Page 86 of Third Degree

“The one at the house up north with the kids and Bea.”

I looked at her, confused.

“It’s still at that house,” I responded.

“Can we get it here? If this is where we are going to be living full-time, I would like that memory for us.”

The thoughtfulness this woman had was beyond what I ever knew.

“Of course. Thank you.” I walked over to her and wrapped my hands around her back.

“Don’t thank me. Thank you. This is amazing.” She peered outside, where an endless garden overlooked the ocean, her lips curved into a gleaming smile.

“When I saw this house for sale, I figured it was perfect. You can be next to your friend.” He nodded down the street to where Julian and Tatum’s house was.

“When did you do all of this?” she asked.

“A couple months ago, when I came here for the wedding,” I replied. “Come outside.” I grabbed her hand and began leading her. “Wait, let me grab us a drink.”

She nodded and little did she know what was going to happen next. I went over to the corner of the kitchen where Julian left the box I had kept while Gianna proceeded out the back doors.

“Elio!” she exclaimed from the yard, which made me grin even more.

I didn’t know why I was so nervous. We were already married, but I wanted to do this the right way. The way that she envisioned.

I joined her outside, and she was surrounded by the large flower bed full of white roses.

“Rosa mia,” she murmured at the flowers, and then her amber eyes locked with mine. I walked over to her and felt my heart beat a few times faster than normal.

“Are you happy?” I finally asked her and grabbed her hand, looking for reassurance.

“I’m sorry I got angry at you. I think this has been enough to make up for it and more. I don’t know how else to thank you.” Her perfectly round, plump lips looked so fucking edible right now.

Stay focused, Elio.

“You don’t need to thank me, rosa mia. You are mine. You have always been mine.” I grabbed her hands so she was facing me, and then slowly, I dropped down to one knee.

“Elio,” she gasped, her hand instinctively covering her mouth.

“I know we’re already married, but I didn’t do it the right way. I made a mistake and didn’t ask you properly. So consider this my do-over.”

With the sun setting on the picturesque horizon, I found myself on one knee for the woman who had changed my life twelve years ago. Who I knew would only continue changing my life for the better with each passing day.

“When I met you, I was lost, struggling to find myself. Trusting someone else was a challenge I couldn’t face. I never expected you to enter my world. Our connection was instant and unexpected. I promise to spend every day making you feel loved, cherished, and equal. Gianna Daphne Marchetti, will you do me the honor of marrying me… again?”

A smile played on her lips as she savored the sound of my last name with hers. Nodding, she replied, “I love you.”

In a hushed whisper, I added, “I love you so, so much.”

She dropped to her knees, cradling her hands against my cheeks.

“I love you, too,” she exclaimed.

I pulled her onto my lap, and we kissed passionately, savoring each moment as if there were no tomorrow. Our mouths fervently explored one another, ignited by a fiery desire.

As the intense emotions settled, she looked at me once more with anticipation.

“When I sent that text message to you before the wedding, I was so afraid that I was never going to see you again,” she sobbed.

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