Page 92 of The Veiling

My eyes welled with tears as I was fighting back the urge to cry, again. This time, tears of joy. “I do.” Trembling, I slid the ring onto his finger.

“These rings symbolize your pledge to love one another now and forever. By the authority vested in me by the State of New York, I now pronounce you husband and wife!” He lifted his brows at Valentino. “You may kiss your bride.”

That second, the entire world moved in slow motion. My husband sighed with relief, feeling the same as me. He pulled me tight against his body, crashing his lips into mine, for the first time as a married couple. My heartbeat sped up and pounded against his body. In the distance, I could hear our family and closest friends celebrating with us. The cheers and whistles echoed through the air, but my focus was only on him. I never wanted that moment to end.

“We should get back down to the reception before people come get us.” I spoke through our kisses.

We had come up to the bedroom to change for the reception, but the moment we were alone, our hands and lips could not control themselves.

“You look stunning in that dress, but I can’t wait to take it off you.” He took my hand, twirling me around slowly. He trailed his fingers up my sides and back to the zipper. Slowly, he tugged it down, sprinkling my shoulders and the back of my neck with kisses. “How does it feel to be my wife?”

I spun around. The top of the strapless dress fell to my waist. “It feels like…peace. Freedom. Love. I feel like I can breathe again. It feels like…home.”

“I have something for you.”

My eyes widened.

He grinned, reaching into his pocket and handed me a piece of paper.

“Last time someone handed me a piece of paper, it told me Noah and I were siblings.”

He chuckled. “This is different.”

“Wait!” I gasped. “Why are you not shocked by this?” I huffed. “Did you know about Noah and me?”

“He came and told me, yes.”

Shaking my head in amusement, I opened the note, realizing it was two sheets. My eyes grew wide once again, and I was astonished. “Oh my God, Valentino,” I rasped as all the air in my lungs left. It was the listing for the main island and smaller island we had escaped to in Tonga. I studied both listings, looking for any sign he was about to give me horrible news on the one day I wanted to be happy. “I don’t understand?” I gazed up at him.

“I want to rebuild with you.” He lifted his chin toward the window. “I want to rebuild everything we’ve lost. I know that property has bad memories but technically Felipe was never there.”

“True.” I sighed.

“Isabelle, I bought you the bigger property for your birthday. It was meant to be a gift of love, and yes, also to send you if things ever got bad here,” he exhaled, “but mostly love.”

I giggled. “I know, baby.”

“Part of rebuilding is creating strong foundations,” he continued. “Felipe is gone. He’s never coming back. No one is after you or us. I made sure the agent was legit this time with zero ties to your family. One of my mother’s closest friends is a real estate agent. Joseph, Noah, and Emilio worked together secretly and looked into this again. So, I hope—”

I laid my palms on his chest. “Thank you. I love it. I’m ready to rebuild everything we lost and start creating new memories.” I stood on my toes, closed my eyes, and kissed my husband.

Never again would I have to answer to Miss Ayala. I was now Mrs. Greco. The wife of Valentino, V, and Sir.

Epilogue

It had been eleven months since our wedding and life finally slowed down just enough for us to come to Tonga, South Pacific, to enjoy the privacy of the island. William had been left in charge of all business matters so I could relax without a single worry for the two weeks I would be away.

Though I would have rather us come alone, we still needed security, and Isabelle requested they be allowed to bring a guest, so they did not get bored. I declined until she reminded me that between Laura, and Paula, Joseph’s girlfriend, we would have people to watch Gianni so we could enjoy some much-needed private time. After not having gotten a solid night’s sleep since our son came into the world, I agreed.

“Your drink, amore.” I handed Isabelle her Mojito mocktail and sat next to her on the canopied beach bed.

“Thank you.” She took a sip. “I never thought I’d say this, but it’s so freaking peaceful here.”

“It’s one of the many reasons I chose this place, and I’m glad we can actually enjoy it now.”

She reached over, curling her fingers around the back of my free hand. “Now, if we just had some more privacy.”

Our gazes trailed over to Joseph and Noah, who were patrolling nearby. Far enough away to give us space, but too close for comfort in my eyes. I took her drink from her hand and placed it with mine on the teakwood end table. I rocked up onto my knees, untying each long, white drape from the posts on the canopy.

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