Chapter 26
I sat opposite Lorenzo on the quaint, wooden table that was covered with white linen. An old wine bottle decorated in old wax that housed a single candle sat atop it as well.
“This is… perfect,” I whispered, taken aback by how special tonight had been so far. I glanced up at my husband who wore a rare, genuine grin. “I like it when you smile.”
“It’s a good job I have plenty to smile about then, isn’t it?” He took my hand across the table. “I’m sorry. I know my Nonna is full on. They just wanted to meet you.”
“I don’t mind. It’s actually quite nice. I haven’t felt love from my family like that in a while.” I hid the way my voice wobbled, pushing my parents to the back of my mind, not wanting to think about them.
“My family is yours now, and I promise we can visit Sicily whenever you want. If it means I get to see you happy, then just say the word, and I’ll drop everything and make it happen.” He sipped his whiskey with a mischievous glint in his eye. “Besides, it’ll be nice to bring our children out here.”
I almost choked on my wine. I had a feeling he’d want kids. He’d want an heir at some point, but hearing him mention it was unexpected. I had never really wanted children. I had a different vision for my life previously, but I guess things could change for the better, or whatever the saying was.
“How is everything?” Elio beamed, appearing from the restaurant's kitchen, changing the subject of children.
“Oh, Elio, it was beautiful. Bless your hands,” I complimented.
“I’ll be back shortly with the best dessert you’ve ever tasted.” He grinned, clapping his hands together.
“That’s quite the statement, Nonno .” Lorenzo chuckled.
“You know the exact dessert I’m talking about, so you know the statement is true.” He tsked before returning to the kitchen.
“Lorenzo…” I sighed. “Why weren’t they at the wedding?” I asked, hoping I hadn’t overstepped.
“Honestly, they hate the life I lead, but that doesn’t mean they don’t love me. They just don’t agree.” He offered a lopsided smile. “They hated my father, hated the life he dragged my mother into and raised me up in.” He let out a deep breath.
“You weren’t dragged up. Your mother raised you well. You just went off track a little bit.”
He gripped the edge of my chair, pulling me towards him effortlessly as I let out a delighted giggle.
Bringing his face close, he rested his nose against mine.
“And you’re the one getting me back on track.
” He tucked my hair behind my ear, his fingers lingering beside my jaw.
“Anastacia Ricci, you’re mine. Do you know that? ”
“I had a feeling,” I teased as he caressed my face with his knuckles.
“You make me want to be a better man, Ana,” he whispered. “You make me believe that I can be.”
“You are a good man. You just chose to hide it before.” I leaned into him, my lips almost brushing his as a bright flash of white caught our attention.
“I’m sorry, Lorenzo. The moment was just too perfect to miss.
” Silvia held a small camera in her hands.
Lorenzo couldn’t hide his amusement when he glanced over.
“This photo will grace our wall alongside our many family photos.” She directed her hand to the wall behind us.
All the photos were of Lorenzo’s family, including Carmella’s wedding photo.
Although she stood alone, clutching her bouquet, and looking radiant.
“Ah, Lorenzo, look at you!” I pointed at a photo of my husband as a small boy beside his grandparents. He was elbow deep in dough with a cheeky smile.
“He was full of mischief as a boy and into everything.” Elio chuckled, as he admired his grandson.
After dinner, we said our goodbyes, promising to spend more time together before we returned home. I never felt so welcomed before, and I was honoured that I got to meet them and learn more about Lorenzo as a boy.
“So, where to now? Home?” I asked as we stepped back into the night, the warmth of the evening wrapping around us like a blanket.
“Most definitely not.” He led me through the side streets back to the main square where the city was alive with music and laughter. “If you’ll give me one minute.”
Before I had time to answer, he stepped up to a small flower vendor, purchasing a single red rose. “I know it’s not much, but I couldn’t resist.” I accepted his gift as I admired the beauty between my fingers.
“It’s perfect, absolutely perfect.” I blushed, inhaling the fresh scent of the flower.
“That’s the first of many, wife.” The way he called me that had changed.
It was softer with a whole lot more emotion.
Before, he just sounded like a menacing robot.
“How about some gelato from the best shop in Sicily?” he asked, already guiding me across the cobbled street to the vibrant storefront.
“As long as we don’t have to share,” I teased, noticing the array of flavours in the see-through freezer display.
“So you’ll share the rest of your life with me but not your ice cream?” He gasped, a playful tone lacing his voice.
“Mhm, that’s correct,”
“What flavour do you want?” he asked, his hand never leaving mine.
“You know what—surprise me.”
“I love a challenge.” It was true, he did.
And he lived up to that challenge, picking my favourite flavour without even knowing.
We headed back outside, strolling alongside one another. “So, how’s the lemon?” he asked before spooning a scoop of pistachio gelato into his mouth.
“Really good. You want to try some, don’t you?” I questioned, holding out the spoon to him.
“Go on then. Let me see if it’s better than mine.”
“Close your eyes and open your mouth,” I replied, watching as he did what I asked of him.
I scooped a dollop of ice cream onto my finger and smeared it on the tip of his nose. Unable to hide my laughter as he opened his eyes in surprise.
“You’re going to regret that, Mrs. Ricci,” he warned, his voice low and seductive.
He said it in a tone that made my stomach flip before he erupted in laughter.
I had never seen him so carefree and relaxed.
It was a side to him I wanted to see more often.
He wiped off the ice cream with his thumb before popping it into his mouth.
“I think yours might be better than mine.”
“Hands off, Ricci,” I rolled my eyes with a smile teasing my lips. My gaze softened as I looked at him, feeling something I never thought I’d feel around him—at ease. It was the first time we were relaxed enough that we let our guards down.
“Come with me.” He gave me no choice as he weaved us through the crowd with the confidence of a man who owned the streets. I gripped his hand tighter, following him wherever it was he wanted to go. We stopped in front of a jewellery shop, its windows glittering like a treasure trove.
When he led me inside, the air was cool and fragrant, the beautiful jewels bathed in soft, flattering light. The elderly shopkeeper nodded respectfully to Lorenzo before offering me a gentle smile.
“How can I help you both this evening?” he asked warmly.
“I’m looking for something specific.” He glanced down at me as his eyes landed on my ring finger momentarily. “Something to match my wife’s wedding band.” He smiled.
Wait a minute… Was he looking for an engagement ring?
I was happy with my ring. I didn’t need something else or an additional band, but Lorenzo didn’t seem to do things by halves. Wearing just a wedding band didn’t seem like an option for him anymore.
“Of course. We have plenty. What’s your budget?” he asked as Lorenzo chuckled.
“There isn’t one,” he replied, causing me to choke on air.
“Lorenzo, I don’t need fancy diamonds. We’re already married.” I blushed, trying to pull him away from the cabinet.
“I know and I went about everything the wrong way, so please, will you let me do this for you?” he asked, leading me to a plush velvet chair in the corner of the room.
I sighed, giving up the fight. It was hopeless, anyway. “Okay, but nothing too expensive.”
“You wait here. Let me surprise you, and see if I can get it right the second time tonight.” He smiled, cupping my face for a second before returning to the gentleman.
I couldn’t see what rings Lorenzo was looking at, and didn’t even try to snoop. I’d let him surprise me, he seemed to do well so far. After a few minutes, I saw him point to the one he decided on as the gentleman mirrored my husband’s smile.
“An excellent choice, Signor Ricci.” He handed Lorenzo the velvet box as he spoke. “The centre stone is a rare oval diamond. It’s one of a kind.”
Lorenzo strode over to where I sat, dropping to one knee the second he reached me. “What are you doing?” I blushed.
“Everything backwards.” His lips split into a boyish smile, and it made my heart flutter.
I looked down at the open box, my breath caught in my throat at the sight of the ring.
The oval diamond was indeed beautiful, surrounded by a halo of smaller stones.
It took my breath away as my fingers trembled and traced the box.
Lorenzo took my hand in his, wasting no time sliding the ring on my finger beside my wedding band.
It was heavy, not because of its weight but the meaning behind it.
It was as though it was a testament to him changing, to him wanting to be better with and for me.
I tore my eyes away from the ring, focusing my attention on Lorenzo who appeared different.
He looked like a content man, a man who would do anything for the woman he called his wife.
He remained on one knee, not taking his eyes off of me. “Lorenzo…” I began, unsure of what to say.