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She held Gio for so long, despite his wiggling to get away. Dad hugged him for longer than usual. Then the presents started. A magnet from Rome, a volcano lava gemstone set from Pompeii, chocolate from Belgium, an Eiffel Tower keychain and the list went on. Gio didn’t need any of it, but I hoped it would instill in him a desire to see the world.
We were all together to celebrate their return, but not only that. Quinn had called Kaci and gave her the interview. She was a local reporter in Ohio, but the segment was available to stream, and we were going to have a watch party. It had been Quinn’s idea.
The Grasso clan wanted to support her in any way they could, and I was grateful to my family for accepting Quinn.
Mom came up to me and hugged me before turning and looking at Quinn and Gio who were checking on their butterfly garden.
“Anymore grandchildren in my future?” she asked.
“Mom, seriously?” Gio was plenty for now, though the thought of Quinn having my child, us growing our family, there was an appeal that I couldn’t ignore. But first I was going to marry her. Not yet. Laurent’s wedding was on the horizon.
“She’s basically telling you to have sex,” Nero said.
Mom shot him a glare. “Laurent and Franc have found someone. I’m happy for them. When are you going to stop sleeping around and settle down?
“Why would you want to drink the same wine every day for the rest of your life?” he asked.
“Because when you find the one who gives you everything you crave, nothing else will ever taste right,” I said, my eyes finding Quinn’s.
“Even you know there’s no such thing as the perfect blend.”
“I wouldn’t be so sure about that.”
I smacked Nero on the back and wrapped my arm around Quinn, loving I could touch her whenever I wanted. I caught Chardonnay’s eye across the room. Without saying a word to either me or Quinn, she paid off Quinn’s medical bills. I think she felt guilty for all the accusations she threw Quinn’s way. But it also told me Chardonnay had accepted Quinn into our tight circle, and though I didn’t need my sister’s approval, I appreciated it all the same.
“How you holding up?” I asked Quinn, linking my fingers through hers and giving a gentle squeeze.. “First gathering of all the Grasso’s can be overwhelming.”
“Not at all. If anything, it makes me miss my family.”
“Lucky for you.” I turned her toward the door just as it opened. A noise that was part scream and part squeal erupted from Quinn. She ran to her mom, throwing herself into her arms. Her siblings and stepdad gathered around, each talking turns to hug her.
I had made the arrangements after the accident. Quinn had gone through so much in a short period, and I thought a visit from her family would be a nice surprise
“Who are you?” Gio asked.
Quinn pulled him excitedly to her parents. “This is my mom and dad, and my brothers and sisters.”
Gio’s eyes widened more and more as they passed each face. “Our family is huge!” He held his finger up and dashed upstairs, most likely to grab Sally for introductions.
I made my way to Quinn and her family, and introduced myself officially.
“He’s even hotter in person,” Quinn’s mom whispered to her.
“Ew gross, Mom!” CeeCee said. She looked so much like Quinn with her deep red hair.
Her stepdad held his hand out. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, and we wanted to thank you for taking care of our Quinny.”
I accepted his hand. “If anything, she’s the one who has taken care of me.”
“She gets it from her mama,” Quinn’s mom said.
“Mom…” Quinn laughed, then pulled her in for another hug.
Gio bounded down the stairs, his arms full of dragon. Quinn and I both inhaled sharply through our teeth. “Don't jump!”
His feet skidded to a halt, and he tiptoed the last three steps. I pulled Quinn to my side, and she melted into my embrace. She was there to stay.
Quinn rested her head on my chest. “Is this what a happy ending looks like?”
“No.” I turned her in my arms. “This is only the beginning.”
I bent to kiss her, and Gio brushed past us. He thrust Sally up to the St. Clair clan, showing her off in all her dragon glory.
“This… is Sally!”
