Page 101 of Sins and Secrets

BILLIE

One Year Later

It’s been six weeks since I shot my ex-best friend for betraying the famiglia. For betraying me.

Some nights I still shed a few tears when I think about it. Emilia was supposed to be here for the big moments in my life, but she chose the promise of power over friendship.

Only one month has passed since the last of Paolo’s followers was tracked down. I was there when Alessio snapped his neck.

In that one month, life has only gotten better. It’s amazing what Alessio has accomplished in such a short time. I know that we still have a long way to go, but the famiglia is starting to feel like an actual family. It feels like the kind of place where it is safe for me to stay and chase my dreams, which is exactly what I’ve done.

I take a deep breath as I stare at the bright red ribbon that stretches from one side of the white stone archway to the other. Wide and long steps lead down to the parking lot where dozens of reporters are gathered. Family and friends surround the reporters. Faces smile up at me as Alessio hands me the oversized pair of scissors.

“How do you feel?” Alessio asks, his voice low. He presses a kiss to my temple and smiles down at me. “I’m so proud of you right now, Billie. Look at all you’ve accomplished.”

“I’m nervous,” I say, plastering on a bright smile as I look out over the crowd. “I couldn’t have done this without you.”

He shakes his head, his hand pressing against the small of my back. It’s a small gesture, but one that brings me comfort as the butterflies wreak havoc in my stomach. This is one of the biggest moments of my life and I need it to go well.

I’m finally opening the resort of my dreams. I spent the last year going over the designs with a construction company. Every inch of the interior from the ground up had my input and ideas through the work of a fantastic interior designer.

“You would have been able to do this without me,” Alessio says. He waves to his mother who stands in the front row, smiling up at us beside my father.

For a long time, my relationship with her was strained. In the past few months, she’s started to come around. I don’t know if we will ever be friendly with each other, but she is trying.

“I wouldn’t have gotten this done as fast and as well-built as I have without your connections.” I hold the scissors a little higher as the man making a speech starts to take a step back.

I’ve missed most of what he said, but it doesn’t matter. This is the moment that I’ve been waiting for.

I step closer to the ribbon and open the scissors. As I pause, smiling for pictures, I try to rein in my nerves.

This is everything that I’ve ever wanted and I’m finally getting it. I’ve got the man of my dreams and a career I’ve built for myself.

A year ago, I didn’t think that this would be possible. I thought that Papa and I would still be on the run, trying to make sure we were well-hidden from the mafia before I started building my new future.

Falling in love with Alessio is the best thing that’s ever happened to me.

“Thank you all so much for being here today,” I say as I look at everyone in front of me. “Without your support, none of this would have been possible. I’m horrible at speeches, so that’s all I’ve got. Now, I’m going to cut this ribbon and we can head inside and get the party started.”

Christian cheers, clapping loud as I shake my head and laugh. We’ve only grown closer in the last year, but I know that he’s going to stop visiting Georgia as much soon. The finalization of his arranged marriage is coming fast. He’s going to be spending more time getting to know whoever he is going to be stuck with for the rest of his life.

I’m worried about him, but I can’t focus on that now. Tonight is about having a good night and living life to the fullest.

I cut the ribbon and stand to the side as it falls. My new employees lead the way inside. The crowd follows behind them as I take another step back and wait.

Alessio joins me over at the side, pulling me into a big hug. He kisses the top of my head as the last person walks past us and heads inside.

As soon as we are alone, he steps back and gets to one knee. He reaches into his pocket and pulls out a ring, the sun shining off the stones. My eyes water and my heart starts to race. Even though I know what he’s about to do, it still doesn’t take away from the excitement racing through me.

“Billie, I didn’t know that love or life could be like this. Our relationship might not be the most conventional or have a beginning we can tell all our family, but it’s perfect for us. The day you signed that contract was the day I knew my life was going to change forever. Every morning I wake up and want to be a better man for you and for me. I want to spend the rest of my life loving you and I want to do it with you as my wife. Will you marry me?”

“Yes!”

I fling myself at him, my heart racing. He laughs as he catches me, nearly falling over. As we kiss, I couldn’t think of a more perfect way to spend the day. I get to show off my fiancé and my resort.

Although, the fiancé part is the one I’m most excited about.

“Come on,” I say, standing up and waiting while he slips the ring on my finger. “Let’s go celebrate with everyone.”

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