A future that included this. Warmth. Partnership. Maybe even happiness. One that included Angelina, children, and love. I closed my eyes and let sleep take me, one hand resting protectively on her hip, already counting down the hours until she woke up and I could show her exactly how serious I was about making this work.
Valentine's Day wasn't over until I said it was. And I was going to make damn sure it was one she'd never forget.
Dez
I'd just turned over when my phone vibrated on the nightstand. Carefully, I extracted my arm from beneath Angelina and grabbed it, squinting at the screen.
Gianna.
I slipped out of bed as quietly as possible and moved to the bathroom, closing the door before answering.
"That was fast," I whispered.
"I'm efficient." I could hear the smile in her voice. "I'm in your living room. I have everything. But you need to close the bedroom door when you come out. We're going to need time to set everything up, and we can't risk waking her."
"Everything? Already?"
"I called in every favor I had. Now get out here before I have to send someone in to get you."
I hung up and looked back at the bedroom. Angelina was still curled in the center of the bed, sleeping peacefully, the sheetbarely covering her. She looked peaceful in sleep, vulnerable, and something fierce and protective surged through me.
Mine.
I pulled on sweatpants and a t-shirt, took one last look to make sure she was truly asleep, then slipped out and closed the door behind me. The living room was chaotic.
Gianna stood in the center of it, directing traffic like a general commanding troops. There were at least six people moving through the space doing one job or another. Some carried massive arrangements of roses, others with boxes of what looked like decorations, one person setting up what appeared to be a portable spa station.
"Dez!" Gianna spotted me and waved me over. "Come here. We have options."
She led me to the dining table, which was covered in choices.
"Chocolates," she said, gesturing to a selection of boxes from at least five different high-end chocolatiers. "Cards—I have romantic, sweet, funny, and honest. Take your pick. Bouquets—roses, obviously, but I also brought peonies, orchids, and lilies because I don't know her taste yet."
My head was spinning. "This is… Gi, this is incredible."
"I'm not done." She pulled me toward the windows where someone was setting up what looked like a full breakfast station. "Chef Danny is going to prepare whatever you want. French toast, eggs Benedict, pancakes, the works. He'll plate it beautifully and have it ready on time."
"Jesus."
"And here…" She led me to a corner where a woman in professional attire was setting up a massage table and what looked like enough spa products to stock a salon. "Full spa treatment. Massage, facial, mani-pedi, whatever she wants. The technician will stay as long as you need."
I stared at my sister. "How did you do all this in three hours?"
"I told you. I called in favors." She squeezed my arm. "You're my brother. When you call me at midnight talking about love and Valentine's Day and making someone feel special—I make it happen."
"I don't deserve you." I said in awe.
"No, you don't." She smiled. "But you're going to deserve her. That's what matters."
A man approached us. He’s older, distinguished, carrying a leather case. "Mr. Moretti?"
"This is Samuel," Gianna said. "He's a jeweler. One of the best in Seattle."
Samuel set his case on the coffee table and opened it, revealing a stunning array of engagement rings. My mouth went dry.
"I wasn't sure of your taste," Samuel said, his voice cultured and professional. "So I brought a variety. Classic solitaires, vintage settings, modern designs. All exceptional quality. All you have to do is let me know what speaks to you."
I stared at the rings, each one more beautiful than the last. Diamonds that caught the light and threw rainbows. Platinum and gold settings that looked like art, bright and shiny.
