Page 37 of Hidden Heir, Italian Wife

That wasn’t how it was with him and Bree, he told himself. Nonna had been overlooking how following her heart had started the feud with the Blackwoods. He was making apracticalchoice. He had to.

He turned his mind from acknowledging the weeks and months and years of having his eye caught by chestnut hair, of glancing at posters in banks. He ignored the fact that he had asked his parents for this ring within twelve hours of seeing Bree again.

But his voice wasn’t entirely steady as he asked again, “Will you? Marry me?”

Her gaze searched his and her lips quivered as she tried to find words.

“The, um…” She cleared her throat. “The press release said I would, didn’t it?”

Every muscle in his body tensed. “You can still refuse.”

“No, I… I agree we should marry.” She tentatively placed her trembling fingers in his palm. “For Sofia’s sake. I’m her mother and you’re her father. We should try to make a life together. Just promise me that… That if you decide you don’t want me anymore, you’ll tell me. Don’t cheat. And promise you’ll never walk out onher.”

“Those are very easy promises to make,” he said with a thrum of sincerity that had its roots deep in his soul. He threaded the ring onto her left hand and something within him came to rest.

It looked perfect on her. The size and shape and intricacy suited her graceful fingers. It looked as though it belonged there. He brought her hand to his lips and kissed her polished fingernails. Her eyes glossed and her lashes fluttered.

“I wish you could have met her,” he said, meaning it.

Her mouth trembled. “Me, too.”

“Mama, look! I’m a princess, too.”

“Sofia, wait—! Sorry.” Melissa hurried up behind her, abashed at the interruption.

Sofia stopped, adorable in a dark blue velvet dress with its tulle skirt that faded to a lighter blue at the hem. Melissa had styled her dark hair in ringlets that framed her round cheeks and big, innocent eyes. She looked like a cherub from an old-world painting.

“It’s okay. We have to go. Fashionably late is for the bride and groom.”

They obligingly waited for Melissa to snap a quick photo, then he escorted his fiancée and daughter across the street, chest so full of pride, his shirt buttons should have burst.

***

Bree’s stomach was nothing but butterflies as they entered the ballroom. She kept touching the ring, wondering,Am I really doing this?

Jax introduced her to some of his cousins and other relatives who had already heard the news of his secret child. They were curious, but welcoming.

Then he brought them to a table where they were seated with Dom’s sister, Astrid, whom Bree had met the other day. Astrid’s husband, Jevaun, was very easygoing, and their children drew Sofia into the adjoining room, where nannies were on hand to amuse young children with puzzles, games, and other toys.

There was a certain tension in the air, but Astrid assured Bree it was very much about the fact that prior to Dom and Eve’s marriage, a Blackwood wouldn’t have been caught dead in a room with one Visconti let alone all of them. The feeling was very mutual so everyone was walking around like cats on a floor full of tacks.

Eve and Dom arrived looking positively incandescent. They thanked everyone for coming. Romeo Visconti stood to welcome Dom to the family. Dom’s mother welcomed Eve. Dinner was served, wine flowed, and the guests began to relax.

Bree was aware of some stares and tried to ignore it. Word was getting around so curiosity was to be expected.

There were more speeches after dinner, then Dom drew Eve to the dance floor.

After the parents joined them, Jax stood to invite Bree. Nico and Christo were already there with Dom’s unmarried sisters. Astrid and Jevaun came and the children all stood at the edge of the dance floor to watch.

Bree’s mother would never, ever, have encouraged Bree to enter the beauty pageant circuit, but she always credited the years she’d spent doing it as a terrific finishing school. She had taught Bree everything she learned, including how to waltz.

Jax made dancing with him easy, of course. He smoothly guided her around the floor and switched to a livelier pace when the music changed, twirling her out and bringing her back so she laughed with surprise.

At that point, she glanced to be sure Sofia was still holding the hand of Astrid’s daughter and realized an older woman at a table behind Sofia was talking behind her hand while staring derisively at Bree, then sending a disparaging look at Sofia.

Bree’s enjoyment of the moment drained away. Thankfully, the music changed again and Eve invited the children onto the dance floor.

After that, it became a party. The children had no concept of feuds. Their antics ensured everyone was laughing if not dancing along with them.

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