to see a tall, olive-skinned man, with brown hair and a bushy mustache, both beginning to streak with gray. Livy smacked his arm and murmured something that sounded like “Behave.” His arm slipped around her waist and he pulled her close, placing a kiss on her forehead before turning back to me. It was easy to see where Gianna had learned to love so openly. I never doubted Gianna loved Sophia like her own, but from the way she spoke about her mother and seeing her parents together, it was clear that she had a deeper understanding of the love between a child and their parent, whether they are genetically related or not.
“I’m always on my best behavior, Olivia,” he laughed, squeezing her tighter before leading her to a couch. There was so much love and light in this house, it was easy to see Gianna growing up here.
Her father shook my hand firmly. “I’m Salvatore Martin. Take a seat.”
“Olivia—”
“Livy,” her father cut in, his tone stern. Livy rolled her eyes, but they sparkled with love when she looked at her husband.
“He doesn’t allow anyone else to call me Olivia. He used to tell Anna that the one for her would never let another call her anything but Anna.” She eyed me knowingly, and I couldn’t help but return the gesture.
“Yes, I am the one for Gianna,” I stated clearly, making sure my tone emphasized the fact that this wasn’t up for debate. “My father is probably rolling over in his grave at the backwards way I’ve handled this. I’m going to be honest, I’ve already asked Gianna to marry me and she’s said yes. I’d like your blessing, but, and I mean no disrespect, should you withhold it, I’m keeping her anyway.”
“Is she pregnant?” Salvatore asked, his eyes narrowed and voice hard.
I lifted my chin, not in the least intimidated. “I hope so.”
He raised a brow, and I heard Livy stifle a laugh.
“Salvatore, I love your daughter more than anything on God’s green earth. She and my daughter are the center of my world, and I will do anything and everything to see that they are always happy and safe.”
Livy sniffled into a tissue and gave me a watery, but sincere smile. “I’m so happy for you two. All Anna has ever wanted was to be a wife and mother. It was all I wanted growing up too and I’m elated she is getting her dream as well.”