Page 142 of Capri

Capri has been a lifeline for me; supporting me through the transition with my mother, but also with my job. I’m taking less of a load now that Mom is under our full-time care. We have a nurse coming daily to assist, but it’s nice having her under the same roof.

It took a few months, but we finally got the okay from her doctor to have her transported to Capri. Mom hasn’t been since my father’s death, and I can tell some memories are coming back to her.

Hopefully, this fresh start brings new memories for her rather than resurrecting the old.

Capri and I spent almost two months long distance, visiting each other on weekends when we could. It took her school longer than anticipated to find a replacement teacher for her class.

Now that she’s here, though, all feels right in our corner of the world.

I wasted no time proposing once she was fully settled.

Although we're in no rush to get married, I had to put a ring on her finger. Make her mine for all the world to see.

“Why the hell was I never invited here the last time?” I spin around, finding Collie rummaging through our kitchen cabinets.

“You really want me to answer that question, Cols?” I smirk.

She gives me a look of disgust. “You know what, forget it.”

“I brought the prosecco!” Romeo chants through the entryway, Luca not far behind him with a box of pastries. “We come bearing gifts,” Luca says.

“Is that cannoli?” Collie says, running up to inspect the box.

“Ah!” Romeo gapes. “Paws off, girlfriend.”

Collie pouts and waits impatiently for Luca to sit the box down.

“Is that my favorite guy?” Capri calls out, walking into the kitchen to greet everyone.

Romeo grins. “I’m here, baby girl.” But Capri walks right past him and pulls Luca in for a hug.

“Luca, hey. It’s been forever!”

Romeo hates not being the center of attention, especially where Capri is concerned. They’ve become such great friends since she moved here and her little dig probably hurt his ego. “Oh, that’s fucked up,” Romeo exclaims, popping the bottle of prosecco.

“Who’s drinking?” he asks, and all hands raise.

All hands except my golden girl. “Capri, I’ve never known you to turn down a glass of prosecco,” Luca states, eyeing her up and down.

Capri cuts her eyes in my direction, looking for saving. She ain’t gonna get it because this secret is in her hands.

Collie doesn’t miss a beat. “You got a niece or nephew in there for me, babe?”

I can’t stop the smile that comes over me. This is a secret we’ve been keeping for weeks now, and I want to scream about it. Tell the whole damn world we’re gonna be parents.

“We’re pregnant!” Capri squeals, and before you know it, Collie barrels into her, hugging her for dear life.

“Ahhhhhh! I’m so happy for you!” Collie looks toward me and reaches for my hand. “This baby is so lucky to have parents like you two. I’m gonna teach it everything I know.”

“Please don’t.” Capri chuckles.

Romeo and Luca charge at me, bringing me in for a hug. “Jonesy! Happy for you, man. The kid’s gonna have a lot of love.”

“The kid will be sailing in no time,” Luca says, patting me on the back.

One thing I know for a fact is that I’ll be the best damn father I can be. I had an example of one I want to be nothing like.

It takes a village to raise a child, and I feel more confident than ever knowing Capri and I will have the support of those we love.

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