Epilogue
CHIARA
Five years later
“Careful. You’re going to spill it,” I say with a smile as I take a glass from Alessandro’s hands.
“But Mom!” He pouts.
“Let’s just put it on the table, okay?”
He nods.
It’s a busy day. My dad is finally retiring, and I’m officially taking over our family restaurant. It’s such a big day, and I’m so happy that my dreams are all coming true. Everything’s a little chaotic too, but I don’t mind.
A piece of cake fell on Clara’s dress and she started crying, so Adriano took her to change. My mom and dad are with our neighbors, singing and laughing. We almost didn’t have enough space for everyone because the whole neighborhood wanted to be here for my dad. And for me.
Clara races past me with a teddy bear in her arms, and a few moments later, Adriano steps next to me.
“Crisis averted,” he says. “She’s happy again.”
“Good.” I lean toward him and give him a kiss. “We should join everyone now. My dad said he wanted to give a big speech and everything.”
“Let’s just take a moment to enjoy all this.” He snakes his arm around me.
“Can you believe you wanted to mow this all down to build some monstrosity?” I tease.
“Don’t remind me. It’s embarrassing.” He lifts his hand to shield his face, but I can see his mouth twitching up.
“I’m glad you changed your mind.”
He lowers his hand and turns toward me. “Thank you for opening my eyes and showing me that there are more important things than just chasing power and money. I never thought I’d have a family who wanted me.”
I wrap my arms around his neck. “I’ll always want you, and I’ll always love you.”
“You don’t know how much those words mean to me. And I feel the same way about you.” He gazes into my eyes.
Our lips connect, and I pull him closer to me.
“Moooom!”
“Moooommy!”
“Daaaad!”
Adriano and I step away from each other. I chuckle, and he shakes his head, his lips tilted up.
“Looks like we’re needed,” he says.
“Yeah, we are.” I take his hand, and we head toward our children.
Everything is easier when you have the right partner to accompany you on your path, and Adriano is the perfect partner for me. My soulmate.