Epilogue
Six months later…
Emily
I adjust my knee-length dress and take a deep breath, studying my reflection in the mirror. The woman looking back at me is different from the one who fled to Paris all those months ago. Her eyes are brighter, her smile more genuine. She looks... happy.
"Emily?" Vince's voice calls from down the hallway. "Are you ready? The guests will be here soon."
"Coming!" I call back, giving myself one last glance before heading out of our room.
Our new New York penthouse is all light and space, with floor-to-ceiling windows offering a breathtaking view of Central Park. It's our fresh start, away from the shadows of his past.
I find Vince in the kitchen, putting the finishing touches on a charcuterie board. He looks up as I enter, his eyes softening as they always do when he sees me. "You look beautiful," he says, pulling me in for a kiss.
I melt into him, still marveling at how right this feels. The past few months haven't been easy - we've had our fair share of arguments and tears as we navigated our new reality. But we've faced it all together, and we're stronger for it.
"Nervous?" Vince asks, his hand rubbing soothing circles on my back.
I nod. "A little. It's the first time we're hosting your family since... well, since everything."
Vince's family had been surprised, to say the least, when he announced his decision to go legitimate. Some had been supportive, others skeptical. But they're all coming today, a show of unity I hope bodes well for our future.
"It'll be fine," Vince assures me. "They're going to love you. How could they not?"
I raise an eyebrow at him. "Oh, I don't know. Maybe because I'm the reason their golden boy went straight?"
Vince chuckles, pulling me closer. "Golden boy? I think you mean black sheep turned golden boy."
"Oh please," I scoff playfully. "We both know you were always the favorite. Your mother practically swoons every time she talks about you."
"What can I say?" Vince grins, striking a dramatic pose. "I'm swoon-worthy."
I roll my eyes, but can't help laughing. "You're ridiculous is what you are."
"Ridiculously handsome?" he suggests, waggling his eyebrows.
"Ridiculously humble, clearly," I retort, but I'm smiling as I say it.
The doorbell rings before Vince can respond. He gives my hand a reassuring squeeze before going to answer it.
The next hour is a whirlwind of introductions and conversation. Vince's mother, Maria, envelops me in a warm hug that instantly puts me at ease. His sisters, Sophia and Gianna, are friendly and curious, peppering me with questions about how Vince and I met.
"So, Emily," Sophia leans in conspiratorially, "what was your first impression of our dear brother?"
I glance at Vince, who's watching me with amused curiosity. "Well," I begin, "I thought he was charming, intelligent, and..." I pause for dramatic effect, "completely full of himself."
The sisters burst out laughing while Vince feigns offense. "I'll have you know," he protests, "I am exactly the right amount of full of myself."
"Oh, honey," I pat his arm consolingly, "keep telling yourself that."
Gianna’s eyes sparkle. "Oh, I like her," she declares. "She's perfect for you, Vince."
I'm in the kitchen later, refilling a pitcher of sangria, when I overhear a snippet of conversation that catches my attention.
"...heard from Luca recently?" It's Marco, Vince's right-hand man and closest friend.
"Not for a few weeks," Vince replies. "Last I heard, he was in Monaco. Why?"
"Word on the street is he's gotten himself into some trouble. Thought you might want to know, considering..."
Their voices lower, and I can't make out the rest. I'm about to move closer when I feel a presence behind me.
"So you're the woman who tamed Vince Russo."
I turn to find myself face to face with a man I’ve never met. He's tall and lean, with dark hair that falls into his sharp blue eyes, and a smile that seems to hold secrets. There's something about him that reminds me of Vince - a certain intensity, a hint of danger beneath the polished exterior.
"I'm Luca," he says, offering his hand. "Luca Del Toro. Vince and I go way back."
I shake his hand, noting the strength in his grip. "Emily Bennett. It's nice to meet you, Luca. I didn't realize you were coming today."
His smile widens, turning slightly mischievous. "I'm full of surprises. Just dropped in to say hello to the family." His eyes flick over my shoulder, and I turn to see Vince approaching, a mix of surprise and wariness on his face.
"Luca," Vince says, his tone carefully neutral. "I didn't expect to see you here."
Luca shrugs, the picture of nonchalance. "You know me, always turning up where I'm least expected." He turns back to me. "It was lovely to meet you, Emily. I can see why Vince is so smitten." With a wink, he saunters off to mingle with the other guests.
Vince wraps an arm around my waist, pulling me close. "You okay?" he murmurs.
I nod, leaning into him. "Who is he?" I ask quietly.
Vince sighs. "It's... complicated. Luca and I have history. Some good, some bad. He's not exactly thrilled with my decision to go straight."
I process this, watching Luca charm Vince's sisters across the room. There's clearly more to the story, but I trust Vince to tell me when he's ready. We've come too far for secrets now.
"Well," I say, smiling up at Vince, "whatever his story is, I'm just glad we're writing our own."
Vince's eyes soften, and he presses a kiss to my forehead. "Me too, baby. Me too."
As the afternoon wears on, I find myself enjoying the warmth and liveliness of Vince's family. They're loud, passionate, and fiercely loyal - so much like Vince himself. I'm in the middle of a heated debate with Gianna about the merits of New York vs. Chicago pizza when Vince catches my eye, gesturing for me to join him on the balcony.
"Everything okay?" I ask as I step outside, the cool evening air a welcome relief from the warmth inside.
Vince nods, looking uncharacteristically nervous. "Everything's perfect," he says, taking my hands in his. "Emily, these past few months... they've been the happiest of my life."
My heart starts to race. There's something in his voice, in the intensity of his gaze, that tells me this isn't just casual conversation.
"You've changed my life in ways I never thought possible," Vince continues. "You've made me want to be a better man, to build a life I can be proud of. A life with you."
He drops to one knee, and I gasp, my free hand flying to my mouth.
"Emily Bennett," Vince says, his voice thick with emotion as he pulls out a small velvet box, "will you marry me?"
For a moment, I'm speechless, overwhelmed by the love I see shining in his eyes. Then, I find my voice.
"Well," I say, a teasing smile playing on my lips even as tears of joy start to form, "I suppose someone has to keep you in line."
Vince grins, relief and happiness lighting up his face. "Is that a yes?"
I pull him to his feet, wrapping my arms around his neck. "That's a yes, Vincent Russo."
He slips the ring onto my finger - a stunning emerald-cut diamond that catches the light beautifully - before pulling me in for a passionate kiss. I lose myself in it, in the feeling of rightness that comes with being in his arms.
When we finally break apart, breathless and grinning, we turn to find the entire family watching us through the glass balcony doors, cheering and applauding. Even Luca is there, raising a glass in our direction with a complicated expression I can't quite decipher.
As we rejoin the party, now an impromptu engagement celebration, I can't help but feel a mix of contentment and excitement. Our life together is just beginning, and while I know there will be challenges ahead - I'm ready to face them. With Vince by my side, I feel like I can handle anything.
The future stretches out before us, full of promise and possibility. And for the first time in a long time, I can't wait to see what it holds. As Vince pulls me onto the makeshift dance floor, spinning me around to the sound of Frank Sinatra's "The Way You Look Tonight," I know that whatever comes next, we'll face it together. And really, what more could a girl ask for?