The weight of it lands hard but it's not a warning. He's throwing down a gauntlet. I've carried Vito's faith for years but this is different. He's handing me something deeper. "I won't let that happen. She's my priority now. Same as yours is Rina."
A ghost of a smile tugs at his mouth—rare and earned. "Then prove it. Help her rebuild. And when Liam's deal closes, we'll talk about what comes next for you two. No more shadows."
He studies me. "You love her."
It's not a question but I answer anyway. "Yes."
"Good. She needs someone who sees her strength instead of her trauma." He starts gathering papers on his desk. "Take care of her, Marco. She's been through hell but she's still standing. That's rare."
"I will." I turn to leave but stop at the door. "Actually, boss, I need to ask you something."
"What is it?"
My heart pounds. I've faced down armed men without breaking a sweat but this question makes my palms slick.
"I'd like your permission to marry Elena."
Vito freezes. Looks up at me with surprise in his eyes.
Then he laughs. Actually laughs.
"Marco, I think you're asking the wrong person." Vito gestures toward the door. "She can make that decision herself. She's proven she doesn't need anyone's permission for anything."
The words land like truth. He's right. Of course he's right.
"But if you're asking for my blessing—" Vito's expression softens. "You have it. You've earned it. Just make sure you ask her properly."
Relief floods through me. "Thank you."
"Don't thank me yet. If you hurt her, Rina will kill you before I get the chance."
A sound at the door makes us both turn. Elena stands in the doorway with tears already streaming down her face.
"You were listening," I say.
"I heard my name and I..." She steps into the room. "You asked Vito for permission to marry me?"
My heart pounds. This isn't how I planned it but maybe there is no perfect plan. Maybe this moment is exactly right because it's real.
"I did. But he's right—I should be asking you." I close the distance between us. Take her hands in mine. "Elena Messina, I love you. I've loved you since before I knew what to do with the feeling. Since you told me to get out of your apartment. Since you made me chase you across half of Manhattan."
She laughs through her tears.
"You're the strongest person I know. The bravest. The most infuriating and incredible woman I've ever met." I bring her hands to my lips. "You faced hell and came out the other side still fighting. Still standing. Still you."
"Marco—"
"Let me finish." I need to say this. All of it. "I know you're still healing. I know there are hard days ahead. I know we'll have moments where the past tries to drag you back down. But I want to be there for all of it. The good days and the bad ones. The nightmares and the victories."
Her fingers tighten on mine.
"Marry me," I say. "Not because Vito gave permission or because it's expected or because of anything that happened. Marry me because I want to spend the rest of my life watching you be extraordinary. Because I want to wake up next to you every morning and fall asleep holding you every night. Because you're mine and I'm yours and I don't want that to ever change."
For a moment she just stares at me. Tears streaming. Bottom lip trembling.
Then she throws her arms around my neck and kisses me.
The kiss tastes like salt and promise and forever.
