“How can you do this to me?” Roman whispered.
“Be quiet. I’m trying to enjoy the performance.” I put my arm around Isla and winked at my father who was watching us from across the table. No matter what, Roman would marry the Pisano girl.
“You can’t do this. You can’t force me,” he hissed.
“Watch me.”
EPILOGUE
ISLA
Clapping filledthe air as Ciro, and I kissed Pippa’s cheeks at the same time. Alessio requested we make a whole production with her first cake and when we blew out my lovebug’s birthday candle.
Nonno wanted the photographer to get pictures of the moment from start to finish. When we puckered our lips and closed our eyes to when we made a wish and blew out the candle for our precious daughter.
Of course, Ciro thought his father’s directions were ridiculous.
I on the other hand, loved it. And because Ciro loved me and his daughter more than life itself, he played along without complaining. Mostly not complaining.
I could hardly believe my baby was one today. Or that we’d be surrounded by a mob of powerful men at the Remotti estate to celebrate the occasion.
“Let me help you up, little momma.” Luca’s voice came from behind me.
“Are you saying I’m too fat to stand on my own?”
Ciro’s hands snaked around my waist. “My wife is not fat. She’s plump with my son.” He kissed my neck. We’d just found out last week we were having a boy.
Ciro hadn’t wasted any time knocking me up. Pippa would only be eighteen months older than her brother. I was sure we’d have our hands full with two under two. Thankfully, our full-time nanny,Alba, would be by my side helping.
Ciro, on the other hand, looked forward to breaking up fights. He was so incredible with Pippa. I was sure he would be with our son too.
“I didn’t call her fat. I’d never.” Luca appeared insulted.
I leaned into Ciro’s embrace while observing our guests kissing and sweetly talking to Pippa. It wasn’t a big gathering, just the family and a few friends like my old boss Falina. Doctor Jon and Ciro’s personal secretary, Millie.
I’d say there were around thirty people in total, which included Ciro’s long lost half-sister, Jinx, her husband, and their young son, Marco.
Millie handed a plate to me. “Would you like some cake?”
“You read my mind. I love fresh strawberries.” I licked my lips.
“This has been a grand day!” Alessio exclaimed. “It’s what I always dreamed of, having a lot of family around to enjoy.” He patted my back. “How are you feeling, dear?”
“Wonderful. Thank you for this lovely party. It’s every little girl’s fantasy.” Fit for a princess at that.
The intimate party was on the veranda behind the mansion. There was pink everywhere. Pink and white balloons and streamers, pink flowers, linen tablecloths and napkins… even the cake was pink with a white castle on top of the five-tier masterpiece.
Mine and Ciro’s wedding hadn’t been as elaborate, butthen, I hadn’t wanted anything over the top. I’d only wanted to marry the man of my dreams in a private, very private ceremony in Barbados on the beach.
“Oh, the pleasure was all mine. Thank you for letting me go nuts.” Alessio beamed as he admired the scene before him. He truly was the most giving person I knew. “Next, we’ll have a baby shower for my newest grandson.”
Ciro grumbled. He wasn’t big on parties.
“Hey, girl, this party is amazing,” Alba said with a flute of champagne in her hand. “What do I need to do to be adopted?”
I laughed. “You’re family now and have a very important position, caring for our babies. You can literally ask for anything and I’m pretty sure my husband will make it happen.”
“Yes, anything,” Ciro said in agreement.
