Page 227 of The One
With nearly two hours of flight time, I called Isa to share our happy news. She was speechless for a full minute. But then shock gave way to excitement, and she squealed with joy, drawing everyone else’s attention.
Naturally, they were disappointed to have missed our wedding, but the promise of a proper celebration upon our return appeased them. But more than anything, I was relieved that no one mentioned Father, sparing me from pretending to care. His body must not have been found yet.
When we got here, we wasted no time diving into the meal waiting for us, a feast prepared by one of the region’s top chefs, who left on the same chopper that brought us. Now, with our bellies full, the fire crackling inside, and the sky turning shades of crimson and rose, everything feels… perfect.
“Enjoying the view, Mrs. De Marco?” Teo murmurs, his warm breath condensing into little clouds that swirl off into the evening sky.
I sigh contentedly, tilting my head to the side so my temple brushes against his jaw. “It’s stunning. I can’t believe you organized all of this so fast. I mentioned wanting to see snowonce.And now here we are, surrounded by it.”
“I listen to everything you say,dolcezza,” he says, his lips grazing my neck, sending a shiver through me that has nothing to do with the cold.
I grin, turning in his arms, careful not to slosh the champagne as I press my nose to his, rubbing our cold tips together.
“I wish we could stay longer, but two days is all we can spend here right now with everything going on.” A shadow crosses his face, a reminder of all he’s had to step into so suddenly and why. I don’t want that weight on him tonight.
“A mini honeymoon with someone I love is more than I ever thought I’d have. This is perfect.” Sliding a hand to the back of his neck, I tug him down to brush my lips against his.
His expression softens again. “We’ll have a longer honeymoon once things settle, I promise.”
His lips curl into a smile against mine. “I’m going to show you the world and make all your dreams come true.”
A delicious warmth spreads through me, defying the freezing air around us. I trace my fingertips along the rough stubble on his chiseled jaw.
“I want to make allyourdreams come true too, amore.”
“You already have,” he murmurs, his lips brushing mine again. “The biggest one, at least.”
He deepens the kiss, teasing the seam of my lips with his tongue, and I open for him, letting him in.
“What are your other dreams?” I manage between kisses, breathless now.
“Hmm…” His lips trail along my jaw, his voice husky. “There are so many where you’re concerned.”
“Tell me one.”
He pauses, then presses a slow, lingering kiss below my ear. “Seeing dozens of our grandkids running around our house in Tuscany.”
I laugh, the sound light and full. “That’s decades away.”
“Good thing, too.” He smirks. “I like long-term visions.”
I arch a brow. “We’d have to start with makingonebaby first.”
The thought sends a rush of heat spiraling through me, coiling low in my stomach.
Teo’s eyes darken, a slow, sexy smile lifting his lips. “True. And I can’t wait to get started.”
I swallow, my heart pounding a little harder. Tonight’s the night.
Our wedding night.
Finally.
I get to feel him.Allof him.
I glance toward the heated pool at the edge of the terrace.
“Should we take this inside? Or…” I let my gaze drift meaningfully toward the pool.
