“Congratulations,” a large group cheered as they dashed up the steps. Another nearby group echoed the sentiment.
“Thank you,” she and Duke said in unison.
Viv giggled as more greetings came with each step. “Way to go,” a group of older men hollered. “She’s a real beauty.”
“Don’t I know it,” Duke agreed.
“You two make a gorgeous couple,” one lady said as they passed.
“Thank you,” Viv said with a grin.
As more cheers came, the camera settled back on her and Duke until they filled up the monitors. The wordsKiss Herpopped up on the screen.
Duke turned his gaze to her. “My pleasure,” he mumbled before leaning in and kissing her smack on the lips. Afterward, he raised an arm high in the air.
“I’m the luckiest guy in the world,” he declared with a triumphant grin, earning yet another round of approval.
Sure, Duke was standing right next to her, but Viv couldn’t take her eyes off the magnified view of that smile on the massive screen across the way.
This was that side she’d seen during the photo shoot, the side of Duke that loved giving his audience what they wanted. A side she’d fallen deeply in love with, which made it easier to play along. It’s what came with being a part of his life.
Even still, a wave of relief fell over Viv as they reached the covered entrance to their club suite. Stadium music echoed in the small space.
Duke turned to look at her, those telling eyes filled with emotion. “My future bride,” he said in a whisper.
Her heart seemed to slow, dragging out each beat as her love for him grew deeper still. “My future groom,” she said, coming in for a short kiss. “Cuore mio, my heart.”
“Mmm…” he mumbled. “To be continued.” With that, Duke cracked open the door.
“Woo, hoo,” came a collective cheer that rivaled the rush of the crowd. If the group had been watching from the stadium seats, they’d come back into the suite to greet them.
“Congratulations, guys,” Betzy was first to cheer.
“I’m so excited for you two,” Camila added.
“Another one bites the dust.” Sawyer’s comment was accompanied by a wry, inside joke-type of grin.
“Touché,” Duke said. “Isn’t it great?”
The twins rushed in, hugging Viv and Duke in turn. “We can’t wait,” Diego said.
“I can’t believe you’re finally going to marry my mom,” Dante added.
“I can’t either,” Duke said. “It still feels like a dream.”
“Congratulations, mia cara,” Mom said as she and Dad came in next.
Duke and the twins performed their choreographed handshake as the rest of the group moved in with words of excitement.
It took a while for the hum to die down, but eventually, minutes into the game, it did. The bulk of the group was just about to head out the exit leading to the stadium seats when a knock came at the suite’s entrance.
Brows furrowed as the group looked around the room. “Maybe it’s more food,” Michael said before chomping into a cheese-covered chip.
“Or drinks,” Duke’s mom, Claudia, guessed.
Dante piped up next. “Maybe it’s the snow cones!”
Grandma Lo, who stood closest to the door, lifted an expectant hand in the air. Her shoulders remained poised and proud.
