Page 21 of Mafia Daddy

I call my most loyal men so they can take Lucas out of here. Cara doesn’t have to know how I deal with pricks like him. Besides, there’s no way I’m leaving her alone. From this day forward, Lucas will no longer be a threat.

14

CARA

Carlo parks the car on the side of the road and takes my hand in his, "Come with me."

I don't hesitate for a moment. I have complete trust in him. Wherever he takes me, I’m in. Whatever he wants me to do, I’m in. It’s so liberating to have someone like him beside me, with me.

We step out of the car into the night sky. The events of today weigh so heavily on my mind that I don't even realize where we were. I look around, trying to take in my surroundings, and I see that we are back on the Brooklyn Bridge.

Huh.

The majestic structure looms above us, illuminated by the moonlight. This is the same place where Carlo kissed me for the first time, and my heart skips a beat at the memory.

We walk along the bridge, hand in hand. The sound of the cars passing by is drowned out by the beating of my heart. I look up at the sky, and the stars seem to twinkle brighter than normal. The sound of the waves crashing against the pillars and the cool breeze blowing through my hair—everything is perfect.

As we reach the middle of the bridge, Carlo stops and turns to face me. God, I’ll never get tired of looking at his face and massive frame. I feel so small and feminine when I’m with him. I’m his, completely, undeniably his.

"Cara, I know today has been rough for you, and I just want to do something special for you," he tells me.

I smile at him, feeling my heart swell with love for this man. "You always know how to make me feel better, Daddy."

He takes a step closer to me, his hand caressing my cheek, and I lean into his touch.

"I love you, Cara. More than anything in this world."

My eyes well up with tears as I gaze up at him. "I love you too, Carlo. More than anything," I manage to whisper back, my voice thick with emotion.

It’s so amazing how much my life has changed in less than a week. Just days ago, I was scared, uncertain of the future, and anxious. Carlo took care of all that and more. For the first time in my life, someone else has taken the reins for me, making sure I’m happy, safe, and at peace. Him being strong for both of us means more to me than I can ever tell him.

His hand reaches out, gently caressing my cheek, sending warmth and tingles all over me. "Cara. My girl. My little girl."

He reaches into his pocket and pulls out a small black box. My breath quickens as he suddenly gets down on one knee and opens it, revealing a sparkling diamond ring. The band is rose gold, and the diamond is large and finely cut in an oval shape and it sparkles brightly under the moonlight. It’s the most beautiful ring I have ever seen.

My hands fly to my mouth but unable to stifle my gasp.

"Cara, I know this isn't the most romantic place to ask this, and maybe it's not the most romantic time either, but after today's events, I don't want to wait any longer. I want to officially make you mine forever. Cara LaRocca, will you marry me?"

I can't believe the words I’m hearing. Standing on the Brooklyn Bridge with the city around us, I feel like I’m on top of the world. I already know that Carlo is the one for me, the one I want to spend the rest of my life with.

My heart is racing, and my hands trembling with excitement and happiness. I can't stop the tears streaming down my face as I look at him, a huge smile spreading across my lips. "Yes, Carlo Castello! Yes, I will marry you!"

His face lights up with a huge grin, and he immediately leans in to kiss me. This is a moment I know would stay with me forever, one that I would cherish for the rest of my life. In this single moment, we’re transported to a realm where only our love exists.

We pull away from each other, gasping for air, and Carlo looks deep into my eyes. "I promise you, Cara, I will always be here for you. No matter what happens, I will always protect you and love you with all my heart."

“I’m yours. I’ve always been yours.”

EPILOGUE

CARA

It's been a year since the day Carlo got down on one knee and proposed to me and eleven months since I walked down the aisle and married the love of my life.

My father didn’t give us his blessing for the wedding even if Lucio attended, but when he found out I was pregnant, he was actually the first one to reach out. We cannot go back in time, but somehow, my father eventually realized his lack of presence in my life.

So far, he’s doing well as a grandfather.

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