I nod. “I did.”
“What took you so long to write to me?”
I clear my throat. “I didn’t know how to best convey my regrets. I never meant to hurt you.” I glance at Prescott, who, thankfully, is immersed in something Leo’s explaining about the traffic.
Alessio cuts to the chase. It’s easy to forget how forward he is, but that’s okay, because he’s steadfast too.
“I never asked you to explain anything.”
I stare at my hands. “I felt I owed you an explanation and an apology.”
He leans in and captures my hands. “Look at me, Lake.” When I do, he says, “You fought for your family, and you went to great lengths to protect them. I don’t require an apology. I require commitment, and if push ever comes to shove, I expect the kind of loyalty from you that you’ve showed me you can give. Do you understand me?”
“Yes, Alessio.”
“I have terms and conditions, which are basic. But nonnegotiable. Are you ready to hear them?”
I glance at the boys. They’re not paying attention to us, but still. “Now?”
Alessio tilts his head. “Yes, now. The house is full of people, and I can’t… I can’t wait until tonight or tomorrow or Christmas Day, because I must know.” He runs a hand through his hair. “I must know.”
The carriage makes its way up the property’s driveway and around the fountain. Leo jumps out before it comes to a full stop, and Prescott follows. A golden doodle barks happily at them.
“You got a dog. I love dogs.”
“Yes, I know.”
I linger in the carriage, complimenting him on the Christmas decorations around the mansion and the garden as Nicolo takes leave.
Pinned by Alessio’s gaze, I chew my lip.
“I must know if you want to spend your life with me, Lake. I have to know if you want that. I have to hear it from you in person and right now, because if you say yes, I’ll marry you tomorrow morning.”
“My dear Alessio, I would marry you tonight.”
Alessio chuckles. “I like how you think.” He reaches into his pocket and pulls out the same small jewelry box I saw once before. He doesn’t show me the box or open it for me to view again. He takes out the ring and offers me his palm.
I stretch out my hand and lay it over his palm so Alessio can slip the ring on my finger.
I try to lift my hand to so I can admire the beautiful rock, but pause when Alessio leans back and exhales. He tilts his head back and stares at the stars. I step between his legs and lean over so I can kiss him on the mouth. His eyes are closed, and as I kiss him, his hand slides into my hair. He tugs my ponytail and forces me to break the kiss.
“How many people are at the windows?” he asks.
Oh. I look over at the house and count two heads at the kitchen window and two in the office. “Four.”
“I should probably tell you that my family has a bet going about the timing of our marriage.”
“I’m still trying to wrap my head around the fact that I’m here with you again and that we’re together.Togethertogether.”
“We’re so together, we’re never parting again.”
I smile, but Alessio looks serious. I think I know what he wants. Reassurances from me. “We’re never parting again.” At least, I hope not. I’m so nervous about how he’ll react to the baby news. I’m ninety percent sure he’ll welcome it, but that ten percent of doubt is causing me heartburn. I’m taking antacids.
Alessio flashes me a dimple when he smiles. It makes him appear playful and reminds me of the first night we met, when his fingers played over my body like maestro over a pianoforte.
Alessio takes my hand, and we walk toward the house.
“Don’t be nervous, Lake. Everyone has been instructed to be on their best behavior.”
