Page 91 of Always Be True: Tino
He definitely looked relieved. “I’m glad you feel that way, but there are some downsides to this plan.”
“Which are?”
“Depending on how soon I can get into the right classes, it could be as long as three years before I get my degree. While I’m in school, I can only work part-time, most likely for Jack in the family business. Even when I graduate, I’ll never get rich.”
What could she say to that? Knowing Tino, honesty was the only way to go. “My grandfather taught me that some things are more important than having money, Tino. He would give up every dime he has to have even one more day with my grandmother. I’m sure your mother feels that same way about Joe. Doing what you can to offer other kids like you and your brothers a better life is a far better legacy to leave the world than a pile of cash.”
He stared down at her. “I hope you mean that, Natalie.”
“Of course I do. Why do you think I work so hard to stretch every dollar my grandfather’s foundation spends to help as many people as possible?”
“What about your parents? Didn’t they want a different life for you?”
Yeah, they had. She was struck by a sudden truth. “Maybe you’re not the only one who tried to take on a role that didn’t really fit. I think that’s what happened when I accepted Benton’s proposal. Marriage to him would’ve been just the first step in becoming someone I never want to be. Looking back, I realize that for a short time I lost sight of the real me.”
Tino clearly wasn’t convinced. “But you seemed at home that night at the country club. Those people are your peers.”
“The truth is that I’d rather hang out with Clarence and Rosalie at the community center. Even if my folks might have chosen a different path for me, I know they just want me to be happy.”
In a sudden move, Tino lifted her up in his arms. It wasn’t the first time, but she suspected she would never get tired of him sweeping her off her feet. He deposited her on the sofa. “Stay there.”
When he seemed satisfied that she’d obey his abrupt command, he walked over to the desk and picked up a small bag. He carried it as if it was fragile or maybe precious to him. Rather than joining her on the couch, he planted his feet right in front of her.
“Brace yourself, Natalie, because I feel like I’m jumping out of a plane and praying my parachute will open.” He offered her a crooked grin as he dropped down to one knee. “You being the ’chute, you see, because none of the plans I’ve made mean a damn thing if you’re not part of them.”
By this point, her heart was in her throat, and her hands shook so hard that she grabbed onto the sofa cushion for support. Tino kept talking.
“I have been plotting with your grandfather this past week. Right after the last time I saw you, I gathered up every scrap of courage I could muster and asked for his permission to propose to you. He not only approved, but he also gave me your grandmother’s engagement ring so I could have the diamond put in a new setting. He thought you’d like that connection with her.”
He pulled a small box out of the gift bag and held it out. It was a relief to see that his hands were as twitchy as hers were as he lifted the lid. “Natalie Kennigan, will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?”
Tino drew a ragged breath and continued. “I think I’ve loved you since that first day when you smiled at me with that streak of green paint on your pretty face. I may never be rich, but I will love you every day of our life together.”
He paused one more time, his smile so achingly hopeful. “So, what do you say? Want to take a chance on an ex-soldier who shares your dream of making the world a better place?”
There was so much she should say to this amazing man who understood her so well. When she couldn’t manage to string all those words together, she settled for the ones he most needed to hear.
Holding out her finger so he could slip the ring in place, she said, “Yes, Tino Gianelli. And for the record, I love you, too.”
Tino immediately surged to his feet and lifted her high against his chest as he kissed her hard and fast to seal the deal. The familiar heat and hunger she’d been missing for so long flashed hot. But before things got too far out of hand, the door to the library slammed open, and her grandfather rolled in with Esther hot on his heels carrying a tray full of champagne glasses.
Natalie gasped when her parents and Marlene Lukash filed in right behind them. A second later, Jack McShane followed his mother into the room along with a teenage boy and a woman who had to be Jack’s wife.
“Took you long enough, boy.” Her grandfather’s grin went from ear to ear. “Do you have any idea how hard it was to keep this bunch quiet while you dillydallied around? Hell, I was afraid this champagne would turn into vinegar before you finally got around to proposing.”
Then he popped the cork and sent a spray of the bubbly wine flying through the air. “Esther, drinks all around!”
—
Tino was relieved that his brand-new fiancée looked as shell-shocked by the sudden appearance of their families as he felt.
She blinked up at him. “I take it you weren’t expecting this kind of turnout.”
He slowly lowered her back down to the floor. “Not at all. I had planned to pick up the ring and then head over to your place to surprise you. Your grandfather is quite the schemer.”
“Yes, he is. It’s too bad your younger brother couldn’t make it.”
No sooner had she said the words, when Mikhail appeared in the doorway. “Damn it, Jack, couldn’t you have held them back long enough for me to get out of the bathroom? I came straight from the airport and hadn’t had a chance to make a pit stop along the way.”
