Page 61 of His to Claim

I pause and glance over at him. “Ready for what? Marriage?”

“For all of it, bro! You’re marrying my firecracker of a sister, becoming a part of a big, crazy family, about to meet my parents, on the verge of probably becoming a father?—”

“Whoa,” I hold up a hand and laugh. “Are you trying to freak me out? One thing at a time, please.”

I laugh, but I know he’s right. It is a lot of change to happen in such a short amount of time.

But, I’m ready. Actually, I’ve never been more ready. For the first time in a very long time, I have so many new and exciting things to look forward to. I have been solely focused on business for as long as I can remember, and my personal life suffered badly—to the point where I believed I couldn’t have a serious relationship or anything beyond that. But, Carlotta taught me I could and that I have so much more to offer than I ever realized.

“I think you’re just projecting,” I joke, “because your wife is about to have twins and that’s a lot to take on all at once.”

“Aww, hell, Archer, now you’re gonna freak me out.”

We laugh as we maneuver the luggage out the door and down the roll away steps. It’s nice to have a male friend to talk to about things. Although I had my team of guys while I was in the military, we lost touch when they all moved on and started families. But Angelo and I seem to have a lot in common and get along well which is cool.

We load up the luggage into the waiting SUV. The girls are chattering about all their plans, and there’s still more luggage to get so Angelo and I make a second trip. I think the only thing Carlotta didn’t pack was the kitchen sink.

“Sweetheart, you sure don’t travel light,” I comment, finally sinking into the seat beside her once we’re all ready to go.

She throws her head back and laughs. “Better get used to it. Even if this weren’t a destination wedding, I still like to bring all the things. You just never know what you might need.”

I smirk then lean in and kiss her.

It doesn’t take long to arrive at her parent’s house, and that description is an understatement. The enormous home, surrounded by endless vineyards, is more of a sprawling country villa. It’s gorgeous and possesses an old world charm that makes you want to open up a bottle from the Rossi’s private wine cellar, sit out on the back patio and soak up all the vibes. Plus, it’s decked out for the holidays. Too many poinsettias to count sit on the large porch, wreaths cover every window and I can see lights strung from the trees. I bet it looks spectacular at night.

It’s also a bit intimidating and Carlotta must notice my nerves because she reaches over and lays a reassuring hand on my arm. “Don’t be nervous,” she whispers. “They’re going to love you.”

I look down at her graceful fingers and see the big square-cut diamond flashing there. It’s impossible not to notice. When we went ring shopping, it practically jumped out of the case and demanded to be bought. And even though she claimed she didn’t need a rock the size of New York state, I could tell she loved it. So I bought it for her and she lit up like the Fourth of July. She told me she’s never taking it off and, as far as I know, she hasn’t once since I put it on her finger.

Now, I’m going to add a wedding band and seal the deal. I can hardly wait.Who the hell am I?I wonder, stifling a chuckle.Oh, yeah, I’m a man in love.Desperately, head over heels, do- anything-to-make-her-happy in love.

As we’re getting out of the SUV, the double front doors swing open and I get my first look in person at Salvatore and Carmela Rossi. And my shoulders relax, the anxiety disappearing as Carmela hurries over and hugs me before anyone else. Then she hugs Blake. Then her children.

I’m not sure what Carlotta has told her mom about me during their private phone calls, but the fact that she came to me first and threw her arms around me without hesitation makes my chest tighten with emotion. As silly as it sounds, I needed that. The reassurance, the acceptance, the love…it all means so much to a guy who no longer has any family or friends left in his life. Well, had, I remind myself. Because now my life is so full it’s practically bursting.

“Just so you know,” Carmela says, “I’m calling you Damon, not Archer like my boys do.”

I laugh. “You may call me whatever you like,” I respond and wrap an arm around Carlotta’s waist, tugging her near. I need her beside me, need to feel her warmth and support. Meeting her parents is a big deal and I don’t want to screw it up.

“Mom, Dad, I’d like you to meet Damon—officially,” she adds, and everyone chuckles.

“It’s an absolute pleasure,” Carmela says. Then she lowers her voice and leans toward her daughter, as though imparting a secret. But, of course, I can still hear her. “Oh, Lottie, he’s even more handsome in person.”

My lips twitch at the compliment.

Salvatore extends his hand and we shake. “Welcome to the family, Damon,” he says.

“Thank you, sir.”

“Call me Sal like everyone else,” he invites in a gruff voice. His attention slides over to Blake. “And how’re you and my grandbabies doing?”

Blake rounds a hand over her protruding stomach. “They’re kicking now.”

“And keeping her up all night,” Angelo adds, pressing a kiss to her temple.

“Well, come on in and let’s get your feet up. Mela just baked cookies. There’s fresh limoncello and we have a special non alcoholic spritzer for you, Blake. And whoever else may be interested.”

He casts a side-eyed look at Carlotta and I swallow hard, not missing his meaning. But Salvatore is a man who doesn’t mince words or hold back.

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