I’m such a lucky son of a bitch. Not only have I had one great love in my life, but now I have a second even deeper one. Someone who lights my fire and softens me in all the right ways, reminding me of all the good in the world.
For too long, I dwelled on the bad shit. Focused on the way I was wronged by God. Now, my life is full. The laughter has returned to my house and my heart. The darkness that seemed to follow me has been replaced by light and joy. Tilly did that.
If we both hadn’t been so broken, we might have never found each other. Where would I be if she hadn’t opened her cupcake shop next to the bar? Would our paths have crossed otherwise? Probably not. Life has a funny way of working itself out.
“I am.” She smiles and snakes her arms around my neck, toying with the ends of my hair.
“You know the only thing that could be better than this?”
“What?”
I slide my hand around to her stomach. “To see your belly full with our baby inside.”
Her eyes widen, bigger than when she met Enrique. “What?”
“I want another baby, Tilly. I want our baby.”
Having a piece of Marissa with me always has been my saving grace. I love my kids more than anything in the world, and there’s nothing that would give me greater joy than having a small piece of Tilly and me as a legacy when we’re no longer here.”
“Can we practice for a while?” she asks, brushing her lips against mine.
“We can practice all you want, baby.” I chuckle softly against her mouth.
“Please welcome to the dance floor, Mr. and Mrs. Angelo Gallo,” the announcer says, and the wedding guests clap loudly, followed by a few people hollering through the room.
I tighten my hold on my wife, swaying to our song and knowing life can’t get much better than this.
11
Tilly
I’m completely exhausted, and the overwhelmed feeling I had earlier is gone. The party hasn’t stopped. The dance floor is still filled, and the drinks are still flowing.
Leo, Daphne, Angelo, and I are gathered around a table, having one last toast. They insisted on our joining them and taking a break, which I’m thankful for because my feet are straight up killing me.
“We know you two planned on spending your first night together as husband and wife at home with the kids,” Daphne says as Leo pours four glasses of champagne. “But that’s no way to start a marriage.”
“That is our life,” Angelo tells her as he hands me one of the champagne flutes. “We’re married with kids.”
Daphne rolls her eyes. “Tonight is not about the kids. Tonight is about you two and no one else. Not even my niece and nephew.” Angelo opens his mouth to say something, but she holds up her hand and stops him. “Leo and I have a present for you.”
“We told you no presents,” Angelo says quickly.
Leo reaches into his pocket, takes out an envelope, and slides it in front of us. “We booked the two of you the Presidential Suite for the evening. No kids. Only privacy.”
“No kids?” Angelo raises an eyebrow.
“They’re going home with Lucio and Delilah for the night.” Daphne smirks. “You two are going to use that suite, and use it wisely, without any interruptions.”
“I’ve arranged for late checkout, so there’s no need to rush out of there in the morning either.” Leo slides his arm across Daphne’s chair and leans back. “Everything’s been taken care of, and we couldn’t think of anything better to get you than time alone.”
I could leap into Leo’s arms and pepper his handsome face with kisses. There’s no better gift anyone can give us than a little time alone. After tonight, with so many people around us, I could use a little one-on-one time with my husband.
“The car’s outside waiting to take you to the hotel,” Daphne says.
“Now? But what about the guests?” Angelo asks, looking around the reception, which doesn’t seem to be losing any steam.
“They won’t even notice. Now, a small toast to the happy couple.” Daphne raises her flute. “May you both find happiness and peace, live long, love hard, and never forget the feeling you have tonight.”
