Page 87 of The Veiling

Isabelle rolled her eyes. “I’m happy for you guys, and tonight is a celebration for both of us.” She gave them both another hug before she sashayed back over and sat down, leaning close to me. “And I didn’t even have to play cupid with them.”

I pressed my lips to hers. “But between them and Marco and Elise, you’re beaming.”

“I’m just happy when everyone else is.”

“And that’s one of the many reasons why I love you.”

“Did you know about Noah and Laura?”

“Yes.” I bobbed my head back and forth. “Well, kind of. Noah asked my permission privately before he asked my brothers and father.”

“This is the perfect night,” she began to tear up. “I love you and your family so much.”

“Ourfamily, amore.” I laid my hand on her leg.

The food was served, and everyone chatted and dined. Some of us even had more to drink than we should have. It was wonderful to see my family smiling and complete. My mother held Aston, bouncing him up and down gently on her knee while she ate dessert.

My phone vibrated in my pocket, and I dug it out, looking at the screen. “It’s Joseph. I have to take this.”

Pronto. I pushed away from the table and strode through the double doors into the hallway, where it would be quieter.

Hey, Valentino.Everything is settled, and we’ll be there tomorrow.

Did you have any problems with the things I asked you to do?

Not at all. I think she’ll love it.

Thank you for everything. We’ll see you tomorrow.

You’re welcome. See you then.

I glanced in the mirror hanging above a table with assorted candles and an elaborate floral centerpiece. Finding myself lost in my thoughts about life after tomorrow, I did not hear the door open and close, but I felt the presence of someone. I turned to see my father approaching.

“What are you doing out here?”

“I received a call from Joseph about a surprise for Isabelle.”

“Speaking of surprise,” he cleared his throat, “your mother and I wanted to give you something. Both of you, actually.”

“What would that be?”

“We know how much you love our home here, and well,” he rolled his eyes, “what do you get someone who has everything?”

“You didn’t have to get us any—”

“Anything?” He patted me on the arm. “You know better. We’re getting older and we want to live out the rest of our days back home in Italy.”

My expression changed to worry.

“No, neither of us are dying.”

My posture relaxed.

“But we want to give you and your new family a beautiful place that means everything to us. A place you can escape when you need to or relocate should you desire.”

“A house?”

“Our house, here.”

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