“You have made me the happiest man alive today,dolcezza.” He hugs me close. “I’d like to think Mateo is looking down on us and smiling. Deep down, he knew we were it for one another.”
I run my hands along his smooth jawline. “I wish he had been here. Mama and Papa and Frankie too.”
“I know, baby.” A hint of sadness slips through his euphoria, and I know why.
“We will throw a big dinner at the penthouse for your family as soon as we can. I hate that they couldn’t be here today.”
“Me too, but at least Frank was there. It helped to lessen the blow, and I know Mama won’t be mad. She’ll be over the fucking moon I finally got married.” He frees another grin. “She already loves you like a daughter, and she will be thrilled.”
“I love Paulina. I love all your family.”
“They are your family now too,dolcezza.”
I smile at that thought, resting my head on his shoulder as Brando navigates our way out of the city.
* * *
“Surprise!”the small crowd shouts as we enter the large dining room at Ben and Sierra’s house an hour later. My mouth hangs open at the sight of the transformed room. Wedding banners and photos of us throughout the years are hanging on the walls. Balloons and fresh flowers decorate the dining table, and soft candles line the mantelpiece. A gorgeous wedding cake resides on a side table along with several wrapped presents.
“Oh my God, you guys.” Tears prick my eyes as Leo’s mom rushes over to us, pulling both of us into a hug.
“Congratulations.” Paulina squeezes us tighter. “I was so happy when Sierra called and told us to get over here for a special celebration. She only told us the good news when we arrived.”
“I’m sorry, Mom.” Leo presses a kiss to her cheek. “We would have told you if we could.”
“It’s okay, son,” Joel says, coming up alongside his wife. “Frank explained, and we understand the need to keep this on the down low.” He smiles at his son, clamping a hand on his shoulder, before leaning in to kiss me on the cheek. “Welcome to the family, Natalia.”
“Thank you.” My voice is laced with emotion. The realization I get more than Leo only recently occurred to me.
“Now I get to call you my sister for real,” Giuliana says, waddling over to me with her gorgeous husband in tow. She pulls me into a hug. “This is the best news ever. I know how long you have loved each other. It warms my heart to know you are finally together.” A sob travels up her throat, and she swipes at the tears welling in her eyes. “Sorry,” she laughs, fanning her face. “Pregnancy hormones are no joke.”
“Tell me about it.” Sierra approaches with a tray, holding glasses of Cristal champagne. “I cry at the drop of a hat these days.”
“Thank you for doing all this.” I pull my sister-in-law into an embrace. “I love you.”
“I love you too, and I’m so happy for you.” She tweaks Leo’s nose. “Both of you.”
“We couldn’t let the day pass without a proper celebration. We would have invited Frankie too if she wasn’t out of town,” Ben says, taking the tray from his wife. “You have done enough, Firefly. Serena too. It’s time for you both to relax.” Alesso drags Serena over, as if on cue. “The staff have got this, and I’ve got the drinks,” Ben adds.
“Got any beer?” Caleb asks Ben.
He shoots me a look. “Ask your mom.”
I don’t want my sons drinking. They are only fourteen. But they grow up so fast in our world, and there’s no point burying my head in the sand and acting like I don’t know they drink. Still, I’m not going to let them get drunk or suggest it is okay. “One beer each. That’s it.”
Caleb opens his mouth, to protest no doubt, but he clamps it shut when Leo sends him a warning look.
“Congrats, Mama.” Joshua kisses me on both cheeks. “I’m hella happy for you.” He gives Leo an awkward one-armed hug. “Guess that means I get to call you stepdad now, huh?”
“You can call me whatever you want, Joshua. Whatever makes you most comfortable.”
“I think I’m going to cry,” Paulina says, her lower lip wobbling. “This is everything I have ever wanted for you.” She yanks Leo into another hug. “I am over the moon for you, son, and I wish you both every happiness in the world.”
* * *
I wakethe following morning to my husband’s wandering hands and his erection digging into my ass. Not that I am complaining. I have never experienced this level of intimacy before, and I will never get enough. Leo loves me good, making me feel cherished in a way I have always craved. We made love for hours last night, yet my appetite for him never wanes. After a quick visit to the bathroom, I return, sans my sexy nightdress, and pounce on my hot husband, riding him until we both reach our happy place.
Sierra and Serena have prepared a massive breakfast feast for everyone, and they are all seated when we amble into the kitchen. Leo’s family stayed here too last night because it was a late one. It ended up being the perfect wedding celebration, and I wouldn’t have done it any differently.
