Page 89 of Stolen Queen

“I don’t have a ring now, but I do have my love for you. My desire for us to be a family. What do you say? Will you marry me for love, not just an alliance?”

“Yes, yes!”

Without warning, I sweep her off her feet, cradling her in my arms. She lets out a surprised laugh, wrapping her arms around my neck.

As I carry her toward the bed, I’m filled with hope that she understands just how deep my love for her runs. I’m not perfect. Far from it, actually. But I plan to spend the rest of my life trying to be the man she and our child deserve.

EPILOGUE

Ava

Iwake up smiling in bed next to Matteo like I have every day since he brought me to the D’Amato mansion two months ago. But today, my smile is extra wide. Today's the day I become Mrs. Moretti, and I can hardly believe it's real. Matteo's love for me still feels like a dream sometimes, but as I touch my belly, I'm reminded of how real our future is.

His hand covers mine. “Ready to become my wife?”

I turn toward him. “Past ready. What about you?”

“I’ve been wanting to fly you to Vegas and get these nuptials done since you said yes to marrying me.” He pulls me closer to him, his mouth covering mine in a toe-curling kiss.

“Starting the honeymoon already?” I ask with a laugh when he breaks the kiss.

“Is that a problem?”

I loop my arms around him. “Not at all.” He kisses me again, and I sigh into it. Yes, life is wonderful.

There are no words spoken for the next hour, but love is expressed in the most intimate way. Languid touches. Softkisses. When Matteo grips my hands over my head and slides into me, it’s like my soul is joining with his. I wrap my legs around his hips and move with him until our breaths catch, and pleasure consumes us both.

When it’s over, I snuggle next to him. “Are you going to be okay with just having me for the rest of your life?”

“I’m fucking thrilled about it.” He looks down on me. “What about you? I’m all you’ve had. You’re not going to feel like you’re missing out by not having other men, are you?”

I shake my head. “Never.”

“Good, because I’d have to kill any man who touched you.”

I smile, but his words do bring up a concern. “Is everything going to be okay at the wedding with my father?”

Matteo sucks in a breath. “I promise not to kill him, if that’s what you’re asking. You’ll have to check with him to see if he will refrain from killing me.”

I hate that sort of talk, but I know it’s part of the world I’m in. I wish I could have this wedding without my father, but part of the deal Elio struck was that he’d have a say in the wedding, including making it a big deal that the Rinellas and D’Amato families were forming a union. And without my father there, my mom and sisters wouldn’t be able to attend.

Matteo takes my chin in his hand. “I won’t let him fuck up this day for you, okay?”

“For us. It’s our day.”

He smiles. “For us.”

A few hours later,I sit in a room at the church, finishing getting ready to become Mrs. Moretti. The room buzzes with activity as my sisters, mother, and soon-to-be sisters-in-law flit about, helping me prepare for the ceremony. Bella, my closest sister, fusses with my hair while Piper adjusts my dress.

"You look absolutely radiant, Ava," Piper says. She’s been so wonderful to me. I thought it might be weird between us since for several years, I was supposed to marry Elio. But she’s been nothing but wonderful to me, helping me adjust to living in the mansion, giving me tips to deal with morning sickness, and being a supportive friend.

Lana nods in agreement. "Matteo won't know what hit him when he sees you walking down that aisle." Lana still intimidates me, but she’s been welcoming too.

My mother dabs at her eyes, overcome with emotion. "My baby girl, all grown up and getting married."

My sister Sofia rolls her eyes. "Mom, save the waterworks for the ceremony!"

“Why do you cry on a happy day?” Gianna, my youngest sister, asks, truly baffled.

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