Epilogue
Lucy
Seventeen months later
“You look nice,” I say as Elio comes out of our dressing room in a navy-blue suit. He always looks nice, but this is a little extra for dinner at Grandma’s. After spending a year in a small apartment in Portovino, I moved in with him during the summer break, and it’s been amazing so far.
“Come on. I have sta ndards to meet. I’m an eight-time world champion now, after all.” He winks, still riding that winning high.
“Yeah, you are.” I wrap my arms around his neck and draw him into a kiss.
I’m so proud of my man. This season was brutal, but he made it to the top—without taking any unnecessary risks.
He drove clean races all year long, including a fantastic win at Monaco this summer, which did wonders to ignite our audience at Pulse Sports.
After learning more about Elio and his life, it’s safe to say our readers are rooting for him big time, which works great for me.
I even got a promotion for all my hard work here in Italy.
Elio backs me up until the wall is at my back, then presses a soft kiss to my neck, his smile brushing against my skin.
When our lips meet again, it’s slow and warm, the kind of kiss that feels like home—familiar, but never boring.
I melt into it, into him, the spark between us flickering bright like it always does and he deepens the kiss.
“Hold on,” I say, out of breath. “If we keep going like this, we’re never going to leave this house.”
He cocks his head to the side, seemingly thinking it through, then nods with a chuckle. “You might be right. Andiamo , Bella .”
We drive one of his extravagant cars to Portovino for the Christmas tree decorating event my grandma puts together every year. She likes to have the entire family home, and we take turns hanging decorations on the tree.
I feel lucky to be a part of it a nd to finally have family traditions. Getting to know the Marchesis has been a blessing. I truly feel like part of the family now. Alessia and I see each other often, and we try to do at least one monthly dinner with everyone.
“Have you called Caleb yet?” I ask as we’re turning onto the highway. We watched the highlights from the Raptors game this morning during breakfast, and he took a pretty hard hit that sent him crashing through the glass, landing in the audience.
“I haven’t been able to reach him, but I talked to James. He told me Caleb’s okay. No damage, but he did slam into a woman in the stands. She’s in the hospital.”
I draw a gasp. “Oh my gosh.”
“I know.” He shakes his head. “And you think my sport is dangerous? The dude literally went through glass.”
“It’s insane,” I sigh. “I hope that woman recovers.”
“Me too. As pro athletes, we’re well aware of the job hazards, but to think the sport can hurt other people, fans who are just there for entertainment? That’s a totally different ball game.”
We reach Grandma’s house quickly, but we’re still the last ones there. Probably because we both changed our outfits twice. That’s what happens in a household where fashion is an important aspect. I do think we are the most f ashionable people here, without a doubt.
“ Eccoli ,” Grandma says as we walk into her living room. “Took your time.”
“Sorry,” I reply. She starts to stand, but I motion for her to stay seated and place a kiss on her cheek. “We’re here now.”
Once we greet everyone, we can finally start decorating the tree.
Per the tradition, the youngest goes first, and so forth.
I get to place a scintillating angel, and as I hang it on a sturdy pine bough, I can’t help but think about my mom.
Everything that has happened this past year and a half feels like a gift from heaven, a series of fateful events that led me to this day.
I’ve never been so at peace, so happy and comfortable in my life as I am now.
Finally, it’s time for Elena, the youngest of us all, to place the star at the top of the tree. We all applaud, standing back to admire the fully trimmed tree.
“Now, we finally eat!” Michele exclaims. He’s not a big fan of the tree-trimming ceremony, and he doesn’t hide it, but he does love the food.
“Wait a second,” Elio says, catching everyone by surprise.
“Oh, man. Come on. C’ho fame!” Michele groans .
“You’re always hungry, Michele,” Alessia snaps. “Hold on.” She glances at me, her eyes sparkling way too brightly for my liking.
“What’s going on?” I ask, frowning at Elio.
“We’re all here together toni ght,” Elio says, standing in front of the tree. “And it’s such a beautiful evening. I thought it would be the perfect opportunity.”
Paola gasps, and Alessia shushes her before taking her hand. I just stand there, my heart racing a mile a minute.
No, is this really happening?
“Lucy,” Elio says, extending his hand. I take it, and he brings me closer to him.
“Your name suits you so perfectly. Since I met you, you’ve been nothing but light.
Guiding me toward my happiness, toward the man I want to be.
I’m not sure what I did to deserve you, or if I even do.
But I’ve always loved a good challenge, so I’ll strive to be deserving of your love until my last day on this earth, if you’ll let me. ”
By now, I’m completely frozen. He smiles, squeezing my hand softly before going down on one knee.
He pulls out a small red box from inside his blazer, and everyone gasps as he opens it.
Inside is the most beautiful diamond-cut ruby, its deep scarlet facets sparkling under the light of the Christmas tree.
“Lucy, will you please do me the honor of becoming my wife?”
My eyelids flutter as I fight back the tears threatening to take over.
This, right here, is the single best moment of my life.
All my family is here, their eyes glassy as they watch the man I love declaring his undying devotion to me.
Even Michele is speechless, hanging his breath in anticipation.
So, I don’t make them wait any longer, even if this is a sweet moment to savor.
“Yes, I will. I’ll marry you, Elio.”
The smile that lights up his face will forever be etched into my soul. It’s brighter than ever, seemingly coming from the depths of his heart. He puts the ring on my finger and glances at Alessia, who gives him a thumbs up.
A lightbulb goes off in my head. So, that’s why she insisted on going shopping for rings this summer.
She pretended she wanted to gift herself one after her breakup, proclaiming that she didn’t need a man to buy her jewelry.
It all makes sense now. Especially since she never did end up buying a ring for herself.
Elio stands up, and I wrap my arms around his neck. “I love you so much, Bella .”
“ Te amo ,” I say, pressing my forehead against his.
He smiles. “I love it when you speak Italian.”
“ Lo so. ” I wink, and he pretends to melt on the floor. Everyone laughs, even though they can’t hear what we’re saying.
“Come on. Kiss her already,” Michele calls.
“Yeah, yeah, we know you’re hungry,” Dario shoots back, drumming up more laughter.
“Guess we should give the people what they want,” I say.
He tugs my chin up. “On it.”
And then, my fiancé kisses me senseless, right in the middle of my Nonna’s living room with my entire family watching. It’s passionate, comforting, and exhilarating, just like every moment of my life has been since Elio Spinelli came racing into it. And I can’t wait for what’s to come.
Want to see what Elio and Lucy's future looks like? Read the extended epilogue now !
You may have guessed it, but Matteo will be getting his own book in the future, and we might stay in the world of Formula 1 a bit longer as well…. But in the meantime, check out the New York Raptors series . You met Caleb and James in this book, and their teammates are just as fun and—hot—as them!