I took Stefano’s hand, and we walked down the street, turning the corner. We didn’t talk, enjoying the fresh air and light breeze. I let him lead me since he seemed to have a destination in mind. He stopped in front of a house, gazing at it. I followed his stare, admiring the two-story structure, the picket fence, and the garden. It was large and pretty with the stonework and ivy growing on it. A double garage was set back from the house at the end of a long driveway.
“I have to drop something off here,” he said.
“Okay,” I replied, following him as he tugged me up the driveway. “Lovely house.”
“Yeah, it is.”
He didn’t stop at the front door, instead opening it and stepping in. I was confused by his behavior but followed. Inside, I stopped, unsure.
“Stefano, it’s empty.”
He met my gaze. “For now.”
I looked around, suddenly understanding. “What have you done?” I gasped.
“Arranged for a viewing,” he replied.
“Stefano—”
He cut me off. “Look around with me. Please.”
I was in love before we got to the second floor. Wide-planked wooden floors, a fireplace, a huge, updated eat-in kitchen, plus an office were on the main floor. The rooms were bright and filled with light. Upstairs were three large bedrooms, the master having the benefit of an en suite added to it. The attic was a blank canvas, ready to be finished. Downstairs was lots of storage and, as Stefano insisted, a prerequisite wine cellar and cold room.
“All Italian homes have one.” He grinned.
We ended up back in the living room. I ran my hand over the mantel, admiring the intricate molding.
“I’m glad they didn’t change this when they updated.”
“No, the owner was very sympathetic when he did the renos. A new gas insert but the old-fashioned look.”
I nodded, my gaze straying to the backyard that could be accessed through a set of French doors here and off the kitchen. There was a planned deck, Stefano told me, plus a great garage.
“Can you see Theo playing in the yard?” Stefano asked me.
I turned to him. “You want to buy this house?”
“I want us to buy this house.” My eyes widened in shock as he sank to one knee and offered me a box. “I want us to live here together as a family. Marry me, Tesoro. Please.”
His simple words filled my heart. His love-filled gaze broke me.
“I’m pregnant,” I burst out, then began to cry.
His jaw went slack. He stood, towering over me, his gaze a mixture of emotion. He cupped my face, holding my cheeks tenderly. “Pregnant,” he whispered.
I nodded. “I found out today. It’s early, but I’m pregnant. I was on birth control, but it failed, I guess. I don’t know how—”
His chuckle broke into my ramblings. “The usual way, I suspect.” He bent and kissed the end of my nose. “You know I can’t keep my hands off you.”
He slid one hand down, resting it on my stomach. “A bambino,” he murmured. “Mine.”
“Are you–are you happy?” I hiccupped.
He returned his hand to my face, shaking his head. “Tesoro, I told you I wanted everything with you. A life, a family. Do you really think I would greet this news with anything but joy?” He frowned. “How are you feeling about it?”
“Happy, excited, scared,” I replied, covering his wrists with my hands. “I want this baby, Stefano. I want a life with you.”
“You have no reason to be scared. This time, this life, will be different, Gabriella,” he whispered. “I swear.”
“I know.”
“Then say yes. Accept my ring and marry me. Soon.”
I drew in a deep breath. “Yes.”
He crashed his mouth to mine, kissing me deeply. He lifted me off the floor, swinging me around, laughing.
Setting me on my feet, he opened the lid of the box and slid the ring on my finger. An oval-shaped diamond was surrounded by smaller ones, the effect stunning. More tiny diamonds studded the intricate band. It glimmered and shone in the light, casting its brilliance on the walls.
“It’s beautiful,” I whispered.
“I knew you would love it as soon as I saw it. I’ve had it a couple of weeks.”
“Breaking the speed limit again,” I said.
“Smashing it,” he agreed.
“Does anyone know?”
He grinned, lifting one shoulder. “Only Brett. I kept this all to myself, otherwise. Even the house. Speaking of which…” He trailed off, slipping his phone from his pocket and calling someone.
“Trevor? Hey. Yeah, she loved it. Finish the offer. I need possession as soon as possible.”
He hung up, looking pleased with himself.
“Pretty sure I just bought us this house, Tesoro.”
I flung my arms around his neck, the tears coming once more. He held me tight, slowly rocking us.
“Everything is going to be good now. I promise,” he crooned. “You have nothing left to fear.”
“I know.”
He pulled back, wiping my cheeks. “Nothing will hurt you again.”