Page 88 of Ties That Bind Us

My dad motioned for Ava and me to follow him to the side of the stage. I would bring her up for the announcement as well, so we could appear for the first time in front of my future men as husband and wife. My dad went up on stage and took the mic, speaking to everyone in attendance.

“You know, after this there will be no going back.” I arched my eyebrow at Ava. “If you want to run, now’s your chance.”

She let out a sharp laugh. “I think it’s safe to say we’re already past that point. Not that I would even consider it.” She smiled widely, easing any sense of worry I had. Who the fuck cared how Alessandro reacted? She was incredible, and with me, she was free to be exactly what she wanted. It was breathtaking to watch her realize that.

“Good.” I pressed my lips to her ear, kissing gently. “I can’t wait to get this over with and take you home to celebrate properly.”

“We’ve been celebrating for weeks.” She giggled, trying to squirm out of my grasp, but it only made me hold her closer.

“I’m going to celebrate every day for the rest of my life.” I grinned. “I love you.”

“I love you too. More than you could ever know.” She touched my cheek softly and then stood up on her tiptoes to kiss me. I deepened the kiss, slipping my tongue in her mouth, about ready to take her right here. Fuck the announcement. We could send a postcard for all I cared.

“Ahem.” Someone cleared their throat next to us and Ava and I jumped. Alessandro was standing a few feet away from us.

“I’m sorry to interrupt, I understand that you’re about to make some sort of announcement.” Alessandro’s face was flat, completely unreadable.

“We are.” I held Ava protectively close.

“I assume it’s that you will be taking over for your father in the next few months?” Alessandro arched an eyebrow, staring at me and not even looking at Ava. Every muscle in her body was tense.

“Among other things. Can I help you with something, Alessandro? We’ll be needed on stage any minute.” I gritted my teeth. Leave it to him to weasel his way into my moment with Ava.

“I’ll make it quick.” He glared at me and then turned his attention to Ava, putting on a fake-ass smile. “Darling, I have had a change of heart. I am no longer asking you to marry Nick. You can come home whenever.”

“Are you out of your fucking mind?” Nick let out a sharp laugh.

“I never should have made the deal in the first place. You’re my daughter after all, I don’t want to force you into anything you don’t want to do.”

This guy was unreal. His change of heart was about as fake as anything I had ever seen. He couldn’t control Ava so he was trying to figure out another way to weasel his way in. It took all the reserve I had not to knock his lights out, but this was my mother’s event, and it wasn’t the time for a scene like that.

“Actually, Dad,” Ava said, stepping forward, still holding on to my hand. “I love Nick. And I want to stay with him. In fact—” She looked back at me as if asking for permission to continue. I nodded, stunned she was willing to stand up to him like that. “Dad, Nick and I are already married. We have been for several weeks now. Since our trip to Saint Lucia.”

Alessandro’s jaw hardened and he stared intently at Ava, processing her words. Ava didn’t back down, and stood a few inches in front of me, still gripping my hand tightly. I knew she was nervous but I had never been so proud of her.

“And now I’d like to introduce my son and future daughter-in-law . . .” My dad’s voice came from the stage and the room erupted into applause. Perfect timing.

Ava looked at Alessandro expectantly, but he stood completely stoic. I tugged on her hand and she hesitantly turned away from him and followed me up the stairs.

“I am so fucking proud of you,” I whispered to her as we walked up the stairs. “You were incredible.”

She gave an unsure smile and we made our way to the podium.

I clutched her hand at my side and waited until the room had quieted down. “Thank you all so much for being here tonight. Every year my mother puts on a wonderful fundraiser for underprivileged kids in New York, and it is because of your support that that is possible.”

There was loud applause again.

“Tonight is special for a multitude of reasons. One of them being that my father is officially announcing his retirement and I will be taking over for him in the next few months. It is not a position I take lightly, and I am thrilled about what the future holds for the group.”

More boisterous applause.

“I am confident about the future because I know who will be beside me through it.” I grinned at Ava. “Several months ago, Ava accepted my proposal, and at the time, we knew nothing about each other. Since then, we have gotten to know each other and I can tell you there is no one more fit lead beside me than this woman right here. She is brilliant, charismatic, and one of the bravest people I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. She’s pretty easy on the eyes as well.” A few laughs traveled through the crowd. “I am telling you all of this because Ava is another reason that this night is special to me. Tonight, I get to announce that this beautiful woman married me on a beach in Saint Lucia a few weeks ago, and it was the best day of my life.”

The entire room erupted in laughter. Ava smiled, glancing around anxiously. I watched as her eyes landed on Alessandro, who threw the wine glass he was holding against the wall and stalked out one of the side doors.

“Ignore him, baby. Look at everybody who is thrilled for us,” I whispered against her ear. She nodded briefly and relaxed slightly.

I finished my speech and Ava and I exited the stage. We spent the rest of the night fielding congratulations, and I introduced Ava to several of the men in our group. Her father’s reaction had only momentarily shaken her, and I could tell she was easing up a little bit. I loved watching her with other people. She was so charismatic that I couldn’t help but watch in awe at the way she captivated everyone she spoke with, making them feel as if they were the most important person in the room. Every once in a while she would catch me staring, and a slight blush would blanket her cheeks.

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