Page 110 of Coerced Queen

The gazebo goes quiet.Everyone stands.

My husband turns his face toward me, the quiet second in which our eyes lock just for me.In that second, he says more with his smile than he can ever say with words.For a moment, he’s an open book, allowing me to see everything—the pride, the respect, the heat, and the crazy obsession.For that moment, no one else exists.I’m just a woman in love with a man, and he’s the man who promised to take care of me.When it comes down to the basics, it’s as simple as that.We’re just a man and a woman doing our best to survive.I can’t ask more of him when he’s doing his best to make me happy.Not even love.

Another second and another lingering smile that’s mine alone pass, and then he gives me to the crowd, allowing me to escape the magnetic hold of his attention.

“I’d like to make a toast in honor of my wife, my partner, and the mother of my child.”

A chorus of, “Hear, hear!”sounds from the crowd.

Looking me straight in the eye, he continues his speech.“Anya, you’re more than my match in every way.You’re generous, kind, caring, and beautiful inside and out.You’re an amazing mother.You’re a genius and an opponent to be reckoned with.You’re the reason I breathe.You’re my most precious treasure.We’re lucky to have you, my love.”

Calls of agreement rise from the audience.

“Happy birthday,tesoro.”

Cheers and clapping follow, but I’m deaf and blind to everything but the beautifully broken man next to me.When I look at him, I don’t see scars and physical setbacks.I see a man who possesses loyalty and a strength of spirit I admire.I see the man I love.To me, he’s perfect.He’ll always be perfect for me.

I mouththank youas he lifts the glass to his lips and officializes the toast by drinking.No one has ever done anything like this for me.It’s difficult to contain my emotions, but I don’t have a choice when small groups of guests come up to chat to us for a few moments before moving on.

When the long line of people in front of our table finally fizzles out, the band strikes up a song while the waiters serve cocktail food.

I take Saverio’s hand where it rests on the tabletop.“Thank you for doing this.”

Cupping my face, he brushes a thumb over my cheek.“Happy?”

I nod.

“Good.”He holds fast for another moment before letting go.“That’s all I want.”

“How did you manage to keep this a secret?”I motion around the space.“It must’ve taken a chunk of time to organize.”

“Nicole took care of the arrangements.I just told her what I wanted.”He quickly corrects, “What I thought you’d like.”

“I do.Iloveit.”I look around.“WhereisNicole?I’d like to thank her.”

He chuckles.“Probably breathing down the catering staff’s necks in the kitchen.Don’t worry.You’ll have time to say thank you later.”

I spot Logan in conversation with Dante.Livy sits with Roy, who laughs from his belly at something she says.

“I’d like to check on Claire.”I push back my chair.“I want to make sure Rosemary has everything she needs.”

In an instant, Saverio is on his feet.“I’ll walk you.”

We go through the kitchen that has turned into a bustle of activity with caterers preparing bite-sized whipped ricotta crostini and antipasto skewers, waiters scurrying in and out, and Nicole shouting orders at everyone.

Rosemary sits in the small reading alcove on the upstairs landing with a book open on her lap.The baby monitor stands next to her on the table.

She looks up with a smile when we approach.“I gave Claire the bottle you left and put her down to sleep not five minutes ago.The poor darling was exhausted.It looks as if she had a tiring day.”

“There was definitely a lot of excitement involved,” Saverio says.“We spent the day in the mountains.”

“That explains it then.”Rosemary closes her book on a bookmark.“The fresh air has a tendency to make one sleep well.”

“She didn’t give you any trouble?”I ask.

“Not at all.Her eyes were closing even before I put her down.”

“We’re right downstairs if you need us,” I say.

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