Chapter 30
CHAPTER 30
SOFIA
I woke to an empty bed, my hand instinctively reaching for Gray's warmth, only to find cold sheets. Blinking away sleep, I pushed myself up and listened. The soft clink of dishes from downstairs told me where he'd gone.
After a quick trip to the bathroom, I padded downstairs, following the scent of coffee to the kitchen. Gray stood at the counter, his back to me, carefully making me a decaf coffee.
"You should be resting," I said, making him turn. "You're still injured."
He smiled, the morning light catching the sliver of silver threading through his dark hair. "Good morning to you too."
"I'm serious, Gray." I crossed my arms over my chest. "You aren't going to heal if you keep pushing yourself."
"I'm making coffee, not running a marathon." He gestured to the mug in front of him. "Decaf, of course."
I narrowed my eyes. "Why are you up making me decaf coffee? We could’ve slept in a little.”
"Because," he said, adding a splash of cream just the way I liked it, "we have plans today."
"Plans? Gray, everything just happened. Ernesto, the families?—"
"Exactly." He handed me the mug. "And now things are sorted. We're celebrating."
"I need to sort out things with my family, Gray, there's so much we need to figure out, how to start making changes, moving the operations?—"
"And that can all wait one more day. Caterina got in contact with me, she has my contact details too. She said it seemed most of the family are placated and awaiting what changes will be put in place. But there's no great rush, take the win and recoup, she will keep everyone in line for now, Davide has helped her get many of the men in line. You heard how many of them were worried for their own daughters and sisters considering Ernesto's leadership. Only the older ones were stuck in their ways, and Caterina said she'll take care of them. She wants you being careful with your pregnancy."
"Right…" I said slowly as I took a sip, savoring the warmth. How did she intend to take care of them? Would she tell them they had a choice, to die or adapt? It wasn't something I wanted to stress too much about right now. I did want to take this win. "Fine. What are we celebrating then?"
"Everything." His eyes sparkled in a way that made me wonder what he was up to. "Get dressed. Something nice. We're going out."
"Where is everyone?" I asked, realizing how quiet the house was. Was everyone still sleeping? A quick glance at my phone showed it was a normal morning time, probably well past the time most people got up.
"They've already gone out."
That seemed odd. Without waiting to say goodbye? Now I definitely thought something was up.
"All of them? Even Mer?"
Gray nodded, turning back to the counter to clean up. "All of them."
"That's... suspicious."
"Just go get ready," he said, casting me that lopsided smile that made my chest flutter. "Please?"
Something was definitely up, but the soft "please" did me in. "Fine. Give me thirty minutes."
I took my time getting ready, curious about what Gray had planned. I even pulled out my curling iron, something I only bothered with for special occasions. My dark hair fell in soft waves down my back, and I chose a simple navy sundress that felt comfy yet looked perfect.
When I came downstairs, Gray was waiting in the foyer. He'd changed into casual dress pants and a light blue button-down that made his green eyes pop. His face lit up when he saw me, a smile breaking across his face.
God, I loved how he lit up when he saw me.
"You look beautiful," he said, voice low as he pulled me close for a gentle kiss. “I like how we both went with blue.”
"You clean up pretty well yourself," I murmured against his lips. “And you can’t go wrong with blue. Now, where are we going?"
"You'll see."
Daniel drove us just out of the city, and Gray held my hand, his thumb running over my skin soothingly. I watched him from the corner of my eye, noticing how he kept glancing at me, a small smile playing on his lips each time.
Just what was he planning? Was it a grand surprise for becoming the Savoca head? Or some early baby shower to lift spirits? It was still too early for that in my opinion.
Daniel turned onto a winding road that led to a restaurant perched on a hillside. The sign read "Meadowview," and it lived up to its name. The outdoor patio overlooked miles of rolling farmland outside the city, peaceful and serene.
"Gray, this is gorgeous," I said as he helped me from the car.
"I thought you'd like it."
As we approached the entrance, I spotted familiar figures at a table on the patio. Meredith waved enthusiastically, my mother beside her with Leo standing behind them.
"What's going on?" I asked, turning to Gray.
"Brunch, just a nice getaway."
Meredith hugged me tight when we reached the table. "Isn't this place amazing? The view is to die for."
"It is," I agreed, still confused. "But why all the secrecy?"
"Can't we just enjoy a nice brunch? I think we've all earned it," Gray said, pulling out my chair.
The meal was wonderful—mimosas (virgin for me), fresh pastries, and a spread of brunch classics. The conversation flowed easily, filled with laughter and none of the heaviness from the past few weeks. My mother seemed lighter than I'd ever seen her, and Meredith and Leo were just as relaxed, which made me relaxed. We had a security detail set up, but something told me it wasn't needed today. Everything had settled for the most part.
After we finished eating, Gray stood, smiling down at me softly beside him. "Ready for part two?"
"There's a part two?" I raised an eyebrow, exchanging a glance with Meredith, who was grinning widely.
"Of course there is," Gray said, offering his hand.
We drove to the marina next, it seemed Gray liked to dock his yacht outside of the city, and I gazed at the rows of boats gleaming in the afternoon sun. Gray led us down the dock to a sleek yacht I'd only heard about in passing conversations. Meredith had said it was fancy, and she was spot on.
"Welcome to 'The Codfather'," he said, helping me aboard.
I burst out laughing as my mother chuckled, Meredith broke into giggles, and Leo couldn't stop from having a small smile break free.
"I love the name," I said, still chuckling as he helped both my mother and Meredith climb aboard.
Jackson and Roman were joining us as our security detail, while Daniel and another guard remained onshore with the vehicles.
The yacht was everything I'd expected from Gray—luxurious without being too ostentatious. The polished teak deck, the plush seating areas, the state-of-the-art navigation system. It screamed wealth.
"This is... wow," I breathed, running my hand along the railing.
"I thought it was time you saw it," he said, watching me with a soft expression. "Since I'm hoping you'll be spending a lot of time here."
"I haven't been on the water much," I admitted as he moved behind me, wrapping his arms around my waist and kissing my neck. "But I do like it."
"Good."
We spent the afternoon on the water, Gray at the helm while Leo, Meredith, and my mother lounged on the deck with some snacks and drinks. Even Roman and Jackson sat with them, although they were always scanning the water and being watchful.
As the sun began to set, painting the sky in shades of orange and pink, Gray took my hand.
"Come with me," he said, leading me to the bow.
We stood at the front of the yacht, his arms wrapped around me from behind, my back against his chest. The others had discreetly disappeared below deck, leaving us alone with the setting sun and gentle waves.
"This is perfect," I whispered, leaning into him. The mix of his comforting warmth at my back and the soft breeze of the water, the air tinged with salt, was relaxing. Today had been amazing, a much needed relaxing day after everything.
"Almost perfect," he murmured, his breath warm against my ear.
Gray turned me in his arms, his eyes serious now. "Sofia, these past weeks have been... chaotic. But they've also shown me what matters most."
My heart began to race as he took my hands in his.
Wait, was this…
"You and this baby are everything to me," he continued. "I know we didn't start in the most conventional way, but I've never been more certain of anything in my life."
Gray reached into his pocket and lowered himself carefully to one knee, wincing slightly from his healing wounds. He opened a small velvet box, revealing a vintage ring with a center diamond surrounded by small rubies.
A ring I recognized all too well, and it made my throat catch.
"This was your grandmother's," he said, his smile wavering with emotion. "Your mother gave it to me at the hospital after giving me her blessing."
Tears blurred my vision as I looked from the ring to his face.
"Sofia Savoca, will you marry me?"
The world seemed to still as I looked down at this man—this beautiful, amazing man who had fought for me, protected me, loved me even when I tried to push him away. Who had stood by me, believed in me when I needed it most.
"Yes," I whispered, then louder, "Yes, Gray. I'll marry you."
He slid the ring onto my finger, then rose to pull me into his arms. As his lips met mine, I heard cheers from the doorway leading below deck. Meredith, Leo, and my mother appeared, glasses of champagne in hand, Roman and Jackson grinning alongside them.
In that moment, with the sunset painting the sky and Gray's arms around me, I knew I was where I belonged.
* * *
I stared at my reflection in the mirror, hardly recognizing the woman who gazed back at me. My dress—ivory with delicate lace detailing—flowed elegantly over my growing baby bump. The seamstress had worked magic, creating something that celebrated rather than concealed my pregnancy.
Gray had adored seeing my bump grow, constantly complimenting me, saying he found me even more beautiful with it. That me growing a life was the most incredible thing in the world to him.
"You look beautiful, tesoro," my mother said, adjusting my veil.
I smiled at her through the mirror. "I still can't believe this is happening."
It seemed like it was only yesterday that I'd watched Meredith walk down the aisle to Leo. I'd thought their engagement and wedding was rushed, yet here I was, doing exactly the same thing. Life had a funny way of making hypocrites of us all.
"Are you nervous?" Mom asked, her hands gentle on my shoulders.
"No," I answered truthfully. "I'm ready."
The journey from that night at Meredith's wedding to today felt both impossibly long and surprisingly short. In just a handful of months, my entire world had shifted. I'd gone from a woman determined to stay unattached to the soon-to-be wife of Grayson Cassaro—now Grayson Donati. From an ER nurse to the head of the Savoca family. From someone running from her past to someone embracing her future.
A knock at the door interrupted my thoughts. Meredith peeked in, looking incredible in her deep burgundy maid of honor dress.
"It's time," she said, her eyes widening when she saw me. "Sofia, you look stunning."
"Thanks." I grinned. Both she and my mother had been the ones to help me go dress shopping, along with Bianca, who had moved home to be with her mother after Ernesto's death, and now they'd both moved back to Ironstone to be closer to me and assist where they could.
The walk to the ceremony felt surreal. We'd chosen a historic Italian-style villa on the outskirts of Ironstone, its gardens bursting with roses and trailing vines. Meredith and my mother walked with me, my heart hammering with excitement.
Caterina and Julia waited outside the chapel on the property, both having stepped up to help reorganize the Savoca family in the weeks following Ernesto's death. They'd become incredible allies and reliable family.
Leo stood with them, looking polished in his tailored groomsman suit, ready to begin the procession for us.
So many changes had been put in place, several operations shifting to Ironstone where I'd oversee them, while Caterina and Davide continued to oversee the ones in Vintmere.
There were some growing pains, some older Savoca family who weren't thrilled, but surprisingly, for the most part, things had been going smoothly. Not one had attempted to murder anyone, not a single death following Ernesto's fall.
I took a deep breath and nodded, shoving all family business thoughts from my mind as I focused on my wedding instead. "Still can't believe I'm getting married," I said sheepishly.
“You deserve this, Sofia, you’ve done us all proud,” Caterina said, kissing my cheek before slipping inside the chapel while my heart surged at her words.
Julia squeezed my hand. "Marco would be so proud," she whispered, her eyes glistening, but she blinked them away and smiled. "You truly deserve this, Sofia.” She slipped inside as well, and I glanced at Meredith as I readied myself.
"He's going to be over the moon, Sof," Leo said as he gave me a soft look and took Meredith's hand. "Take care of him, as I'm sure he will you."
"Always," I promised.
They both turned back to the doors, and my heart fluttered as they were pulled open for us.
"I'm here, tesoro," my mother whispered as she hooked her arm through mine.
The string quartet began playing, and I watched as Meredith and Leo made their way down the aisle. Leo moved to stand beside Gray as his best man, while Meredith took her place.
Then it was my turn. My mother patted my arm, and I clutched my bouquet of white roses and baby's breath tight.
"Ready?" she asked.
I nodded, my heart lurching as we moved forward. My mother held her head high with pride, and I tried to channel her calm right now as we entered the chapel.
As we stepped into view, the guests rose. I recognized faces from both the Savoca and Donati families, along with hospital colleagues and friends. But my eyes found only one person—Gray.
He stood tall at the altar, his black suit perfectly tailored, his hair neatly styled. But it was his expression that caught my breath. His eyes widened as he saw me, filling with tears even as his smile grew. The naked adoration on his face made my own eyes sting.
This man had seen me at my worst—scared, angry, desperate. He'd accepted my past, the blood on my hands, without hesitation. He'd held me through nightmares and morning sickness. And still, he looked at me like I was the most precious thing he'd ever seen.
Each step toward him felt like coming home.
When we reached the altar, my mother placed my hand in Gray's, and I felt his fingers tremble slightly against mine.
"You're breathtaking," he whispered, those green eyes holding mine, overflowing with love.
The ceremony passed in a blur. I remember the weight of the wedding ring as he slid it onto my finger, a custom piece designed to slot in with my engagement ring, lined with diamonds and a few small rubies. I remember the tenderness in his eyes as we exchanged vows. I remember thinking how strange it was that I'd once feared this connection, this vulnerability.
"I now pronounce you husband and wife," the officiant said. "You may kiss the bride."
Gray's hands cupped my face delicately, like he feared I might crumble, as he leaned in. His lips met mine in a kiss that was both gentle and promising. When we broke apart, his forehead rested against mine.
"My wife," he murmured, the words making my heart soar as the crowd broke into cheers and applause.
The reception was held in the villa's grand ballroom, with its crystal chandeliers and marble floors. We danced our first dance to "Can't Help Falling in Love," Gray holding me close, one hand splayed protectively over my bump.
"Happy?" he asked, his breath warm against my ear.
"More than I thought possible," I admitted.
Throughout the evening, I found myself watching him—laughing with Meredith, dancing with Bianca, chatting respectfully with Julia and others of my family. This man who'd once been known to me only as Meredith's brother had become so much more. He'd stepped into his role as a true Donati with surprising ease, balancing the violence associated with the name when necessary with the diplomacy he'd always excelled at.
As the night wore on, Gray's hand rarely left mine. His touches grew more lingering, his glances more heated.
"You keep looking at me like that," I murmured after catching his gaze for the third time in as many minutes, "and people will talk."
"Let them," he replied, his voice low. "I can't help it if my wife is the most beautiful woman in the room."
His fingers trailed over my bare shoulder, making my skin prickle.
"I want you," he whispered later, as we swayed to a slow song. "I want to be with my wife properly."
The possessive edge in his voice made heat pool low in my belly. "Then take me, Gray."
We said our goodbyes—Meredith hugging me tightly, Leo clapping Gray on the back, my mother kissing both our cheeks. The drive to the secluded lodge we'd booked was charged with anticipation, Gray's hand resting on my thigh, his thumb tracing circles that made my breath catch.
Daniel couldn't drive fast enough.
When we reached our honeymoon lodge, Gray swept me into his arms despite my protests.
"I will carry you, princess," he interrupted, carrying me across the threshold. "I'm not starting our marriage by failing to carry my bride properly."
I giggled, casting a look back to where Daniel was unpacking our overnight bags. Two nights we had booked here, then we were headed to another destination to continue our honeymoon.
Daniel and the other security men would set up their perimeter, and we had a guesthouse booked for them as well.
Gray set me down just inside the door, and I gasped as I took in the open plan studio lodge we'd chosen. Rose petals were scattered across the floor, leading to the bed where they formed a heart. Candles flickered on every surface, casting a warm glow over everything.
"When did you arrange this?" I asked, turning to him with a knowing smile.
"I have my ways," he said with a wink, closing the door behind us. "Do you like it?"
"It's perfect," I whispered, my throat tightening.
Gray stepped closer, his hands finding my waist. "You're perfect," he corrected, his eyes dark with desire. "Every inch of you."
His fingers found the zipper of my dress, slowly lowering it. "I've been wanting to do this all day," he murmured, pressing kisses to each inch of skin he exposed.
The dress pooled at my feet, leaving me in the delicate lingerie I'd chosen for tonight. Gray's breath caught as his gaze traveled over me.
"Look at you," he breathed, his hand tenderly caressing my rounded belly. "My wife. Carrying my child."
I reached for him, undoing his tie and working on the buttons of his shirt. "Your turn," I said, pushing the fabric from his shoulders.
We undressed each other slowly, savoring each revelation. When we were both naked, Gray led me to the bed, the rose petals soft against my skin as he laid me down.
"I love you," he said, hovering above me, his eyes serious. "I need you to know that. I love you more than I thought possible."
"I love you too," I whispered, pulling him down to me.
His kiss was gentle at first, then it deepened as our bodies pressed together. His hands explored me with care, lingering on the places that made me gasp and arch against him.
When he finally eased inside, it was with a gentleness that brought tears to my eyes. I knew he was being mindful of our growing baby, taking care with me, and it only heightened my love for him.
We moved together slowly, savoring each sensation, each caress and kiss. This wasn't the desperate passion of our first night together, nor the fierce claiming he'd done countless times since. This was something deeper, a promise made with our bodies as well as our words.
Before I knew it, I was hurtling off that orgasmic cliff, crying out his name with bliss.
"Mine," he growled against my lips between soft grunts. "Forever mine." He groaned and shuddered, finding his own release.
"Yours," I gasped, holding him close as we trembled in each other's arms. "Always yours."
As we lay tangled in the sheets, rose petals clinging to our damp skin, Gray's hand rested protectively over our child.
"Mrs. Donati-Savoca," he murmured sleepily, pressing a kiss to my shoulder. "I like the sound of that, oddly enough."
I smiled, covering his hand with mine. "So do I."
We'd chosen for me to take on both names, to show the union of the two families, which most of the Savoca were on board with. Those who weren't, we'd deal with at a later date. For now, I was going to enjoy this.
From a one-night stand to husband and wife in just a handful of months. It wasn't the path I'd expected my life to take, but as I drifted to sleep in my husband's arms, I couldn't imagine wanting anything different.