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Harper smiled, a flush coming over her skin. “I do.”
“He will always be my baby.”
“I know,” Harper said softly. “And we’ll take good care of him.”
“And my son will care for you. He has a huge heart, and I’m happy he has someone to share it with. I don’t know why you thought you had to keep it a secret—” Mamma gave me a stern look.
“We weren’t sure you’d approve—” I began and then broke off when she continued.
“That Bianca was no good for you. My Harper is perfect for you and our family. She fits, and now we can keep Evie forever.”
I wondered if she’d relaxed on vacation and realized happiness was all that mattered. If so, Evie’s slip was perfect timing.
Mamma hugged Evie next, and when she let her go, she asked, “Will there be more grandchildren?”
I bristled. “It’s still early in our relationship. We haven’t discussed—”
“I’d love more children.” Harper smiled, wrapping a hand around my arm.
“That’s my girl,” Mamma said, clearly pleased with her answer as she moved on to embrace Matteo.
“Are you serious?” I asked her.
Harper frowned. “I want more children. I thought you did too?”
My heart pounded in my chest. “I do. I just wasn’t sure where you stood.”
“Evie wants a sibling, and I love kids. I always saw myself with a big family like this one.” She gestured around the kitchen where my family talked and laughed and loved.
“I want to give you that. I want to give you everything,” I said, cupping her jaw and then kissing her.
When I lifted my head, she smiled sweetly. “You already have.”
That’s when we realized the room around us was quiet. They were watching us, Mamma with tears in her eyes. Even Gia’s expression had softened.
Mamma clasped her hands. “I’m so happy. Now, when are you two going to settle down with a nice girl?”
Matteo and Carlo groaned, and everyone laughed.
We ate dinner and looked at the photographs they took of their vacation while Evie sat in Papà’s lap. They treated Evie as if she was already their grandchild, and I intended to make it official. It was the best night. Everything was right in the world and in my family.
I thought it might take a while for my parents to come around, but their vacation must have helped. Maybe they liked the idea of retirement and were ready to hand more off to me and my brothers.
At the end of the night, Harper helped Evie go to the bathroom, and Papà pulled me aside. “I wanted to talk to you about your girls.”
“What about them?” I asked, sensing a lecture.
“You’ll take care of them like we have all these years. You’ll remind them of how much they are loved.”
I nodded. “Of course.”
“They couldn’t have found a better man. I’m proud of you.” Papà clasped my shoulder, and I felt the weight of his words.
I appreciated the sentiment even more because he wasn’t referring to my accomplishments, but rather my capacity to love. “Thank you, Papà.”
“You’ll marry Harper. Make Evie your daughter. My granddaughter.”
“I plan to.” There was always the issue of her biological father, Manny. I didn’t think he’d ever give up his parental rights, but I intended to be the father Evie needed. The one who was present and attended all her important events. I’d be there for her, and when Evie needed something, she’d come to me. There was no doubt in my mind.
