Page 517 of One More Kiss

“Will do,” I said.

Paolo gave me a pointed look. He wanted me to call him if I needed help.

I gave him a gentle nod to let him know I understood.

* * *

“Who’s coming in with me?”I asked Justin and Arlo.

Both men had been a part of my father’s organization for years. I knew their wives and children. They were loyal to my father and by proxy, me.

I hadn’t met many of the men that guarded the perimeter of the house though. In the past year, my father had added dozens of new soldiers.

“I’ll be walking you to the door,” Justin said with a smile, and I frowned. To the door? “I know that you prefer to go in alone, and I’m okay with that—as long as you call ten minutes before you’re ready to leave and you do not leave before I arrive to escort you under any circumstances.”

“We’ll be parked directly opposite the restaurant so that you can see us and vice versa,” Justin said as we drove closer to the venue.

Relief washed through me. If I was able to see him, then I would be safe. Arlo parked the car right where he said, opposite the restaurant, and Justin exited the car. He opened the back door for me to step out, then walked right beside me as we crossed the road to the restaurant.

“Remember,” he said. “Call me ten minutes before you’re ready to leave and do not leave unless you call me.”

I nodded. “Promise.”

“Go, have fun,” he said, holding the door open for me.

“Hello, Ms. Bilotti,” Aaron said when I entered. “How are you today?”

I returned his smile just as Justin closed the door. “I’m good, thank you. I hope you are too?”

His smile reached his eyes, and I liked that about him. He was happy and carefree. I had no doubt that he knew who my father was and many people were fearful of me because of that, but not Aaron.

“I’m very well, thank you,” he said. “I do apologize for the giddiness today. I got engaged last night.”

“Oh, Aaron,” I said, happy for him. “Congratulations! Did he propose or did you?”

He took my arm, reaching for two menus, and walked me toward my table. “He did. Get this, he took me to a fancy restaurant, where he spoiled me. When we got home, he had the entire house filled with petals.”

“You got yourself a romantic, Aaron.” I was unable to keep the smile from my face. His happiness was infectious.

He nodded. “Girl, let me tell you, you don’t even know half of how good my Stevie is. The man is a walking dreamboat.”

“I’m so happy for you. For the both of you. When are you thinking for the wedding?”

“Christmas,” he replied sheepishly.

“That’s less than a month! You’ve got your work cut out for you, but I have no doubt that you’ll be able to do it.” I reached into my purse for a pen and wrote my number on the back of a receipt. “I organize my family’s Christmas parties every year. If you need anything, let me know.”

He stared at me in shock. “But Ms. Bilotti—"

“Avery, please,” I responded. We were beyond the official titles.

He nodded. “Avery, are you sure?”

“Of course. I have many contacts and as I say, I’ve been organizing Christmas parties for years.”

He released a little squeal and pulled me into his arms. “You are precious.”

I laughed and hugged him back. “While I wait for Lena, why don’t you tell me about your vision for your wedding?”

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