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"What we did was wrong," my dad says. "It was a mistake."
Crossing my arms defensively, I glare. “You think?"
Audrey shoots me a pointed look, and I pull myself together. Offending them is irrelevant but upsetting her is unthinkable.
"You love each other," Roberto says, gazing at his eldest daughter lovingly.
"We always have," I declare without hesitation.
A look passes between my parents, and they both regard me thoughtfully. "I'm sorry," Mom says. Audrey's mom nods in agreement.
"I'm definitely right because what we share is deep and true," I state. "How you deal with the past is up to you, but as far as we're concerned, it's time to move towards the future."
I wrap my arm around Audrey's shoulders and pull her into a nook by the window. She cleaves to me, and I tenderly kiss the top of her head. I can't stop staring, touching her, or kissing her. I need to keep her close and never let her go. No one will take her away from me ever again.
"We want a better, brighter future together as one family," Audrey says.
Carmella’s mouth drops open, and she stares pointedly. "Are you pregnant?" she asks. Audrey's mom's tone may be stern, but her eyes sparkle with delight.
"Ma!" Audrey laughs.
"Ahh… I see you like the sound of that, eh?" I laugh.
Audrey was right. Overreacting would only cause a deeper rift. She's right about most things but offering them more coffee isn’t one of them. We'll see them again in a few hours, and I don’t want them staying longer than necessary.
We're having lunch with Audrey's parents and dinner with mine. It's time for everyone to leave, but there's something I need to do before showing them out. There's no reason to delay.
I want to stake my claim on my woman and make sure everyone is crystal clear about my intentions. The proposal I'd imagined would play out differently, but what the hell, it is what it is. I can't always call the shots or direct scenes the way I want them to be.
If I'm going to be the man Audrey needs me to be, remaining true to my principals is vital. I’m going to be a man she can rely on. A man who will always have her back. Letting go of my protective hold, I excuse myself and leave the room.
When I return, I slowly look every person in the eyes, capturing their attention. "I was going to ask this beautifulwoman to marry me tonight, but there's no reason to wait." Her eyelids flutter, and she gives me a shy smile.
I glance at her father. "If it's with your permission, great, but I don't need it. Don't think I'm being disrespectful because I'm not. The simple fact is, I love your daughter and can't live without her."
She is everything to me. I’ll do anything for her, and she’ll never want for anything. At least, not if I can help it. If that means protecting her from anyone in this room, then so be it. I’ll protect her with my life.
Dropping down on one knee, I pull a black velvet box from my pocket. "Audrey—" My jaw works back and forth, but the words won't come. Every scenario I imagine flies out of my head and suddenly, I’m lost for words.
I open the box to reveal a Tiffany engagement ring. It's a solitaire diamond with a platinum band.
"Luca …" she gasps, staring between the ring and me.
My heart races, and I stare, pleading with my eyes. "I love you."
Tears spring to her eyes, and she cries, "Yes!"
This woman holds my heart in the palm of her hand. Standing, I embrace her and growl while crushing my lips against hers. As I kiss her passionately, she whimpers. She makes the most beautiful, alluring sound I have ever heard.
We break apart just long enough to accept congratulations from our families. Following the handshakes and hugs, I usher them out the door.
AUDREY
What a whirlwind. I’m touched by our parents’ apology and overwhelmed by Luca’s proposal. I’m excited about what thefuture holds and can’t wait to be alone with him. But I’m also curious.
When did he go shopping? As far as I know, Luca never left the film set. I can’t figure it out, but I guess it doesn’t matter. We're together, and that's all that’s important.
“I love the ring." The dazzling diamonds sparkle as I flex my fingers, turning my hand to capture rays of light. "When did you get it?”
