Speak Low (Speak Easy 2)

He kissed my temple. “Yes, I do. But I’ll probably still tease you.”

“How would I know I married the real Joey Lupo if you didn’t?”

He released me slightly and tipped up my chin. “I’d do anything for you.” He kissed me. “Anything. You want me to leave bootlegging behind, I’ll do it. You want to move away from Detroit, I’ll do it. You want ten kids, I’ll do it.”

I laughed. “Uh, let’s start with one—eventually. And you don’t have to leave bootlegging behind, not completely. Just promise me you’ll be careful and smart, and if it gets dangerous, you’ll quit.”

“Promise.”

“And there is something you can do for me.”

“Name it.”

“I want to go to New York and stay in a big hotel like the Astor or the Plaza.”

He kissed me again. “Done.”

I hugged him close. “So how much longer do we have to stay at this reception? I’m dying to get these clothes off you.”

“Say the word and I’ll carry you out of here.”

“Now.”

“That is a word you like, I’ve noticed.

” After one last kiss, Joey pulled the pantry door open, and led me back through the kitchen. We ignored the knowing looks among the waiters, who elbowed each other and guffawed, keeping our heads up as we re-entered the restaurant. As always, Joey’s family said the longest goodbyes in all Creation, each person hugging and kissing us and wishing us well. I endured more than a few jokes about having children soon, and rolled my eyes at Bridget, who was laughing at me from across the room. I knew she understood.

We said goodbye to my family too, Daddy actually kissing my cheek and then Joey’s wordlessly. My sisters hugged and kissed us both, and Bridget clung to me for a long moment. “I know you’ll be happy together,” she whispered. “Vince would be so glad.” I squeezed her back and turned to Evelyn, who embraced me while Ted shook Joey’s hand.

“I can’t believe it, Tiny. You’re married. To Joey!” She released me but kept my hands in hers.

“I know. I can’t believe it either,” I admitted. I’m glad you and Ted aren’t as stubborn or blind as Joey and I were.”

“Me too.” She leaned in again to whisper in my ear. “Cross your fingers for me. I think we might be next.”

“Crossed,” I whispered back in hers.

She giggled. “Now go. Any fool can see how impatient you two are to be alone.” Glancing at the ceiling, she added, “And if the chandeliers start shaking, I’ll know why.”

I gave her one last hug and took Joey’s hand, and we walked out the main doors into the lobby. It was there Joey swept me into his arms and carried me up two flights of stairs. I laughed when he started skipping steps on the second flight. “Take it easy. I don’t want you worn out before we even get inside.”

He grinned. “Never.”

Without setting me down, he turned the knob and opened the door to his apartment.

Our apartment.

Inside, he went straight for the bedroom, setting me down at the side of the bed. I grabbed him by the tie and pulled his mouth to mine, tipping backward onto the mattress. He laughed as he fell on top of me, then propped himself up slightly on his hands, pressing his lower body into mine. My breath hitched at feeling him hard on my leg, and I wiggled impatiently beneath him. “Too many clothes between us,” I whined. “Get them off, now.”

He laughed, and my insides filled with longing again as I looked up at him. I’d never get enough. “Relax, Mrs. Lupo. We’re just getting started.”

It’s only the beginning, I thought as I brought my hands to his face. When he lowered his lips to mine, I remembered thinking the exact same thing the day he’d kissed me in the front hall, only that day the words had filled me with trepidation.

Today, I just felt alive, bursting with life and love and hope, and it was everything I wanted.

Epilogue

Joey and I spent a week in New York after we wed, and a more romantic honeymoon I could not have imagined. Soon after we returned I discovered I was in a family way—of course I was, we were terribly careless about precautions from the start—and we began planning for our family. I thought I might feel some regret at expecting so soon, but I never did. Joey still said he’d support my going to school if I wanted to, and I did, in fact, take a few classes before the baby arrived. It was a good thing I was interested in science, because I was only permitted to take classes where the long white lab coats would hide my condition.