Page 169 of Matteo
I’d come to the realization that my wife was the most beautiful woman in the world—inside and out. Every time I looked at her, I felt like the luckiest man alive.
I brushed my fingers against her strands of hair, moving them off her forehead. She leaned into my touch and I couldn’t help but smile. It was always like this with us, a magnetic force pushing us to each other.
The gentle breeze swept through the open windows while the sound of the waves crashing against the shore of the Sicilian villa mixed with my wife’s soft snores. We were in the villa my pa bought Mom, enjoying our second honeymoon.
My gaze fell to the letter I’d written for my wife. It’d become sort of a tradition, and I had to admit, seeing Ari melt against me after reading each one was addictive.
“I love you, baby,” I murmured softly.More than you’ll ever know.
I pressed a kiss to her cheek, placed the letter on her nightstand, and slipped out of bed to prepare her breakfast.
Today we’d visit Nonno’s grave where he was laid to rest next to the love of his life—Nonna—and his daughter. I couldn’t wait to share the news with him.
He would have loved this.
EPILOGUE
ARIANNA
Six Months Later
Istared at the little bundle in my arms with the dark hair and the complexion of his father. Our little boy decided to make an early appearance and I couldn’t say that I was upset about it, because he was born in Italy. Just like his papa.
“I hope Matteo’s back soon,” I muttered, missing him already. My husband went to buy a car seat since our son made an early appearance.
“I’m sure he will be.” Gianna sat at the foot of my bed, stretching her back. Matteo’s and my parents went to grab some food, putting Gianna in charge of my well-being. I wasn’t sure how smart that was because she eyed my son like he was some sort of alien. “Well, he looks like his papa. Huge and hairy,” Gianna drawled. “Hope your… pussy… survived such a big baby.”
I pursed my lips and met my sister’s gaze while my son slept safe and sound in my arms.
“My pussy’s just fine, thanks for your concern.” Her attention fell back to my son and I softened my voice as I asked, “Would you like to hold your nephew?”
“It feels wrong,” she muttered.
My brows furrowed. “Wrong? Of course not. It’s the right thing to do. He’s your nephew.”
She smiled. “I feel like I’m cutting in line.”
“I don’t understand.”
She waved her hand. “You will.”
I sighed. Sometimes it was impossible to keep up with all the brilliant minds in our family. “If you say so.”
“My baby nephew is perfect.” Her expression softened as she watched his face.
“The offer to hold him is still up for grabs,” I teased.
She flashed me a smile. “I’m going to take you up on it, I promise.”
I chuckled. “Okay. Now tell me what have you been up to?”
This time she grinned. “Oh, do I have a scoop for you!”
“A scoop?” I asked slowly. You never knew what you’d hear from Gianna. “Please tell me you’re talking about gelato. Matteo would probably love some ice cream right now.”
She scoffed. “What do I look like, an ice cream freezer? No, I have a scoop on the man who helped us escape.”
I stiffened and pressed my son to my chest protectively. “You found his location?”
