EPILOGUE
Five Months Later
The soft rustle of delicate lace fills the quiet bridal suite as I stand in front of the mirror, smoothing my hands over the intricate beading of my gown.
A deep breath in. A slow exhale out.
It’s here. The day is finally here.
For months, I’ve envisioned this moment, tried to picture how I would feel standing here, on the cusp of forever.
But nothing could have prepared me for the overwhelming emotions rushing through me now, joy, excitement, and an aching, all-consuming love.
Behind me, Giana clasps a string of pearls around my neck, her eyes shimmering as she steps back to admire the full effect. “Layla, you look absolutely stunning.”
My mother stands close by, her hands clasped together, her smile watery but filled with warmth. “Like a dream. A vision.”
I turn to face them, my heart swelling with gratitude for these two women, women who have stood by me through every challenge, every heartbreak, every triumph.
“Well, I wouldn’t have made it to this moment without the both of you.”
Giana grins, nudging me softly. “He’s the lucky one, you know?”
I smile at her words, but my mind is already drifting, to him.
Valentino.
The man who has been the best father to our son and the most loving partner to me these past five months. The man who is waiting for me at the end of the aisle, his heart open, his love unwavering.
I glance down at my belly, my fingers brushing the slight curve hidden beneath the layers of my gown.
There’s something I’ve been keeping to myself, a secret that’s been burning at the tip of my tongue.
I haven’t told anyone, not yet. But today, as I stand here in this dress, about to vow my life to the man I love, I know it’s time.
Before I can dwell on it further, the door to the bridal suite swings open. Mattia steps inside, his usual easygoing grin in place. “Am I interrupting?”
I shake my head, warmth spreading through me at the sight of my half-brother, the man who, in such a short time, has become such an important part of my life. “Not at all. Come in.”
Mattia has been my rock these past few months, especially after Silvano’s sudden passing from a stroke two months ago.
Grief is a strange thing.
I never knew my father, not in the way a daughter should, but his absence still left something hollow inside of me. Perhaps not for the man he was, but for the relationship we never had.
Through it all, Mattia and I found solace in each other, forging a bond neither of us expected.
And he didn’t just step up for me, he stepped up for the family.
After Silvano’s passing, Mattia made an unprecedented decision. Rather than sell the vineyard, he struck a deal with Valentino, one that combined the Salvatore and Marchetti legacies, creating something new and stronger.
The Salvatores retained ownership of their land, along with a thirty-percent share of profits, while the Marchettis brought their expertise and resources to expand production. It was the perfect compromise, one that honored both our families while ensuring a future for generations to come.
Mattia takes a step forward now, his eyes softening as he takes in the sight of me in my dress. “You look beautiful, Layla. Absolutely beautiful.”
Emotion clogs my throat. “Thank you. I’m really glad you’re here.”
His expression turns serious, and he offers me his arm. “I know I wasn’t there for you before. But I’m here now. Always.”
Tears threaten to well in my eyes, but I blink them away, giving him a small, grateful smile.
He squeezes my hand. “Now, let’s go. You’ve got a groom waiting for you.”
I take his arm, letting him guide me toward the door. The nerves that had fluttered in my stomach all morning are gone, replaced by something much stronger.
Anticipation.
Love.
The certainty that I am exactly where I’m meant to be.
As we reach the entrance to the aisle, my eyes immediately find him.
Valentino.
The sight of him steals the breath from my lungs.
He stands tall at the altar, dressed in a sleek, three-piece suit that fits him like a dream. His dark hair is slicked back, but a single strand has rebelliously fallen loose over his forehead. His strong jaw is set with quiet confidence, his broad shoulders squared, but it’s his eyes that undo me.
Dark, molten brown, filled with nothing but love.
Beside him, Vincent stands proudly in his tiny tuxedo, his face beaming with pure joy. He looks so much like his father that my heart aches.
I smile as I meet Valentino’s gaze, and for the first time in a long time, I don’t feel any fear.
Just love.
The music starts, and Mattia and I begin our slow walk down the aisle.
With each step, Valentino’s expression shifts, his lips twitching, his eyes shining, his entire body vibrating with barely restrained emotion.
When we finally reach the end, Mattia gently places my hand in Valentino’s. “Take care of her.”
Valentino nods, his grip tightening around mine. “I will.”
Mattia steps back, leaving just the two of us standing before the priest.
Valentino leans in, his voice husky with emotion. “You look beautiful.”
I smile, squeezing his hand. “Baby number two will do that to you.”
For a moment, he simply blinks.
Then, realization dawns.
His grip on my hand tightens, his eyes widening in shock. “Wait, you’re—?”
I nod, biting my lip to keep from laughing.
Valentino doesn’t hesitate. Before I can react, he lifts me off my feet, twirling me around in front of everyone.
“We’re having another baby!” he shouts.
The words echo through the venue, and within seconds, the entire room erupts into cheers and applause.
I’m laughing, my heart so full I feel like I might burst.
The priest clears his throat, a bemused smile on his face. “Perhaps we should save the celebration for after the vows?”
I giggle, nodding as Valentino finally sets me back on my feet.
“Fair enough,” he murmurs, his forehead resting against mine.
The ceremony begins, and the excitement in the air melts into something quieter, something reverent.
We speak our vows, our voices steady, our eyes never leaving each other’s.
And when the moment finally comes, when the priest announces us as husband and wife, Valentino doesn’t waste a single second.
He cups my face, his lips crashing against mine in a kiss that is everything, a promise, a future, a love that has withstood every obstacle thrown our way.
This time, there is no contract, no arrangement. No doubts.
Only us.
As the cheers rise around us and Vincent throws his arms around our legs, I know, deep in my bones, that this is our forever.
And I wouldn’t have it any other way.
The End.
(Click Here to leave a review)
Also if you loved Layla and Valentino's story, then you'll want to read, Baby for my Daddy's Best Friend.