My heart sings with joy at the happy chatter, the tinkling music in the background, the laughter and teasing as we walk in.
It’s not until we reach the far table and Rocco picks up a glass of champagne, that I realize he’s been dragging me here for a reason.
“Ladies and gentlemen, if I could have your attention.” His voice booms through the room, instantly silencing everyone. “I hope you will join me in a toast to my beautiful Cassandra.”
I flush with embarrassment as everyone around us pulls out a glass, tilts it in my direction, and shouts variations of my name before drinking the amber liquid.
“As many of you know, from the moment Cas came into my life, I was completely awestruck by her beauty and angelic singing voice. But what you might not know is that it was the passionate fire within her that drew me to her.”
I look up at Rocco, somewhat confused. There was no need for speeches today.
“She has a passion, not just for her career and her interests, but for everyone she cares about. She showed me that love was possible, even in the most dire of circumstances. And I knew, at that moment, that my life would be forever changed.”
I glance around our audience nervously. “Rocco,” I whisper.
He just smiles back at me as he sinks down to one knee. Everyone around us gasps, or in Mia’s case, squeals.
“Cassandra Bellini, I cannot imagine a future without you. Will you marry me?”
Happy tears crinkle in the corners of my eyes as he retrieves a box from his pocket and opens it to reveal the most beautiful engagement ring I’ve ever seen.
I laugh as I get down on my knee, procuring a nearly identical box.
“Rocco Moretti, willyoumarryme?”
At Rocco’s disbelief, I open the box.
For a second, he frowns at the folded piece of paper wedged within the ring crease. But it fades the second he flattens it out. Instead, he gawks at the picture.
“We’re having a boy? I mean, we kept saying it would be, but…we really are?”
The room erupts around us as Rocco pulls me into his arms. I melt into him. I have never felt more alive than in this very moment.
I’m still laughing when he tugs on my arm urgently.
“Was that a yes?”
I kiss his nose in response.
“Yes, Rocco Moretti. I will be your wife.”
SECOND EPILOGUE
Rocco, Two Months Later
I kiss Cas softly on the temple, careful not to disturb her. One hand rests on the swell of her belly, the baby growing inside her. She murmurs something in her sleep, shifting slightly, protective even in dreams. It guts me, leaving them like this, but the call I got minutes ago left me no choice.
“Tobia Natali is dead,” I whisper into her hair.
Her eyes flicker open, fogged with sleep but sharp in an instant. “The Prince’s Hand?”
I nod. “Harlem’s about to fracture. I need to be at the table to assess the damage before someone else tries to make a move.”
Cas reaches for my wrist. “Be careful.”
“I always am.” But we both know I can't promise to stay safe. Even when I’m careful, this life is still a loaded gun.
I press one last kiss to her forehead and slip out.
