Epilogue
NICCI
The weeks after we reach California pass in a blur, time blending together in a romantic haze, all the way up until the day that Savio and I exchange our vows.
A warm breeze blows through my hair as Savio and I stand on the Malibu beach, the sun on the verge of setting. It’s just the two of us and the officiant we hired, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. I told him from the moment he slipped a ring on my finger that I didn’t want anyone else at our wedding. I wanted it to be private, just between us. A moment that felt sacred—and this does. This feels like everything I could have hoped for.
The ring that Savio bought me the morning after he proposed sparkles on my finger, a gorgeous emerald cut diamond on a platinum band sprinkled with other tiny, pave diamonds. As we say our vows in front of the officiant, he slides a matching band onto my finger, and I slip the platinum band we purchased onto his.
The sun dips below the water just as the officiant says that Savio can kiss the bride, and he reaches for me, my white chiffon dress blowing in the wind that springs up as his mouth crushes against mine. For a moment, the entire world spins away, and it’s just the two of us—just his hands on my waist and his firm body against mine, his hot mouth slanted over my lips, his tongue caresses mine.
It’s not until the officiant clears her throat that we both jump apart. “Thank you,” Savio says sheepishly. They exchange a few quick words before she gathers up her things, and it’s just Savio and I there on the beach.
“Isn’t this beautiful?” I look out over the water, my hand entwined with his, taking in the soft ripples and the darkening sky. “I can’t believe this is our home now.”
“Not as beautiful as you.” Savio pulls me toward him, kissing me again, and I sink into the kiss for a moment before breaking it.
“We’re not having sex in the sand in my wedding dress.”
“No?” Savio tugs me closer, attempting to spill me down into the sand, and I swat at him. He kisses me again, his lips curling in a smirk. “You can’t resist me for long, principessa . You like to pretend that you have more self-control than I do, but we both know it’s not true.”
His tongue slides against mine, deepening the kiss, and I moan softly as I feel his hips press into mine. He’s right about that. Savio might be ready for me with a look, but it doesn’t take me long to catch up to him, even after weeks of living together in the beach house that he purchased for us. I wondered if the shine would wear off—if I could live with another person happily after wanting my freedom for so long. But with Savio, it’s been perfect. It’s been morning walks on the beach and coffee in the sun-drenched kitchen, delicious dinners that Savio cooks for me, and evenings spent curled up together on the couch, the windows open and the sound of the crashing waves filtering in.
And a lot of sex. All over the house—neither of us have been able to keep our hands off of each other. Savio hasn’t even bothered pretending to work since we’ve been here, putting everything on hold as we enjoy each other to the fullest. And now, he manages to overcome my defenses in a matter of seconds as I finally let him spill me down to the sand, his hand winding in the white chiffon of my skirt as he undoes his belt with the other and leans over me.
“I’ve been imagining this since you mentioned a beach wedding, principessa .” He leans in, kissing me deeply, his hips snapping forward as he thrusts into me. “Don’t worry. I have plans for you all night. But right now, I can’t wait another second to be inside of you.”
“I wasn’t going to make it another second either,” I gasp, feeling the pins in my hair come loose as my head falls back against the sand. “I just didn’t want to let you know.”
“I always know, wife.” He kisses me again, long and slow, his body rocking against mine. I close my eyes, gasping as another moan slips free.
“Call me that again,” I whisper, and Savio smiles against my mouth.
“ Wife ,” he whispers, his lips moving against mine as our bodies move together, the pleasure building higher and higher until we both come at the same moment, Savio’s hand pressed to my cheek as he moans his pleasure against my mouth.
We stay like that for a long moment, catching our breath, before he helps me up and helps me shake the sand from my dress. We walk up the beach together, hand in hand, back to the house that I’ve come to love more than I ever did the mansion that I grew up in.
It’s more than a house now. It’s home—Savio’s and mine. It feels like a home in a way that no place ever has for me before. And, as we step onto the porch, I turn to him, stopping us both as I look up into his eyes.
“It’s a good thing you married me today,” I tell him gravely, and he chuckles, raising an eyebrow as he looks down at me.
“I agree. Why?”
“You said you wanted to marry me before we had a baby.” I step closer, reaching up to brush my fingers against his cheek. “And I found out this morning.”
Savio’s eyes widen. “Nicci?—”
“I’m pregnant.” I lean in, brushing my lips against his. “We’re going to have a baby. So that honeymoon we’re leaving on tomorrow? The one you promised me wouldn’t be in Missouri? I’m afraid all the sex we’re going to have while we’re there is?—”
“Absolutely necessary,” Savio assures me, reaching down to sweep me into his arms, a smile curving his lips and lighting up his face. “I plan to keep you in bed for days. But, principessa?”
I tilt my head back, looking up at him. “What is it, ma coeur? ”
“You’ve made me the happiest man in the world twice over today. And I will love you forever.” He leans down, kissing me softly, as he carries me over the threshold of our home. “You’re mine, Nicci Valenti.”
“I am,” I whisper, as I return the kiss. “And you’re mine. Forever.”
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