“Sorry, sweetie,” Mom said. “I wasn’t doing yoga. This was a much better exercise.”
My heart pounded in my chest as Nick led me to the flowers. Turning to face me, he smiled as a bit of color returned to his cheeks.
“Aw, you’re nervous,” I whispered, placing my palm on his chest. “That’s so cute.”
“So fucking nervous,” he murmured.
“Spoiler alert: I’m going to say yes.”
His smile was radiant as he removed a ring box from his pocket and lowered to one knee. Opening it, he gazed up at me as his hairblew in the gentle breeze. He was achingly handsome as he began to speak, and my throat closed with emotion.
“Alexis, we’ve survived forced captivity, a blizzard and an explosion, so I’m pretty sure that means we’re in this for the long haul.”
I laughed and covered my lips with my fingers.
“I wish I could rent the biggest ballroom in Brooklyn and do this there, but it would be too much exposure to keep you safe from my enemies, and I’m sorry for that. But I’m also honored to ask you to marry me in the place where Michael gave me a home and helped me become the man I want to be for you.”
Michael cleared his throat, the sound full of raw emotion, and I saw Mom cuddle into his side from the corner of my eye.
“Now, I’m ready to build a new home with you, especially since you’re forcing me to renovate my house.”
I swatted his shoulder as Mom laughed.
“For as many years as we have left, I promise to love and cherish you in every way possible. You’re every dream I’ve ever had, and I love you more than I realized was even possible. Alexis Victoria Rossi, will you marry me?”
Tears streamed down my face as I nodded. “Yes!”
He slipped a huge, gorgeous diamond on my finger before rising and taking me in his arms. Lifting me off my feet, he swung me around as we kissed under the bright morning sky.
Once he set me down, he rested his forehead against mine and whispered, “I love you.”
“I love you too.”
We held each other as Mom and Michael clapped, and I realized Carmen, Leticia and Burns were watching as Carmen videoed the engagement.
My smile widened as I whispered, “Should we tell them we’re pregnant?”
He shook his head against mine. “Not today. But definitely tomorrow. Let’s just make this day about us.”
Nodding, I tightened my arms around his neck and closed my eyes. We swayed back and forth, consumed with hope as our child nestled between us beside the home where we would build our future.
Marco
Williamsburg, Brooklyn
I walked toward the lone figure whose broad shoulders were flanked by the Manhattan skyline. Approaching the river, I came to a stop beside him, staring at the tall buildings across the water.
“You’re late,” he said, his Slavic accent adding a more menacing tone to his words.
“I forgot how bad traffic is in New York.” Lifting my chin, I continued to stare at the skyline, refusing to make eye contact; reminding him that I was in charge of the conversation. “But you can’t beat the view.”
“No, you can’t.” Facing me, he arched a thick eyebrow above his chiseled jawline. “Michael Caruso is more powerful than we realized. We’ll have to work together to bring him down.”
Turning, I finally looked him in the eye and nodded. “Yes. John Armetta went after his family to no avail. Targeting his liquor licenses and permits has been less than effective. His ties run deep in this city and along the East Coast.”
“What do you suggest?”
“We’re going to try something new, Oskar. Now that I’m here, we’re going to target him where it will truly cut him off at the knees.”
