“But better than a lukewarm marriage on paper,” he spat, as though the idea was the most offensive he’d ever encountered.
“Well, ideally,” she said, with a small smile.
“Everything you said you wanted that day, all of the ways you wanted to be loved, and love in return, the future you painted, that is exactly what I want. With you.”
Happiness burst through her, so she was capable of teasing him slightly, albeit through watery tears. “Are you asking me to marry you, or just explaining your feelings some more?”
He laughed, a gruff sound, as he shook his head. Then, sobering, “I am pleading with you to marry me, as soon as we can arrange it. Not because of your parents, or the children, not because of anyone or anything except this.” He moved his hand to his chest, and then to hers. “Marry me because we are in love and always will be. Marry me because I am your other half, as you are mine.”
“I’ll marry you, because there is nothing and no one that would make me happier.” She lifted up onto the tips of her toes, wrapping her arms around his neck. “Anch’io ti amo, caro,”she said, as she kissed him, and she meant every word, from the bottom of her heart.
A month later,they were married from the grounds of Raf’s villa in Italy. Though it was now the cusp of Autumn and winter, they were blessed with a perfect blue-sky day, the weak sunshine casting the villa in a golden light. The pool that was such a special place for them had been filled with water lilies, floating on its surface. They said their vows with the incredible Tuscan hills as a backdrop.
The ceremony was intimate. Well, as intimate as it was possible to be when Raf’s family included a King, by marriage. Sofia had also had twins, so Elodie spent some portion of her wedding talking all things pregnancy and raising babies side by side with her now cousin-in-law.
Her parents were welcomed with open arms by the Santoros. Elodie heard Gianni explain thatfamiglia è tuttoand hadlaughed softly to herself, even when the sentiment caught at something deep in her heart. Because this group of peoplewereher family. Santoros, a Valentino, a King, and her parents, and most of all, her husband Rafaelo Santoro. She’d saved him, and he’d saved her. They’d both been off track in their lives, but maybe, they’d just been looking for each other—two souls, destined to meet, had finally had that chance.
After the ceremony, as night fell, deep fire pits were lit all around the pool area. The piano that had been pushed out of the house sat at one edge of the terrace, so Gianni began to play, as they sat on comfortable chairs, ate delicious food, and talked. Elodie adored Raf’s family. His brothers and cousins, Sofia, his aunt and uncle, but also, the women who’d married into the Santoro family. Even King Ares—once you got past the whole royalty thing—was funny and kind, and clearly adored his wife.
“Didn’t I tell you that you put light back in his eyes?” Dante said, hours later, when the night was coming to a natural close.
Elodie smiled across at him, where he sat holding Georgia’s hand, her head resting on his shoulder.
“You did.”
“And I was right.”
Georgia smiled. “He does like to be right.”
“In this instance, I’m very glad he was,” Elodie returned.
“We all are,” Salvatore said, with an arm around Emme Valentino. “It’s clear to anyone that you and he are meant to be.”
“Truly,” Emme said, nodding.
“So, what next?” Sofia asked, one leg elegantly crossed over the other, hands clasped in her lap. She was a natural Queen. King Ares stood behind her, hands resting lightly on her shoulders, as though he simply needed to touch.
“Will you come back to the Cotswolds?” Willow asked. Francesco and she spent their time between London, the Cotswolds, and Italy, though Willow was very partial to thecountryside. She had loved exploring Elodie’s village, and sharing a meal in the pub with Elodie, Raf and Elodie’s parents.
“Yes, where will you live?” Maddie asked, in her broad American accent.
“I think she might be suggesting New York,” Rocco grinned. “We’re a little short on family over that side of the Atlantic.”
“We visit all the time,” Emme said, poking out her tongue.
“And we spend most of our time there,” Georgia added.
“She won’t be happy until she’s turned us all into Americans,” Rocco said, earning an elbow jab from Maddie.
“Hey, they’re not meant to know about my plan.”
Marco appeared, carrying a small plate of food and handing it to Portia. “What did I miss?”
“We’re moving to America.” Portia winked at her husband.
“Okay, darling. If that’s what you want.”
Elodie laughed at this good-natured exchange—clearly not the first time this conversation had done the rounds with the Santoros.
