Page 108 of Italy Can Bite Me

I take the mic back from Stan, forcing a smile. “Stan and Rose, I have a surprise for you.”

Otto steps forward with his borrowed violin, polished to a mirror shine(seriously, Caterina got everything on my list).

“Ladies and gentlemen,” I say, addressing the crowd, “Stan and Rose will re-create the first wedding dance with the song that started it all sixty years ago. Otto, take it away.”

This is the moment I’ve been waiting for. He begins to play “Can’t Help Falling in Love,” and the notes float through the air as if a spell is being cast. Stan brings Rose to the dancing space with infinite tenderness, and they move together like they’ve been practicing this moment for a lifetime.

Which, I guess they have.

The song ends, and for a moment, there’s silence—then thunderous applause, loud and joyful, as Stan and Rose share another kiss.

I start the playlist on my phone, and couples pair up once more. Matteo’s disappeared again, taking another piece of my heart with him. I wish I knew what was wrong—or how to fix it.

What has changed between last night and now?Between “stay with me” and whatever this is.

I’m interrupted by Howie’s smooth Southern drawl. “If I could have your attention for just a moment!”

He timidly approaches the dance area, somehow appearing both bold and terrified. His white linen shirt is artfully rumpled, giving him the appearance of a retired billionaire on vacation—which he is. As he raises his wine glass, his hand shakes slightly.

“Please join me in a toast,” he says. “First, to our lovely hosts, Katie and Caterina, for putting together the finest celebration I’ve ever had the pleasure of attending.”

There’s polite applause, and my cheeks heat up as guests look my way. Caterina beams in delight.

“But most importantly,” Howie says, raising his glass higher, “to Stan and Rose. Sixty years of love, laughter, and partnership. What an incredible legacy y’all have built together. Here’s to you!”

Glasses lift and a chorus of saluti rings out. I think that’s the end of it, but Howie shifts his stance and locks his gaze onto Aunt Deb, seated at a nearby table. And then… he drops the bombshell.

“I never thought I’d find a love like theirs until I met Deb. She makes love seem timeless—still a possibility for us old-timers.”

Aunt Deb is a ghost. My fearless, filter-less aunt who treats life like her own personal Broadway show watches Howie with an expression I’ve never seen before.

“Deborah Fox,” Howie says, his voice filled with reverence, “you are a force of nature. A woman who lights up every room she enters. You make life more colorful, more exciting, more… everything. In a few short weeks, you made me experience things I didn’t think were possible at my age. I feel young, alive… in love.”

The terrace goes so quiet I can hear champagne bubbles rising from glasses. He takes the deepest breath of his life.

“I’ve had my share of adventures,” Howie continues, reaching into his pocket. “But I know now they mean nothing without you. Deborah, my sweet tea, will you do me the honor of spending the rest of our days together?”

And then he pulls out a ring.

Not just a ring. A freaking boulder. A sapphire so massive it could anchor a yacht, surrounded by enough diamonds to make a chandelier jealous.

But Aunt Deb’s face… is all wrong. Where’s the drama? The flair? The embarrassing speech about cosmic connection and sexual awakening?

“I’d get down on one knee,” Howie adds with that slow Texas smile that usually makes Aunt Deb purr like a satisfied cat, “but these old joints wouldn’t forgive me. So let’s pretend I did, darlin’.”

Aunt Deb? She doesn’t move. Doesn’t speak, her bewildered face revealing that she’s as surprised as the rest of us. I can’t quite discern her look—she’s thunderstruck.

This man is deeply in love with you Aunt Deb. What are you waiting for?

“Some people say you’re a bit much, but for me… you’re not enough. Marry me?”

Finally she stands, placing a hand gently on his arm. “Oh, Howie,” she says softly, without her usual sparkle. “You’re an incredible man. And these weeks with you have been… unforgettable. No, that’s not the right word. Life-changing.”

The room collectively holds its breath, waiting for Deb’s answer.

Silence.

Deb’s face…

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