Page 75 of Betraying the Mafia Boss

“Common, that’s mediocre. Say something romantic,” Jane urges.

“I didn’t believe in love until I met you, Isabella. And I’m not the best man there is out there, but I love you. I love you so damn much I can’t imagine a life without you in it.” He lifts the ring from the box. “Will you marry me, Isabella? I promise to make you happy for the rest of our lives.”

I hold out my hand, tears brimming in a way I know I’ll never hold them back. “Yes. Yes, I’ll marry you, Vincent. I love you, and I promise to be by your side forever.”

Everyone around us cheers and claps as Vincent slides the ring on my finger.

At the heart of the ring is a perfectly cut, oval-shaped, diamond sparkles like a mountain spring. Surrounding the center stone are smaller diamonds arranged in a halo. The light in the room dances across the surface of the gems. It’s the most beautiful ring I’ve ever seen.

Vincent raises himself to his feet and leans closer, he kisses me lightly. “You’ve just made me the happiest man alive, amore.”

I run my fingers through his hair. “And I’m the happiest woman alive.”

He leans in for another kiss.

Marcus clears his throat. “You too might want to find a hotel room.”

Vincent pulls away and we both drag our attention back to the rest of the family, whom we temporarily forgot were in the room with us.

Their smiles are like beacons of light in the darkness. For the first time in years, I feel like I belong somewhere—here, with Vincent and his family. Because they’re now my family, too.

Epilogue

Vincent

Four years later

As I watch Isabella spread the checkered blanket on the lush green grass, her laughter fills the air like a melody. Our twin toddlers, Mariana and Massimo, chase each other around, their giggles echoing in harmony with their mother's joy.

It’s been four years since Elio died. Three years since I became a father. Isabella spends most of her free time taking care of the kids and visiting her Nana. I spend most of mine helping my brothers run our empire. When we’re both free, we do charity work at hospitals around New York.

But every week on Sundays, we spend time with the rest of the family.

It's moments like these that remind me of the beauty of life—the simple pleasures found in the warmth of the sun, the gentle rustle of leaves, and the unconditional love of family.

As Isabella reaches into the wicker basket to retrieve sandwiches and snacks, I can't help but smile at the sight of her, the love of my life, the mother of our children. She's more radiant than ever, her eyes sparkling with happiness and contentment.

Her silver hair rustles with the afternoon breeze, her eyes crinkling as she watches our children with a smile.

I join her on the blanket, wrapping my arm around her waist as we watch our little ones play. “You know, I’m kind of upset Mariana doesn’t look like you, but at least she has your smile.” Massimo on the other hand is a handful. He throws tantrums, but he’s very protective of his twin sister.

Isabella turns pouts. “I’m upset too. I carried those kids for nine months and they come out looking just like you. It’s not fair.”

I kiss her neck. “We can make another one, though. One that looks just like you. What do you say?”

“I say no.” She spins around and pokes my nose. “The family is here. Don’t be naughty.”

“Hey, Vincent. How about you come help out with the barbeque?” Marcus shouts from afar. “I’m starving.”

I hold back from rolling my eyes. “Coming!” I inch closer to Isabella and kiss her forehead before I leave to join the other guys.

We’re having a family picnic. My brothers and their wives, my niece and nephew are all gathered here.

The boys and I finish grilling and carry the food to where the ladies are basking in the sunshine on the spread blankets.

“I’ll get the drinks.” Elena stands up and grabs a bucket filled with wine bottles, glasses and ice. She hands everyone a glass and fills them. “To family.”

We all raise a toast to the family.

---