“You don't have to wander anymore, Alex. You're home. With me,”she whispered as she reached up and held his face in her hands.
Their next kiss was a culmination of feelings they had each been holding back. But that night, they flowed like a flood, each one needing the other to feel what they couldn't hold back any longer.
Breaking away breathlessly, she said, “I love you so much. I still can’t believe this is my life. That we’ve found a way to meld our lives together.”
“I love you too. And you should understand by now that I’ll do anything to have you in my life. No more misunderstandings. No more assumptions.”
“I agree, Alex. Only truth and openness. I’m not afraid to tell you what I need.”
Leaning his head in his hands as his elbow perched on his knee, his eyes lit up with amusement.
“I know! You didn’t have a problem putting me in my place a few weeks ago.”
“Hey! I told you I was sorry about that. I didn’t know I’d forgotten to take my phone off ‘do not disturb’ when I was working on the book..”
Putting his hand around her waist and pulling her into his lap so quickly she yelped, he countered, “You don’t need to ever explain that you need time alone to work, cara mia.”
Rubbing her hand over his chest, she said, “Thanks again for understanding.”
“Always. Now let me feed you.”
Whatever Alex was dealing with earlier, Aria felt confident it had been resolved.
And when he drew her into his arms after turning on what they now called ‘their song’, Aria relaxed into his embrace as they danced around the kitchen in between warming up the food.
As Etta James serenaded them in the background, Aria felt an overwhelming feeling of peace settle into her heart as she sang along to At Last.
Chapter Fifty-Seven
When Alex broughtAria back home that night, he knew what he needed to do. Pulling up Corinna’s information on his phone, he hoped that she would help him with his request.
“Hey, Alex,” she said when she answered.
He could hear her pause the program she’d been watching.
“Hey, Corinna. I wanted to see if you could give me Mr. Costa's number, please,” Alex asked, his knee bouncing as he sat at the dining room table.
“Oh, okay, sure. I'll share his contact information with you now,” she answered with a curious tone.
“And Corinna. Don't tell Aria about this, please. I'm counting on you now for your discretion. I think you understand that this is important, right?”
“Oh, Alex! If this is what I think it is, I’m over the moon for you both.”
“Your blessing is as important as Aria's parents’. I know you and Aria are like sisters, and it means a lot to me that you approve. I'm glad you never actually had to kick my butt,” Alex said as she laughed.
Hanging up, he made the decision to call the Costas in the morning. It was time.
The next morning after a fortifying breakfast, Alex dialed Aldo’s number and waited for him to answer.
“Hello?” Aldo asked as Alex sat back in his chair in the living room.
“Good morning, Mr. Costa. This is Alex. How are you doing?” Alex asked as he shifted nervously.
“Ah, I'm well, Alex. Is everything alright with Aria?”
“Oh, yes, yes, sir. She's fine. She's at work right now. She doesn't know I'm calling you, actually. I asked Corinna for your number,” Alex explained, trying to keep his voice steady. “I was hoping that we could talk about something important. I would've preferred to have this conversation in person, but it's just not possible right now. Do you have a few minutes?”
“Yes, Alex, of course. Maria just walked in so if it’s important, I’ll put her on speaker. What can we help you with?”
