35. Alina #2
Vin swallows hard, his expression shifting into a mask of calm fury as he glances at Alex, who takes a sip of his drink.
Something’s wrong.
I shift closer to Mauro, who rests his arm on the back of my chair, watching Vin with concern in his eyes.
Alex raises an eyebrow. “What is it?” He places his glass down and leans closer to his brother, who remains silent. “Vin?”
Vin taps a finger on the table, deep in thought. Finally, he says, “Let’s talk privately.”
Alex sits up straight, worry dancing across his eyes. “Is it Clara?” He abruptly stands, panic gripping him. “Where is she?” He takes a step to the side, but stops at Vin’s words.
“It’s not Clara,” Vin replies, shaking his head, his eyes dropping as he stares at his plate of food.
Relief washes over Alex, causing his shoulders to relax slightly. “Then what the hell is it? You had me ready to start a war on my daughter’s behalf.” His fingers run through his hair as he waits for an explanation.
Vin’s gaze rises, locking with Alex’s, and they share a silent conversation.
Alex grows still, his body tensing with rage as his hands drop to his sides.
“No,” he states in disbelief. “That’s not possible.
” He shakes his head, stepping closer to Vin.
“You told me to wait, and I did. You promised me nothing would happen to her. She was just seen yesterday afternoon by your guy,” he states coldly. “So, when could it have happened?”
“Last night,” Vin says, his voice laced with remorse.
“How?” Alex’s fingers clench into fists by his side.
“Alex—”
“How?” he shouts.
Vin sighs. “She drowned. Apparently, she fell overboard on their yacht during a storm. She didn’t know how to swim.”
“I trusted you,” Alex whispers, his voice pained.
“I’m sorry, brother. Truly, I am.” He stands and places a hand on Alex’s shoulder. “I thought we had time.”
Alex shoves his chair back, knocking it over, before storming out of the room. The front door slams shut, leaving the rest of us in silence as we wait for further explanation.
“Can someone explain what the hell’s going on?” Madeleine says, looking directly at Vin.
He scrubs his hand over his jaw. “The governor’s wife, Charlotte Johnson, drowned at sea last night. Her body… Her body hasn’t been recovered.”
Excitement pulses through me as I navigate the winding roads in the woods, heading home.
I can’t believe I actually did it!
A smile blooms across my face as I turn down the long driveway, a call connecting through to my Bluetooth. I see the name and immediately accept it.
“Hi, Dad.”
“Hi, sweetheart. So…how did it go?”
I squeal, unable to hold it in a second longer. “I got the…” I catch myself, swallowing the wrong word. “Promotion!”
I can’t exactly tell him I just got hired at the place he thinks I’ve been working this whole time. So I may have let him believe I was up for a promotion instead.
“That’s my girl! I knew you would,” he says proudly. I can practically envision the wide grin growing on his face.
“Thanks. I was trying to play it cool, but I think I was smiling like an idiot the whole time.” I laugh.
“You deserve it. You’ve worked so hard for it, and they’re lucky to have you.”
My smile softens. “I was thinking, maybe tomorrow night when Mauro and I come to visit, we can celebrate with some ice cream, if you feel up for it,” I offer.
“I’m looking forward to it. I feel better than I have in a long time.” His words bring comfort to my heart, making me grateful for every day I share with him. “But I have to get going for my chess game. Just wanted to check in on you. Tell my favorite son-in-law I say hi. I love you, Alina.”
“I will. And I love you, Dad.”
I end the call as I approach the house, seeing parked construction vehicles at the far end. Mauro hadn’t mentioned he was planning on having any work done.
I come to a stop near the entrance and twist in my seat to grab my orientation folder from the passenger seat. I can’t help but do a little happy dance as I read the words on the top page: Welcome to Greyhaven Academy.
I’m officially going to be a teacher!
I slide the folder into my bag and step out of the car. For the first time in what feels like forever, there’s no snow on the ground.
As I approach the door, it swings open before me, revealing a man wearing a bright yellow hard hat. He sees me and dips his chin while saying, “Good afternoon, Mrs. Alarie,” before passing by and heading directly toward the side of the house.
Huh.
I enter through the front door just as Joey appears, quickly nodding in greeting. “Mauro’s in the master bedroom,” he informs me.
“Thanks.” The sound of nearby hammering catches my attention, and I look around. “Do you happen to know what’s going on?”
“No idea,” he responds. “It looks like he might be adding an addition to the house.” With that, he sidesteps me and exits.
An addition for what?
I drop my bag by the entrance and head straight to our bedroom, pushing the door open to find it empty.
The sound of running water from the side bathroom catches my attention, and I enter further into the room, approaching the partially open door.
My fingers press against the wood until a shirtless Mauro appears, standing before the sink with a razor in his hand and foam slathered over half of his face.
I lean against the door frame, enjoying the view. My eyes trail greedily over each defined muscle, appreciating every single inch of the man before me.
How did I get so lucky?
Mauro catches my gaze in the bathroom mirror and smirks. Come here, wife.
I smile, hesitating, but then step inside. “Want some help with that?”
He peers down questionably at the razor in his hand and then looks at me.
It takes him a brief moment, but then his hand extends toward me, offering me the razor.
I quickly realize the height difference might make things challenging, so I position my back against the counter edge and place my palms on it, lifting myself until I’m sitting before him.
He steps between my legs, and I slip my fingers around the cold metal, cautious of the sharp blade. His hands trail up my thighs, his thumb leisurely tracing the inside of my leg.
“Be still, husband.” I place one hand on his smooth, shaven cheek for balance as I inspect the area still in need of attention. “I don’t take your trust lightly,” I say softly, knowing the significance of this moment. Something mundane to most. But something pivotal to us.
While his eyes remain on me, I carefully drag the blade across his skin, using gentle and precise strokes, not stopping until I’m satisfied with my work.
“Done,” I remark, dropping the razor beside the sink and reaching for a washcloth. I swipe it gently across his skin, removing leftover shaving cream. Shifting forward, I place my lips over his most prominent scar, lingering a moment before sitting back.
The instant I toss the towel, his lips find mine in an all-consuming kiss that leaves me breathless and my body melting under his touch. Several seconds go by before he pulls back, his eyes staring down at me with so much love floating over his dark irises. Thank you.
I cover his cheeks with my palms, leaning forward to brush my lips against his. “Anytime.”
He plants a kiss on my temple and then stands tall. How did the interview go?
I bite down on my bottom lip, fighting the smile that wants to take over my face, and give myself a few seconds before saying, “I got the job.”
A broad grin instantly takes over his face as he wraps his arms around me, spinning me against his body.
“Mauro!” I yell. “You’ll hurt yourself!”
He slowly stops, placing me on my feet. Bending down, he sweeps his lips over my ear. “Proud,” he says in a rough whisper.
Wetness coats my eyes. “Thank you.” I glide my hands along his chest, stopping directly over his heart. “For everything.”
He presses his lips to my temple as we hold one another, savoring this moment.
A loud bang, similar to a piece of plywood dropping, draws my attention to the door. “Mauro?” I tilt my head up. “What’s going on?”
He reaches for his shirt hanging nearby and, after throwing it on, grabs my hand, intertwining our fingers before leading me out of the bathroom.
We walk through the house and step outside, where a few men are working on a project.
With a wave of his hand, he dismisses them, and they quickly scurry off, disappearing from view.
He stops and turns to face me. His palm rests on his chest as he takes a deep breath, then signs, Alina, I would give you the world if I could. But until I figure out how to do that, I’m giving you this.
My heart races as I glance around. “Giving me what?”
A home for your father.
A small gasp flees my lips. “What?”
He takes my hand in his and brings it to his lips, kissing the ring before pressing my palm against his chest. I feel the beat of his heart, mirroring my own.
You are my heart, Alina.
He places his hand over mine and uses his middle finger to tap twice against his chest.
“My heart,” I whisper in disbelief. “That’s what you’ve been signing every time you did that?”
He nods, reaching out to cup my cheek, his thumb running over my skin.
I’m adding an addition to our home so your father will have his own space.
He will receive round-the-clock care from someone who will be staying with us.
I have arranged for the best doctors to be on call for him, and I’ve scheduled a time for you to meet with them to discuss any concerns you might have.
I’d have him transported here tonight, but the addition won’t be completed for a few weeks, and I assume the construction noise might be too much for him.
“I…” My throat burns as I blink back the tears coating my eyes. “I can’t believe you would do all of this for me.”
I will do anything for you.
I shake my head in disbelief, staring at the space that is soon to be my father’s new residence. No longer will I have to commute to see him because he’ll be a thirty-second walk from where I’ll be.
“I don’t know what to say,” I say softly, wiping at my eyes.
There’s only one word I’ve been dreaming of hearing you say.
Suddenly, he steals my breath as he drops to one knee before me.
My heart pounds beneath my chest as I watch him reach into his pocket and retrieve a black ring box.
Pulling back the lid, I see the most beautiful amethyst engagement ring surrounded by brilliant diamonds, resting against the satin cushion.
He places the box on the ground beside his leg and then looks up at me.
I know that technically we’re married, but I want to do this the right way.
I want to give you the fairy tale wedding you’ve always dreamed of.
He grins, and despite the tears blurring my vision, I can’t help but smile.
Seven and a half years ago, I was surrounded by so much darkness.
I felt lost and alone. Scared out of my mind.
And then you happened. You became the light that illuminated the dark for me, even if you didn’t know it.
He pauses, drawing in a deep breath. Being married to you, only temporarily, is not going to be long enough for me.
Not when you’re the reason for every beat of my heart.
He pats the center of his chest. It’s only ever belonged to you. Only you.
“Mauro…” I breathe, feeling my knees shaking against one another.
I can’t envision my life without you, and to be honest, I was never going to sign any damn divorce papers anyway.
I roll in my bottom lip, holding back a grin.
Alina, my heart, will you do me the honor of making me the happiest man in the world by staying married to me until our very last breaths on this Earth are taken?
I immediately nod, unable to say a word as so many emotions wash over me, one right after the other.
Ones I never thought I would be lucky enough to experience.
It takes me a few seconds, but finally, I say, “Yes. Yes. A thousand times, yes!” I smile as he slides the ring onto my shaking finger.
He stands with what appears to be relief crossing his features, his arms wrapping around me, securing me to his solid chest as he swings me around.
Tilting my face up, I brush my lips over his. “It’s always been you for me.” I cup his cheeks to look directly into his dark eyes when I say, “I love you, Mauro.”
He leans closer, positioning his lips beside my ear. “I…love…” He pauses, taking a steady breath, before saying, “I love you.”
Our lips collide as the sun sets behind us. He shifts me in his hold, carrying me bridal style through the front door of his, or I mean, our home.
And that’s when it hits me.
This isn’t a scene I read in one of my books or saw in a movie.
It’s not some daydream I fabricated to help my mind drift off to a peaceful sleep.
This is real life.
And this is way better than any book ending I’ve ever read.
Because all those romance novels have nothing on us.