Page 94 of The Proposal
After we left the church, where we met with so many of the locals, who were kind, gracious, and appreciative, we hopped back into the limousine and headed to the homes of some of my men.
Like Arabella, I was meeting most of their wives for the first time, which felt weird since some of these guys have been part of ourFamigliafor years.
After we lost my mother, my father quickly became a man’s man, so many of the Cosa Nostraget-togethers we had were not family-orientated. Did he value families? Yes, he did. I’m guessing it became hard for him to see his men with their wives because it constantly reminded him of what he lost.
I can’t fault him for that, but it’s time for change. Arabella has invited everyone to attend our home for New Year’s Eve.
Am I concerned, given what happened last year? Yes, I am. But I don’t want to be stuck in the past or burdened down by fears and what-ifs. I survived that shooting despite the odds. I’m here for a reason, and I refuse to waste my second chance. I also want my wife to be happy, to make friends … to give her the life she never had growing up.
When the car pulls up on the tarmac alongside my private jet, I lean down and place my lips on Arabella’s forehead. “Bellezza,” I murmur against her skin. “We’ve arrived at the airport.”
Her eyelids flutter open, and when she lifts her head off my shoulder, and her pretty green eyes meet mine, a rush ofwarmth floods through my body, and I know with undeniable clarity that I’ve fallen in love with this woman.
“I’m nervous about meeting your family,” Arabella says as the car turns off the road and heads down the long driveway towards Alexander’s cabin.
When I say cabin, I can guarantee it’s not the small wooden dwelling that you’re imagining in your head. It’s a massive home built from large logs that look like they’ve been here for centuries. The woods that surround it are thick and wild, making this place feel like it’s part of the forest. You can’t even hear the world out here; it’s so peaceful and tranquil. It’s just the wind in the trees and the sound of the water lapping at the shore of the large lake that lies at the rear of the property.
“My brother is a little prickly compared to me, but once he sees how happy you make me—” I say, lifting her hand towards my face and placing a chaste kiss on her knuckles, “—he’ll welcome you into the family with open arms.”
“What’s his wife like?”
“Chloe’s amazing. I think you’ll like her,” I reply because I truly believe that. I liked her from the moment we met, and I love how deeply she adores my brother and my nephew. “And Giovanni, their son … he’s the sweetest fucking kid. I have a feeling you and Chloe are going to be the best of friends.”
Her emerald eyes widen slightly. “Really? I’ve never had a friend before … other than Lucia, of course.” When she looks out the windscreen towards the sprawling log cabin ahead, and a small, wistful smile plays at her lips, something deep inside my chest cracks open.
Fuck, I hope they get along.
When the driver pulls to a stop alongside the front of thehouse, I slide out and reach for my wife’s hand, helping her out of the vehicle.
We both moved to the rear of the car. One of my guards, who was travelling in the vehicle behind us, was already there waiting. He popped the trunk and started loading my arms with the gifts we brought, while Arabella took the basket of homemade goodies and followed me up to the front door.
“Can you knock for me,Bellezza?” I ask because my hands are laden with gifts that are piled all the way up to my chin. I chuckle when she quickly bangs on the door and then scurries back behind me like a scared cat.
A minute later, the door opens, and my brother appears on the threshold. The genuine smile that curves his lips when he sees me standing there only confirms I made the right decision by coming here today.
“You came,” he says as he reaches out to take some of the presents off the top of the pile.
I shrug one shoulder. “Christmas is a time to be with family … “ My voice fades, but I don’t need to finish that sentence. He knows why I’m here.
Of course, I wanted to spend time with him and his family, but I also needed to get away from the house. Hanging around there would’ve only brought all of my trauma back to the surface.
This morning, while Arabella was in the shower, I quietly slipped out to the backyard, leaned my forearms on the pool fence, and took a few moments to reflect on everything that happened last year.
The sky was just beginning to lighten, the first hints of pink and gold creeping over the horizon. The sunrise was breathtaking, casting a soft, golden glow across the backyard and making the world feel peaceful for a moment. It was as if the universe was pausing with me, allowing me the space to breathe before the day fully started.
The emotions that followed were overwhelming: hurt,anger, betrayal, and strangely, gratitude. I still feel guilty for surviving, but I’m now thankful I did. If I hadn’t, I would never have met Arabella or experienced the life I have with her now.
“I hope you’re back in Mamma’s arms, Papa,”I whispered before heading back inside because that thought is the only thing that gives me comfort.
Alexander steps aside. “Come in; Giovanni and Chloe will be happy to see you.”
I’m looking forward to seeing them too. Surprisingly, I enjoyed those few months living with them when I was recovering from the shooting. It forced me to realise that despite everything I had lost, I wasn’t alone … I had them. In a way, it also prepared me for meeting Arabella.
Witnessing the love my brother and Chloe shared made me yearn for something just like that. I think it opened my heart and my mind to the possibility.
I take a deep breath and hold it as I switch the remaining gifts I’m holding into one hand so I can reach behind me with the other. I have no idea how my brother is going to react to this news, especially since he’s only now finding out, but I hope he’s happy for me.
My fingers close around Arabella’s delicate hand, and the way she clutches me as though she’s utterly terrified makes me bite my lip to hide my grin. When she doesn’t move forward on her own, I give a gentle tug, keeping my gaze locked on Alexander. I’m eager to see his reaction when he realises I’m not alone.
