Page 16 of Always and Forever

I turn on the antique-style faucets, and the water begins to fill the tub. I light the large candles sitting on the windowsill, and the scent of lavender and vanilla infuses the room.

Where is Ella? I can’t wait to have her to myself.

Sharing her all day with her friends has been challenging, but her genuine smile has been my reward. Our wedding plans have progressed beyond what I could have imagined in a mere day, and with a solid plan in place, pulling this off should be easy.

Finally, Ella will be mine in all ways.

When the water reaches the perfect level, I strip out of my clothes. Adding a generous amount of bubble bath, I sink into the clawfoot tub and let the water cocoon me. I could do without the frothy bubbles, but this isn’t about me. After a day of running around to get organized for Christmas and our wedding, I need Ella to slow down and relax.

I can hear her in our bedroom now. She’s taken a while to say goodnight to her red-haired firecracker of a friend. Rhia is feisty, and Lex has his hands full with her.

We haven’t spoken much, but I like the man. And that’s something, because I sense he still judges me, and in my position you don’t make friends.

Ha, in my position…

I remind myself for the thousandth time that I’m no longer the Don.

Life without family obligation has been unsettling. My responsibilities—former responsibilities—are so ingrained in me. It’s all I’ve ever known.

Yet stepping away, albeit forced, has been liberating.

Not having to look constantly over your shoulder changes your outlook on life.

I’m relaxing.

It’s something I’ve rarely done, and then only in the sanctuary of my private island.

Now it’s becoming my new normal. All thanks to my angel.

She helps me navigate this new territory.

We talk a lot. That too is something new to me. Opening up to a woman would never have happened before Ella. With her, I crave it. I want her to know all of me. Just like I need to know all of her.

I’ve only ever had this with Mateo. Not being able to get in touch with him, though, is killing me. He’s grieving my death and has to deal with my responsibilities while I enjoy a quiet life with the woman I love.

I hope he takes our last conversation in Sicily to heart. We talked about a simpler life, one where we disown any family legacy that’s not of our making.

We joked about leavingla famiglia, especially after Ella ran, and even worked on a long-term plan to get out. I hope he’ll execute it. If he does, I’ll be able to get back in touch with him. At the right time, in the right way.

My thoughts come back to the here and now when Ella enters the bathroom, having lost all her clothes somewhere along the way.

Wow. She really is mydea splendente.

She steals my breath—she’s so damn beautiful.

My gaze travels hungrily from her face down her body and comes to rest on her little bump. Immense pride swells up deep inside me.

She’s growing ripe with my child. Just like I imagined when I first met her.

I will be a father. I can’t wait.

She steps closer, and I hold my hand out to her. Taking it, she carefully steps into the tub and submerges her body in the bubbles. They cling to her skin before gently popping, creating a chorus of tiny crackles.

A cute moan escapes her as the warm water surrounds her.

“Oh my god, this is nice. You’re so thoughtful. Thank you,” she sighs happily.

I pull her body closer to mine until her back rests against my chest and wind my arms around her, holding her to me.

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