Page 30 of Ardently Yours

As for sharing pieces of my life, I wasn’t trying to hide from you, but there’s always a possibility of our emails being hacked. Phone conversations can be tapped.

I can’t rip out my bleeding heart and expose it in an email. Not because I don’t trust you, but because if someone stole your computer or hacked my emails, all of it would end up on national media. I’ve already given in to temptation and shared things in these emails that toe the line of common sense. The lawyer in me knows we shouldn’t be leaving a digital footprint. But I’m a man first, and some choices have to be made from the heart, not the head.

I wish I could write about what it was really like to be married to Ariana or how it felt to be left alone with a toddler and a newborn while the press crowed about her “tragic life” and overdose.

I can’t go into any details that aren’t on public record about the Vinucci family at all. Just know: No one man could ever dismantle a syndicate. Reporters like to put a “face” on these things. They want a mascot. Don’t imagine me doing anything alone. I’m not and never have been.

If I could have gone into WITSEC with my boys (who were very young at the time), I would have. That’s something the articles get wrong every time. Maybe it’s a romantic sentiment to picture a crusader or a hero. At the time, I was nothing more than a man who knew he couldn’t keep his family safe if he didn’t go on the offensive.

Giving in to their demands to throw the trial would have been unethical. More than that, it would have kept my boys in their crosshairs for the rest of their lives. There was nowhere to run that people wouldn’t figure out who I was. It left one logical recourse.

The Vinucci family was young and small, which was in our favor. Again, not something reporters tend to emphasize.

That doesn’t mean I can be lax about security now that it’s over. There are no guarantees in life. I’ve made enemies. Some are for the things I’ve done, and some are because of what I represent.

Because of who my family is, I’ve had a protection detail my entire life. The boys and I always will.

The paps are evil, soulless (to use one of your words) bloodsuckers. There’s my first official vent about that part of my life.

It’s a big ask, but I’m going to do it. Don’t watch the news when they’re talking about my family. Most of it is garbage. I can say with total honesty that I would rather stab myself in the eye with a red-hot poker than hold a high political office. If something concerns you, ask me about it.

I never thought you were stupid. You, Charlotte Miller, are a queen. I knew it from the first day I met you. Lift your chin and put on your crown. I worship (from a safe distance) at your feet.

Iama normal guy, whatever you mean by that. I’m a person, Charlotte. Not whatever those articles have you imagining. I’ma man who wants to hear about your struggles and triumphs. They’re not small or petty to either of us.

At the risk of sounding dramatic myself, when you offered me your kiss, I knew if I stepped away without accepting, I’d regret it until my last breath. For the rest of my life I’ll remember I once tasted Charlotte Miller’s smile.

Arden

Approximately Five Weeks of Emails Later

December 20, 1996

Dear Aren,

I made the dean’s listt! I dint know ifI had it in me. but it I did it

Mom and I hit the eggnog pretty hard tonight. I never drink. Well hardly ne er. Not even once a year. So If I'm not writting right you know why lol. Heres a picture of Bronnie and me at the tree fRM PICKING OUR CHRISTMAS Tree today.

We found a five foot tree. I don;t ave an way to get a bigger one home and a big one wouldn’t fit. THAT’S WHAT SHE SAID. HAHAHA

No sorry. Inappropriathumor. It woundlent fit in my trailer is what I meant.

I decided that someday Bronnie and and I will live in a huge house with soaring ceilings and Ill get a 12 foot tree. (Maybe even taller). I want something I have to stand on a a ladder to decorate. That’s after I become a worldfamous artchitect. I feellike I have too mcgh audacity but I cdecided to do itbecause you said to put on my crown and I think you’re not just a hot man, Arden, but ou’re smart also.

I might change my mind domorrow. Not about you being smart and hot because you’re unfailrly hot and smart. I bet youwear glasses when you read in bed odn’t you? It’s my kriptonite.

I have Catholic guilt that I imagineyou naked, but I don’t care. You’re one of thooose people who are too hot for their own good. How is any man who looks like you a nice person? It’s. Miracle.

After the tree farm, we decorated teh tree and mom and dad came over to hepl. Mom and dad are sleeeping on mg pullout couch bcd. Dad took care of bbronnie. Hes such a good dad. It makex me wantto cry when I thinj about what a good dad he is. I’m glad brinnie has him as her grandad. My spelling is so bad tonight.

BTW, I’ll send you and the boys an invitation to a cookie decorating party at my big beautiful house whn I get one. You have to ask Henry if he

’s wiling to adjust his party requirements up to five PEEPOLE (HAHA so cute!) Henry can wear wone of his bow ties.

In the meantime, early Merry Christ.as! Watch for a package in th mail!

HOHOHo, CHARLOTTE

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