Page 64 of Days Of Valentino

“Ah, Ma, I think I’ll stay here,” Aurora says while her eyes flick around the table.

“He will be fine, princess. Go with your mother,” Matteo chimes in.

Aurora looks to Connor. He nods once. “It’s okay. Go. I’ll be fine.”

I can see the indecision on my granddaughter’s face. “Aurora, I won’t let them do anything,” I tell her.

“But I might,” Theo grumbles from beside me.

“You know Dante and Josie are holding hands under the table.” Aurora smirks.

“What the fuck?” Dante hisses.

“Sorry. Need his focus elsewhere.” Aurora shrugs and then leans in and whispers something to Connor, who simply nods again. When she stands, she looks at everyone. “I swear to God, any of you idiots touch him, and I will show you a crazy like you’ve never seen before.” With that warning, she follows her mother and grandmother into the house.

“You knew what he was planning? That’s why you insisted on getting our nails done yesterday?” I ask Savvy.

“I knew. But I swear he made me keep it secret,” she admits.

“I have no doubt,” I tell her before taking my granddaughter’s hand in mine as we make our way up the stairs. “Now, Aurora, tell me everything. It’s been way too long.”

“I put your dress in the first guest room,” Savvy says.

“Thank you,” I tell her.

“Nonna, he is the perfect… well, everything.” Aurora smiles, a distant look on her face.

“I don’t want to hear anything a mother shouldn’t be hearing,” Savvy groans. “But I am happy you’re back.”

“We can’t stay, Mama.” Aurora shakes her head. “Not yet.”

“I know, sweetheart, but I can dream, can’t I?” Savvy’s lips tip into a sad smile.

The moment I walk into the room, I see the dress. My daughter-in-law really did go all out. “Oh my gosh, it’sbeautiful.” I pull Savvy into a hug. “I can’t believe this is happening.”

“Your husband is a hopeless romantic,” she says.

As I look around, my palms in T’s, I can’t imagine being any happier. I can’t believe he did this. For me. My gaze falls to the screen. Bray is holding Reilly’s hand. Her gaze is distant. She doesn’t know what’s happening. And as sad as that makes me, I’m glad she’s still here to see this. And that her girls are here with us too.

“I love you. More than anything in this world,” T tells me.

“I love you,” I tell him.

“Let’s begin.” A celebrant was already waiting for us on the back deck, which is now covered in candles and flowers. I don’t know how T had the space transformed in such a short time. But when my husband wants something, he always finds a way to get it. “You have vows you want to share with your wife?” the celebrant directs to T, who nods.

“Holly, you have given me a life I never dreamed a man like me could have. You have been my rock, my best friend, the best mother to our children and grandmother to our grandchildren. With you, I’ve experienced more happiness than one person really should experience in a lifetime. With you, I feel loved beyond measure. Thank you for allowing me to be your husband and for living this life with me. I know it hasn’t always been easy, but you never complain. You never waver in your support. I have loved you from the moment I saw you and every day since. I willcontinue to love you for the rest of this life and the ones that come after.”

My cheeks are wet with tears. “I love you,” I whisper as I try to regain my composure.

“Mrs. Valentino, do you have vows you want to share with your husband?” the celebrant asks me.

“I wasn’t prepared for this.” I laugh. “But I don’t need to be. T, you have been my best friend since the day you barged into my life—unapologetically. There isn’t a single thing I’d change about the life we’ve shared. There isn’t a single thing about you that I don’t love. Life with you is always an adventure, and I can’t wait to see where the next episode of our love takes us.”

“I love you,” T says before leaning in and capturing my lips.

“You may kiss the bride, I guess,” the celebrant mutters, and everyone around us chuckles.

This man, my husband, really is my very own Prince Charming. The love he gives me every day is unwavering. It’s the kind of love I hope everyone eventually finds for themselves.

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