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Then people started rushing forward, introducing themselves so quickly that I couldn’t get their names. I noticed Giovanni and Carmella, Bella already scampering over.
“I knew it,” she squealed as she threw her arms around me. “I could tell how much in love the two of you were.”
“Your English is amazing,” I answered, hugging her tightly.
“Costretto dal mio padrino,” she muttered as she pulled away, throwing a sarcastic look toward Valentin. “Forced by my godfather.”
Valentin grabbed my hand, tugging me several feet.
“You’ve already met Niccolo. This is Salvatore and Dominik. The girl over there is my sister Isabella and her boyfriend, Ricco. And that’s Giada and her husband Sevastian.” Valentin kept his hand on my back as he led me through the crowd, still holding Molly above the crowd. There wasn’t a person who hadn’t expressed their congratulations until suddenly, everything was overwhelming.
Valentin grinned. “I need a drink.”
“Here you go,” Dominik offered, smiling as he handed me a glass of champagne. “You need to get your own drink, bro.” In his arms was a beautiful little girl close to Molly’s age.
“Very funny,” Valentin huffed.
The greetings came fast and furious and after a few seconds, I managed to step away from the crowd, sipping on my delicious glass of bubbly. A moment of sadness shifted inside, the realization that my family was now his family hard to bear. But it had been my choice.
When I felt a presence behind me, I took a deep breath. I wasn’t certain how much banter I could handle.
“He is a handful,” the woman said, her Italian accent heavier than any of the others.
When I turned to face her, at least I was able to smile. “You must be Mrs. Romano.”
“Oh, goodness, child. You are now family. I am Grandmama Lucia or you can just call me Lucia. Just remember, child, that love will conquer everything.” As she grabbed me into a bear hug, I could swear everyone in the restaurant cheered. When she pulled away, she kissed me on each cheek before noticing Molly. “Oh! This must be your little girl. I have a surprise for you, Molly.”
As the older woman took my daughter from Valentin’s hands, he turned his full attention in my direction, moving through the crowd toward me. He stood with his hands in his pockets, staring at me as if it was the first time.
“Do you know I love you?” His question caught me off guard. It was the first time he’d actually said the words.
“I…”
“You better know, sweet angel.” He rolled the tip of his finger down my neck to the bodice of my dress.
“What if I don’t?” I asked coyly.
“Then I guess I have to start teaching you from scratch.” He pulled me close, taking a deep breath, lowering his head to kiss me.
Then the entire room went silent.
Snarling, Valentin snapped his head up and I could tell he was reaching into his pocket, ready to grab his weapon. When we both noticed my parents and brothers, my sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews walking in through the front door, the tension in the restaurant was palpable.
“What the fuck are they doing here?” he growled.
“I invited them. This is a family party. Right?” I glanced at my parents, who were apprehensive, my father as stoic as always. Then I gazed at Valentin, waiting for his response.
He pinched my chin between his thumb and forefinger, whispering so only I could hear. “No more secrets. I can tell you still need discipline.” Every time he issued the words, I shivered, the electricity soaring.
“Yes, sir.”
Chuckling, he nipped my lower lip then turned to face them. There wasn’t a person in the room who wasn’t waiting to see what he would do.
Valentin headed in their direction, taking his time. Meanwhile, I held my breath. This wasn’t a fantasy or some crazy fairytale. I couldn’t force anyone to get along or to accept our union, but I refused to surrender to anyone or anything.
Except for Valentin.
As a warm blush flushed my cheeks, I noticed Valentin and my father were shaking hands. Suddenly, the music started again, everyone resuming their conversations.
