Epilogue
Carly
It was strange how much a life could change in a year. I'd gone from a single mom, struggling to keep a roof over our heads with a job I hated, to getting married.
I never imagined I'd ever meet someone who could fill the void in my heart that Rico's death had left. I never imagined I could be this happy.
Standing in front of the full length mirror while the hairdresser put the finishing touches on my hair, I let my mind travel back to the day, six months ago, when Gio proposed.
The first round of reconstructive surgery was finally behind me. The bruises were finally faded enough that I didn't look like a domestic abuse victim and I was comfortable leaving the house.
If someone were to ask me when I'd decided Gio's house was my home, I couldn't have answered. I couldn't pinpoint exactly when I'd decided I didn't want to go back to the apartment in Hollygrove.
One day, I just told Gio I didn't want to live there anymore. We packed everything I wanted to keep, left what I didn't, I broke my lease, and I've never looked back.
When I made the decision to move in with Gio, he offered permanent residence to Risa, as well.
"That dress looks amazing on you. You're going to knock his socks off."
"Thanks, Risa. I wish I knew where we were going."
"That kind of defeats the point of it being a surprise. Obviously, it's somewhere nice given the dress he picked out. Carly, get out of your head. Go out tonight and enjoy yourself. You've more than earned it."
"I have, haven't I? If I haven't told you lately, I'm really glad you're here. Between you and Camille, I don't know if I could have gotten through this without you two."
"That's what besties are for, right? Gio's probably waiting for you so go, get out of here."
I laughed softly and hugged her. "Yeah, it is."
She was right. When I reached the bottom of the staircase, Gio was waiting for me.
"You look beautiful,Amore."
It was still hard to see myself as beautiful with the scars from my attack, but I smiled anyway. "Thank you. You look very dashing in your suit. Where are we going?"
"You didn't really think I would tell you, did you,Bella? That would ruin the surprise."
I pouted, but he knew damn well it was fake. "Can't blame a girl for trying."
"I suppose not,Tesoro."
The laughter in his voice warmed me. When he held his arm out to me, I slipped my hand in the crook of it so he could escort me out to the car that waited for us.
I watched as we drove through the streets. I loved New Orleans when the sun was setting and the lights were coming on. It was breathtaking.
“Gio? Where are we going?” We were leaving the city behind us and I couldn’t help but frown.
“Trust me,Amore. I promise, you will not be disappointed.”
He was up to something. This was more than just a fancy dinner out. What did he have up his sleeve and why were we leaving New Orleans behind us?
I could have gotten nervous, but there was no reason. I trusted Gio with my life. “I do. Always.” I settled in next to him and rested my head on his shoulder. Wherever we were going, it was sure to be wonderful.
When the car stopped and Gio helped me out, I stared in wonder. We were in a small clearing surrounded by trees. Everywhere my eyes looked, small, faerie lights twinkled. There was soft music playing and a table was awaiting us.
Gio escorted me to the table, helped me to sit, and took the seat across from me. “This is beautiful, Gio. It’s...ethereal. Just when I think I’ve seen every side of you, you surprise me with a new facet.”
“I hope to always surprise you,Tesoro.”
