“I can’t lose you again,” she simply said.
“Told you I wasn’t going anywhere.”
“That’s not good enough. For either of us. We are too perfect when we’re together to not really be together, Rafe. It’ll take time and work and trial and error. But I want you to know that you are the only man for me. The only one I’ll ever love like this. I’m ready to be your wife, Rafe. I’m ready to be a part of this family.”
His arms were suddenly around her and he lifted her off her feet as he squeezed her tight.
The entire family erupted in animated conversation, mostly in Italian. Out of the corner of her eye, she caught Linney vacating her chair, tentatively inching closer to the gregarious activity.
When Rafe finally released Jenna, she asked him, “What are they all saying?”
“Plenty about a church wedding, a huge reception, family coming in from Italy, twelve to fifteen bridesmaids, a dress with a six-foot train, seven flower girls—”
“Hives, Rafe,” she said on a sharp breath. “I’m about to break out in hives.”
He laughed heartily. “I’m just kidding, sweetheart. I have no idea what the hell they’re talking about. I’m too busy being blown away by you.”
She smiled, her panic vanishing. “You really shouldn’t tease me like that.”
“Sometimes, I can’t resist. And as much as I will forever acknowledge the fact that you were the one to propose this time, I do have to respect a time-honored tradition.”
He knelt on a knee. The conversation halted once more. Rafe took the ring from the box and slipped it onto Jenna’s finger. “Please don’t ever take this off.”
“I won’t.” She combed her fingers through his thick hair. “Ever.”
Vesta stepped forward. “This time, you must have it blessed by Father Michael when he returns, cara mia. For heritage sake…I insist.”
Through watery eyes, Jenna said, “We will, Aunt Vesta. I promise.”
The others burst into dialogue all at once, filling the house with laughter and cheerful toasts.
Jenna practiced her breathing. Linney sucked down more wine. Rafe accepted congratulations from his relatives.
It turned into the best Thanksgiving Jenna could have ever dreamed of, hoped for, envisioned… With a side of spicy peppers she made Vesta swear she’d make as a special tapas dish at the restaurant. Where Jenna intended to spend much more time.
As an official Sampogna.
Excerpt: Needing You
By Calista Fox
Description:
A slow burn that turns into a raging bonfire… Hollywood’s newest—and most unlikely—“It” couple find themselves in desperate need of each other—for reasons that will draw out torturous emotions and secrets. And ignite soul-deep passion and desires…
Silver Monroe is a sultry actress with a horrific past that haunts her. Kolby Marx is a sexy, carefree surf champion who lives for the sun, sand and sea. But when Silver’s best friend, a famous indie director/producer, unexpectedly throws them together in a steamy scene for his erotic film, the sparks fly!
Kolby is the direct opposite of Silver’s previous edgy on- and off-screen leading men. Yet she and Kolby are scorching-hot together. He’s got a world title to win, but Kolby can’t escape the magnet-and-steel effect he and Silver share. As they get to know the very deepest parts of each other—and themselves—Kolby and Silver realize the slow burn that started in a movie studio and grew into a raging bonfire is as emotionally poignant as it is sexually charged.
But their soul-deep romance comes with a price when Silver’s ex-lover stalks her—and her grisly past catches up with her. Can Kolby help Silver to finally release the torment within her, spawned by a lifetime of private abuse? Or will Silver give into the dark r
age…and lose Kolby forever?
The Set-Up: Silver and Kolby are unexpectedly reunited on a movie set for her best friend’s indie project…and Jimmy has one hell of a scene in mind for the two star-crossed superstars!
* * *
Silver could only imagine how many wet bikini bottoms Kolby Marx left in his wake, and how much drool accumulated on the beach when he hit the waves with his board.