Total pages in book: 25
Estimated words: 22626 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 113(@200wpm)___ 91(@250wpm)___ 75(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 22626 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 113(@200wpm)___ 91(@250wpm)___ 75(@300wpm)
I've always worked hard, but I've had to delegate more recently. Lorenzo is fully capable of taking on more duties, and I'm not afraid to admit that he's a better Underboss than Marco ever was. He's got a mind for the business and a heart for the family, and I'm grateful to have him.
The family is also coming around to the idea of Emilia being the true second-in-command. She's stepped out of the shadows she'd been hiding in for years, and it's been a thing of beauty to see. They were resistant at first, but now they listen to her. In fact, I've caught some of the men trying to get her advice. My Emmy is quite a sight to behold when she's taking control. She might be sweet and shy sometimes, but she's got a backbone of steel.
I lean down to kiss her, and she returns it eagerly. Our relationship has only grown stronger, our love deeper. "Go get your things, tesoro."
She hums in agreement, handing me the sleepy bundle of Olivia as she gathers her purse and phone. I look down at the round, angelic face, and warmth rises in my previously frozen heart. "I'm a lucky bastard, you know that, Olivia?"
My daughter gives a small snore and nothing more. It's the perfect answer.
EXTENDED EPILOGUE
EMMY
Ten Years Later
"Idon't know why he insisted on a destination wedding."
Alessandro, who has been ready for the better part of an hour and is lounging on our hotel bed, grunts. "What's the problem? You don't like Hawaii?"
"I don't like leaving the kids with Veronica for an entire weekend while we're just here vacationing without them."
In reality, I shouldn't be too concerned. I planned the entire weekend for Veronica, our nanny, and our three kids will be kept busy at the zoo and museums for the next two days. I just don't like leaving them for any period of time.
Not to mention the self-esteem issues nagging at me ever since I heard that the ceremony would be in paradise.
We're in Hawaii for Lorenzo's wedding, and Alessandro is his best man. We couldn't miss it, but that doesn't mean I don't miss our babies terribly. Olivia is ten now, and our twins, Cate and Remi, are seven, so they are not exactly babies anymore … except to me, of course.
I try to stop worrying about them, and turn my overactive brain to the neckline of my dress instead. We're due at the rehearsal dinner in an hour, after all. After having kids, I'd gone up an entire cup size, and my boobs never went back to normal. Alessandro was ecstatic, of course, but it makes buying bras and dresses a nightmare.
"What's the matter?" Alessandro asks, sitting up and eyeing me as I pull the neckline up. He can read me like a book.
"Nothing," I mutter, looking down at myself. The dress is a soft blue that Alessandro swears matches my eyes. It's sleeveless, but I'm wearing a short-sleeve cardigan to cover up a little more. The neckline plunges between my breasts, the curve of them visible beneath the lace trim. It's a gorgeous dress, and it's perfectly tailored, but I just feel out of sorts.
"What's bothering you, tesoro?"
I cringe. I had hoped he wouldn't notice. "Nothing, Sandro."
"You can't lie to me, Emmy. I can read what you're feeling in every line of that perfect body."
I close my eyes, blowing out a breath and crossing my arms around myself. "It's just … being here, among all these gorgeous women, keeps reminding me how much I've changed after having kids. Meanwhile, you're over there, looking like a carved statue of a god come to life."
He laughs, and I whip around to glare at him. "I'm sorry, tesoro, but you're being ridiculous. You're gorgeous, and the dress looks amazing on you."
"You're just saying that because you're my husband."
"No, I'm saying that because I love you." Sandro stands, coming over to take me in his arms. My husband leans down, kissing me, and I can't help but respond. "And you're perfect."