I couldn’t hide the little bit of disappointment at this news, even though I was looking forward to seeing his family again. But when we flew in, and I'd seen the lack of cars in the driveway again, my heart leapt in excitement at the thought of Alessio arranging another night alone for us.
Last year, although the gesture was a sweet and welcome one, our marriage had been on the rocks, so I wasn’t able to fully enjoy or appreciate the rare time alone we had.
"C'mon,amore mio.We have exactly three hours to enjoy before my family converges. Whatever shall we do, hmm?"
And just like that, desire quickly replaced my disappointment as Alessio's dark head descended to capture my eager lips.
"It's so lovely to see you again!" I leaned over to give Katherine a tight hug as we greeted each other warmly.
After a magical two hours where Alessio and I madeverynaughty use of our brief time alone, we quickly showered—which turned into another passionate distraction—before making our way downstairs just in time to hear cars arriving up the long and winding driveway.
"Yes. It has been too long. Thank you again for keeping Dante over the summer. He has not stopped talking about Keating and all the animals he got to feed."
I laughed as I glanced over at Dante, who was begrudgingly playing some hand-clap game that Valentina insisted on.
"It was a joy to have him. I think Alessio had more fun than he did," I quipped.
It was indeed a change to be in charge of a seven-year-old for a month, but Dante had been a dream. He always felt like such an old soul; so serious and contemplative. But spending time with his older brother and cousins when they visited showed me a different side of my nephew by marriage. He was wide-eyed and excited over the littlest things. He loved playing Guess Who and doing puzzles with us in the evening, and rode his horse most days with either Alessio or me.
It was good practice for when or if Alessio and I decided to have kids. We weren't in any rush since we were enjoying this new season of married life—one where we loved each other deeply, and were not afraid to say or show it.
"Ciao, bella,"I greeted Giada next. I kissed her cheeks before my eyes widened in surprise when I spied Gino walking up behind her, his eyes fixated on his wife. “Come stai?Are you okay?" I murmured out the side of my mouth before Gino could approach.
Alessio never mentioned he would be here, and, truthfully, I didn’t enjoy having to fake liking the man. Not after knowing what a neglectful father and blatantly unfaithful and indifferent husband he was to Giada.
I felt my sister-in-law stiffen when she sensed Gino's presence close behind her. Her eye roll was meant only for my benefit. "Just ignore him," she curtly replied before quickly moving away to scoop Lucia into her arms.
Gino's wounded eyes followed his wife as she strolled ahead of him, a look of defeat on his face. He met my wan smile with one that did not quite reach his eyes.“Buongiorno, Millie.Come sta?"
"Er, yes. I'm well, thank you," I stiffly replied. I found it distasteful to ignore guests, but I could not bring myself to fake pleasantries. Not after knowing how Giada caught his infidelity. "Merry Christmas."
I was saved from the conversation when I spied two familiar heads hopping out of a third car. Shock held me frozen before my mouth dropped open, and I swiftly brushed past Gino.
"Mum? Dad? What are you doing here?"
My mother flung her arms wide in dramatic fashion before gathering me in for a tight hug. "Hello, my darling. Surprise!"
"Er, yes, it is."
"Ask that cunning husband of yours, my dear," my father replied, his cheeks ruddy with joy—and perhaps some holiday wine in the car. "He's had us bound to secrecy."
Alessio's scent enveloped me as his arms banded around my waist from behind. "Surprise,cuore mio."
"But we're seeing you for Christmas. Not that I'm not happy to see you," I rushed to assure them.
My father raised his brow at Alessio. "I say, dear boy, have you not told her yet? You're cutting it a bit fine, don't you think?"
"Yes, thank you, Charles. Always a pleasure," Alessio dryly acknowledged.
I turned around in his arms, confusion swirling through me at all this cryptic talk. "Alessio?"
His eyes softened as he searched my features, not afraid to show the love I knew he felt for me. "Millie." He lifted both my hands and placed a reverent kiss on my knuckles. “Sei l’amore della mia vita.”
My mouth trembled at his words, and I squeezed his fingers. "You're the love of mine too."
He smiled, and a rare sheen glistened in his eyes. "I asked your parents to be here because…well, because I want to marry you again."
The air grew silent as I stared at Alessio, my eyes growing wide. I’m sure I misheard him.
