Page 128 of Resisting the Temptation
My wife and I make an excellent team.
Emma and I had a conversation right after we got engaged about what we wanted our future to look like. Emma expressed her fear that she wouldn’t be a goodmom because of how she was raised, and she didn’t want to have to give up her career if we were to have a baby.
I assured her if she wanted kids, we’d figure out a way for her to have a career and be a mom.
Right after Papà told us he wanted us to take over, we revisited the conversation and decided kids weren’t in the cards for us. We’re both eager to expand Rossi and help it thrive. Perhaps in a few years, we’ll revisit it again, but for now, Emma and I are happy with it being just us.
Emma cried and told me when growing up Mormon, she was told her future children are waiting in Heaven for her to get pregnant so they can come to earth, and she feels like she might be letting her non-existent kids down by choosing not to have any. She had a long talk with Elli—who’s also chosen to be childfree—and felt a lot less guilty about her decision. My family was understanding and supportive. Cici and Adam have two kids of their own, so we get our fill of my nieces and get to go home and sleep alone. Mateo’s wife already had two kids when they met and are expecting their third, so my parents have more than enough grandkids, and Emma and I get to be the cool aunt and uncle who spoil them.
Instead of human kids, we rescued two pit bulls—Rollo and Jewel—from the local shelter, and Emma treats them as if they’re our children. They get matching pajamas and a full stack of presents on Christmas, Emma goes all out for their birthdays, and they even get to come to the office with her on Thursdays.
They’re here today for Papà’s retirement party, dressed in custom-made Rossi Constructionbandanas.
Emma and I are in his old office, and she’s making me practice the speech she’s written for me. I hate speaking in front of a crowd, but I know it’s important this speech comes from me and not from my more eloquent wife.
Cici knocks on the door and pokes her head in. “We’re ready for you.”
“We’ll be right there,” Emma says, and when Cici’s gone, she comes over and gives me a slow kiss. “I know you’re nervous, but you’ve got this. I’ll be right next to you. I’m so proud of you, Ben.”
“Thank you, honey. I’m glad you’re my partner in all of this.”
“Me too.” She grins. “Come on, boss. You’ve got a speech to give.”
Emma takes my hand and leads me to the shop where our employees, vendors, and business connections are gathered eating snacks and chatting. Emma stops us in the middle of the room, and Drew whistles loud enough to grab everyone’s attention.
“Thank you all for coming,” I start. “My dad has put his blood, sweat, and tears into making this company the success it is today. He’s spent long days and nights working hard to keep it afloat. It started as a two-man team, and now, we employ over one hundred people. I’m honored he’s trusted me and my lovely wife, Emma, to take over the company which has built so much in San Diego. I promise to uphold his legacy and to live up to the Rossi name. Thank you,Papà, for teaching me how to be a hard worker and what it takes to be the best man I can be. Thank you for trusting me—us—to take over your legacy.Ti amo.”I love you.
Papà and Mamà wipe away tears before wrapping Emma and me in bear hugs.
“Sono così orgoglioso di te, figlio mio.” I’m so proud of you, my son,Papà whispers in my ear as he hugs me. “Farai grandi cose.” You're going to do great things.
“Grazie, Papà.” Thank you, Father.
The rest of the party passes by in a blur of handshakes and business advice, congratulations, and wishing I could steal Emma away for myself.
By the time we get everything cleaned up and get home, it’s nearing ten o’clock.
Emma puts the dogs to sleep in their crates and joins me for a shower where we trade passionate touches and make love slowly. I love these slow and gentle times just as much I love the high intensity and passion of a scene.
As we lay in bed and talk about the day, Emma tells me all about the exciting new things she wants to implement at Rossi like the Christmas Savings program—a program where our employees allot a certain amount of money to be taken out of each paycheck, and in November, they receive the saved funds—and the free English and Spanish classes so everyone on our crew has a way to communicate with each other.
As nervous as I am to try and live up to the legacy Papà has created, having Emma by my side makes it feel so much easier.
I’ll forever be grateful I couldn’t resist the temptation that is Emma Lucille Rossi.
THE END
