When she was doing everything in her power to convince her father that she wants to marry me, I almost believed her. Especially when she finally said she loves me.
But then she had a panic attack, and even though she played it off as just being overwhelmed, I know better.
Placing my hand on top of hers, I squeeze hard as I say, “After tonight, things will get easier.”
She turns her attention back to the window while whispering, “I doubt that very much.”
My eyebrows draw together as I keep staring at her. “Why?”
“Because putting your ring on my finger and ordering me to act happy doesn’t change anything. At the end of the day, I still don’t want to marry you.”
Nico brings the SUV to a stop behind Enzo’s Mustang. Sometimes I think if our parents gave him half a chance, he’d move back in with them.
Shelving the conversation between Sienna and me, I push the door open and climb out. I walk around the back of the vehicle, and taking Sienna’s hand, I link our fingers and lead her to the front door.
Not bothering to knock, we enter the house, and I follow the sound of Enzo’s laughter to the billiards room.
Mom’s relaxing in a recliner while Dad and Enzo are playing darts.
Enzo throws three bullseyes, and looking proud of himself, he says, “I’m kicking your ass, old man.”
A second later, he has to duck to avoid the dart Dad throws at him.
“Careful,” Mom chastises him.
Dad glances at her. “If he can’t avoid a dart, we have a huge fucking problem.”
When I take a step forward, Dad’s eyes instantly snap to me. Noticing Sienna, he takes a deep breath before letting it out slowly.
Mom picks up on Dad’s reaction, and her head swings to us. Her eyes lock with Sienna’s, and standing up, she crosses the room like the queen she is.
“Hi, Sienna,” Mom says, her tone warm and welcoming. “We’ve missed you.” She presses a kiss to each of Sienna’s cheeks.
“Hi, Aunt Gabrielle,” Sienna replies, her features tense with nerves. She glances at Dad, and her tone is filled with respect as she says, “Hi, Uncle Damiano.”
Her tongue darts out to wet her lips, and before she can continue, I say, “We’re getting married in a month.”
Neither my parents nor Enzo show any signs of surprise.
Mom’s gaze moves from me to Sienna. “By choice or by force?”
When everyone’s attention settles on my woman, I squeeze her hand hard to ground her.
An anxious smile flits over Sienna’s face, and her eyes dart to mine.
“By force,” I answer honestly.
While Dad doesn’t comment, Mom places her hand on Sienna’s shoulder and asks, “You loved Christiano once before, do you think you can learn to love him again?”
Just like she did with her father, she puts on a believable mask and lies, “Christiano is just pulling your leg.” She slaps my arm playfully, giving me a loving smile. “I’d be honored to marry him, and I would like to take this opportunity to apologize for breaking things off with him. We were both so young back then.”
A smile splits over Mom’s face, and she reaches for Sienna’s hand, taking a look at the ring. “This makes me so happy. Congratulations.” Letting go of Sienna, Mom comes to hug me.
When she pulls away, Dad shakes my hand and quickly pats Sienna’s arm. I’ve only ever seen him hug Mom and my sisters. Oh, and Grandma, when she was still alive.
Enzo bypasses me and pulls Sienna into a bear hug, lifting her off her feet. “Congratulations.”
I shoot him a glare. “Put her down.”
