The tension in the room eases. All my children seem happier, Elisabetta more than the others.
"So, when exactly is this engagement party?" Ciro questions with a raised brow.
"Two weeks from now," I reply. "It will be a huge affair, hosted at the Delaney Estate. All the major families will be in attendance, plus everyone of importance in Boston."
Hopefully, Vince Calloway will stay the fuck away.
Valentina's eyes light up. "Oh! We'll need new dresses!"
Sofia rolls her eyes at her sister's enthusiasm. Out of all my daughters, Sofia is least likely to want to shop. "Trust you to focus on fashion, Val."
I can't help but chuckle at Sofia's sass.
"Yes, you can get new dresses," I concede. "Vittoria, perhaps you could take the girls shopping?"
Vittoria nods, a warm smile on her face. "Of course. We'll make a day of it."
Elisabetta perks up. "Can... can I come too?" she asks hesitantly, looking at Vittoria.
My wife's smile widens. "Absolutely. It wouldn't be a proper shopping trip without you, Elisabetta."
Since losing their mother, I haven't seen my daughters look so happy. I'm thankful they're healing, and I know it's partly down to Vittoria.
"Dinner's ready," Tori announces. "Why don't you all get washed up and we can begin."
Within minutes, we're all seated as Vittoria dishes up dinner. The second she takes her seat beside me, I reach out to squeeze her hand under the table.
"Thank you," I murmur, low enough that only she can hear.
She looks at me quizzically. "For what?"
"For being you," I say softly, ensuring only she can hear.
Vittoria's eyes soften, and she squeezes my hand back. "Cesare," she whispers with a beautiful smile.
God, I'm so in love with her. I'm not sure when it happened, but I never really tried to stop it. Vittoria is an amazing woman, and I'm lucky as hell that she's my wife.
Later that night, after dinner and after my children have all gone to their rooms, I find Vittoria in our bedroom, brushing her hair at the vanity.
"The girls seem excited about the shopping trip," I comment, coming up behind her.
She meets my eyes in the mirror, smile soft. "They are. I think it'll be good for all of us."
I place my hands on her shoulders, gently massaging. "You've been incredible with them, Tori. I don't think I've thanked you properly for that."
She leans back into my touch. "They're good kids, Cesare. They just needed time to adjust."
"And you gave them that time," I say, pressing a kiss to the top of her head. "Even when they were hostile toward you."
Vittoria turns in her chair to face me, reaching up to cup my cheek. "They lost their mother. I understand that pain, even if it's different from what I experienced."
I lean into her touch, marveling at her capacity for forgiveness and understanding.
"I love you," I say suddenly, the words spilling out before I can stop them.
Vittoria's eyes widen, then fill with tears. "Cesare..."
"I know it's complicated," I continue, heart pounding. "I know our world doesn't leave much room for love. But I can't deny it anymore, Tori. I love you. Completely. Irrevocably."
