I look at Deedee making the order for two others, knowing she’s got it handled. “Yeah, I can take a few moments.”
Gavin pats his thigh. “Your seat’s ready.”
I gladly plant my rear in his lap, kissing his cheek.
“Your anniversary specials have been amazing, Tiana,” Remi says. “Have you seen an increase in traffic?”
“Thank you, and I have. Taleah’s coming in soon to help. It’s been a steady flow throughout the days, for which I’m thankful.”
“Think you’ll be surprised with a visit from your parents?” Dustin asks.
My friends know the situation with my parents and Roman. I’d been hesitant to share, thinking I’d be burdening them with my troubles. But Gavin convinced me it wouldn’t be a burden to them, only reinforcement for me. My friends care about me, and having their support, their views, means the world to me.
Therefore, they know I had a conversation with my parents via a video call, and I had finally been able to convince them that I was on the path I chose to be on. That I was happy. And that Gavin was a big part of that happiness. I also learned that Roman had run his winery into the ground since he’d chased off all his employees. He’d been forced to sell, and my father had been the buyer. Now Papa was busy combining the operations, and surprisingly, he’d hired Tricia to assist. I’d been happy to hear. Tricia is an excellent business manager, and I’m glad my father isn’t being overwhelmed.
“Actually, yes,” I say, receiving wide-eyed stares. “Although my father is busy with the additional winery, he and my mother are in need of a break. They’ll be down Friday for my birthday and dinner, then Saturday, they’re flying to Italy. Papa is going to try to convince my cousin, Guillermo, to relocate to the states and help run Carusi Wines.”
“That all sounds excellent,” Ronni says.
“I’m so happy to hear your relationship is being repaired with them,” Remi adds.
“Me too,” I say. “I owe a lot to this man.” I face Gavin and palm his cheek.
He smiles. “All I did was suggest that heart-to-heart. And I couldn’t be happier for you.” He gives me a tender kiss.
“Oh, I think I can change your mind.” When he gives me a curious stare, I pull the key to my place out of my pocket and dangle it in front of him. “You can make us both happier by moving in with me.”
Gavin’s stare bounces back and forth from me to the key before a huge smile forms. He cups the back of my neck and pulls me in for a kiss that should be reserved for private. But I don’t mind, and neither do my friends, as they all start clapping.
Congratulations sound off, but I’m lost in the man who has quickly claimed my heart.
When he finally breaks away, he’s still smiling, staring into my eyes. “Ti amo, bella.”
“Ti amo, mio eroe alfa.” I tell him I love him, my alpha hero. “Il mio falso boscaiolo.”
Dustin laughs and explains to the gals that I called Gavin my faux lumberjack. Ronni and Remi squeal with laughter.
“Now I really need to get serious about my Italian,” Gavin says.
“Have I told you I offer private lessons?” I tease.
“Hmm, name your price, beautiful.”
“How about a lifetime with me?”
“Sold,” he whispers, kissing me again, sealing the deal.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Published since 2017, Laura has been humbled and honored to have become an award winning and bestselling author. She offers forty romances with humor, passion, and suspense; and always a feel-good ending.
A veteran and retired dental hygienist, Laura is enjoying life in the Pacific Northwest, USA, writing adventures as well as living them with her own alpha hero of over thirty-four years.
She invites you to visit her website where you can get started on her military romance series with a free collection.
https://laurambaird.com
https://books2read.com/laurambaird
