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EPILOGUE
AMELIA
“Ican’t believe you’reengaged.”
Josh’s mouth is wide as he rests his face in his hands. His elbows are propped on the table of the little dive bar my friends discovered while I was “away”. Monica holds my hand in hers and studies the pear cut diamond.
I respond by smiling proudly.
“How did he do it?” Jasmine asks, leaning in close. Josh seems just as interested.
“Do what?” I ask, but it’s only to stall. I haven’t thought up a fake response to this question, and I sure as shit can’t tell them the truth.
“How did he propose?” Josh exclaims.
“Oh, he…”
He dangled the ring from Lucian’s collar and sent him to me. It’s taken a hot minute to get used to the idea of living with a lion, and Lorenzo has found it to be hilarious. I’d only just begun to warm up to Lucian when this giant, ferocious, sharp-toothed feline came clamoring toward me with a purpose.
Lorenzo and I had just finished a dinner he’d cooked. ‘Fake steak’ as Lorenzo is set on calling it. I should’ve known something was up then and there, but I didn’t have a clue.
When I spotted the shiny ring dangling, tears came to my eyes, and I stroked Lucian’s fur before carefully unfastening the ring. It wasn’t until I turned and noticed the queasy look on Lorenzo’s face that I realized how nervous he was.
Nervous I would say no.
As if I could.
As if the way I feel about him was ever in my control.
I said yes. And for the rest of my life, I’ll keep saying yes. I love the man, his scars, his dark eyes, his strength, and his devotion to everything he believes in. And everyone he loves.
“He took me to Chez Bruce and had the waiter put the ring in a champagne glass. I was… shocked, to say the least. I know we haven’t been together long, but guys, I really love him.”
“Then we love him too,” Monica says with a smile. “And we’re so happy for you.”
“Sohappy,” Josh reiterates.
“And to be honest, we’re happy to have you back. It was so hard not getting to say goodbye.”
“I know, I’m so sorry,” I say, my face heating. “I shouldn’t have just left like that.”
“Stop,” Josh says. “No apologies or sad talking tonight. We’re celebrating.”
Josh slaps the table and stands. He heads to the bar and a few minutes later returns with two rounds of shots.
My vision is blurry, and my words are slurring before I know it, and I lose track of time. Lorenzo is busy with Settimo sorting through their father’s affairs, and he’s supposed to be picking me up afterward.
My back is to the door, so I don’t see it when my sexy, Italian, frightening fiancé walks in. But my friends do.
They seem to lock eyes on him one after another. Their jaws drop.
Lorenzo puts a hand on my shoulder, and I spin to face him.
“Hey,” I say, my head spinning.
“Hello, beautiful.” He nods and gives a polite smile to my friends. “Sorry to interrupt,” he says, then turns his gaze back to me. “Should I come back?”
“No,” I shake my head and smile as I stand. “Guys this is Lorenzo… my fiancé.” I point to each of my friends. “This is Monica, Josh and Jasmine.”
