“It was shock. I was worried about my father’s will and what losing the villa would do to my mother. When you want something so bad it becomes an obsession, it clouds your judgment.” He hugged her closer. “In Paris, I had time to think. I was already flying back to you when I got the call from Katarina. I’ve never been so scared in all my life.”
“If we stay married, what about children, Dante? You might feel differently later. You’ll lose everything by staying married to me. I couldn’t bear it if you came to despise me.” Abby swallowed. “It would destroy me.”
“I don’t care about the title or the company. If I lost you, it would destroyme.” He leaned forward and kissed her softly. “I’ve loved you from our first meeting. Blackmailing you back into my life was the only way I could think to get you back.”
“Silly. All I wanted was your love. You know there was no way for me to love you when you wouldn’t let me. That’s why I left.”
He tapped the end of her nose with his finger. “It’s alesson I’ve learned well. I shall let you love me for the rest of our lives, as long as you allow me to love you in return.”
She smiled through the pain. “Perfect. We will love each other. I just hope, for you, it will be enough.”
“More than enough. More than enough.”
Epilogue
Abby watched Dante emerge from the pool and she took in the muscled chest, trim waist, and long, solid legs. God, her husband was gorgeous. She had to pinch herself every day to remind herself that this man loved her. She looked at him with hungry abandon. He smiled back at her as if he’d love to be alone with her right now.
She didn’t care what anyone said—Dante was her Prince Charming and shewasliving the fairy tale.
“If you keep looking at me like that, mio fiore, these swimming trunks are going to become very tight, and I’d rather not shock our guests,” Dante said, winking at her.
Abby giggled and then squealed as a very wet Dante leaned down to place a gentle kiss on her lips.
“For heaven’s sake. Can’t you leave your wife alone for at least one afternoon, Dante?” Marcia’s husband, Alexus, called. “You’re setting a bad example for us men.”
Dante looked into her eyes and laughed. “I don’t care what any of you think. Look the other way while I love my wife.”
“Tell him to take another dip in the pool and to stop pawing at you,” Marcia said.
Abby turned to her sister-in-law, who was sitting beside her. “I don’t want him to stop. Your brother is irresistible, you know.”
“Thank you, sweetheart.”
Alexus moved to his wife’s side. “You’re irresistible too.” And he bent and kissed his wife.
Marcia tried to sound grumpy but it didn’t work. “Do your eyes need testing? I’m as big as a house.”
“More to cuddle. Anyway, I don’t notice how big you are. All I see is a radiantly beautiful woman whose heart is filled with love for her family. It’s a wonderful thing you’re doing for Abby and Dante. It makes you even more beautiful in my eyes.”
Abby’s eyes welled with emotion and she took Dante’s hand in hers.
“Come, you need some rest. It’s too hot out here for you.” Alexus gently helped his very pregnant wife to her feet.
“Now there are only Salice, Mother, all the children, Rachele, and Pietro to get rid of,” Dante murmured against her neck, “before I can have you all to myself. Give me strength. Your scrap of a sundress makes me want to strip it from you and do wicked things.”
Dante took her lips in a branding kiss, and despite becoming soaking wet, she lost herself in his embrace. Her body reacted to his nearness as it always did, and the terrace was suddenly filled with a loud moan. She drew back, cheeks heating with embarrassment. Did she just moan out loud? There were still some things she didn’t wish to share with his family.
But the sound came again, from Marcia.
Abby’s heart began to pound and she pushed Dante aside. “Marcia?” She watched Alexus scoop Marcia up in his arms. Abby scrambled to her feet, knocking over the chair in her excitement.
“It’s time.” Alexusgrinned at them.
She saw Dante’s face go deathly pale.
Marcia laughed. “I’m not dying, brother, so stop looking so worried.”
Abby wasby Marcia’s side during the whole four-hour labor. She hoped her hand wouldn’t be permanently squashed out of shape from Marcia’s grip. She owed her sister-in-law everything.
