Stefano’s gaze took in my lacy, summer dress that hung off my shoulders. I loved the feminine feel and the soft pink color. Charly had woven some ribbons and pearls into my curls, and I added strappy sandals I knew Stefano would love. His eyes were lit with fire as he lazily eyed me up and down, his expression passionate, his approval evident. He held out his hand, and I hurried the last few steps to meet him. He bent and kissed me, his lips warm on mine.
“Beautiful, Tesoro. You take my breath away.”
Everyone laughed as Rosa huffed. “Stefano, no yet. Be patient.”
He chuckled and threw her a wink. “I’ve waited long enough, Mama.”
“Oh Dio,” she sighed, looking heavenward.
Our ceremony was brief and simple. We exchanged vows, rings, and Stefano included Theo in his heartfelt declaration, stating he vowed to love and cherish us both. Theo held up his arms, and Stefano bent and lifted him, hugging him close, still holding my hand. Theo stayed there the rest of the service, making everyone laugh when Stefano kissed me, then him at the end. We were pronounced husband, wife, and son, much to Theo’s delight. He’d already started calling Stefano “Dad.” The first time it happened, Stefano was so thrilled, his smile didn’t fade for about an hour. He started the adoption process the next day.
Kelly was at our wedding and took all our photos. She was talented and creative and set up a photo booth in the corner of the house, making sure to take pictures of everyone there. She did family and group shots for everyone as our gift to them for coming. She helped me create a collage of our pictures, which I hung in the bedroom. It was a special memento I treasured. She had blushed when I reiterated to her that she was too talented to be an assistant. I only hoped she struck out on her own one day. She deserved that.
After our wedding, we settled into the house and life. Living with Stefano was a new experience. His excitement over the pregnancy was contagious. Being able to share all of it with him was such a joy. He held my hair when I was ill. Laughed at my cravings. Cradled me when I cried, rubbed my sore back and aching feet. And he did it all with love and tenderness. I was never too afraid to speak, to share. He listened and absorbed. He made sure Theo was involved. He made me feel safe, loved, and protected.
Every day.
Warm lips ghosted over my cheek, and I opened my eyes, meeting Stefano’s dark gaze.
“My girls are having a little nap,” he murmured.
I yawned. “It was so nice in the sun. Not too warm, just pleasant.”
He sat down, looking at me hopefully. Laughing, I handed Luna to her daddy. He’d picked her name, saying she was the moon in his sky. I thought it was pretty and suited her. Luna Marie was welcomed by everyone around her, and she knew nothing but love.
He took her, resting her on his knees as he cooed down to her. “Hello, my little moon. Enjoying some quiet time with Mommy?” He chuckled as she yawned the way I did, her little arms lifting. “Good plan. Your brother will be home soon from playing baseball with Uncle Chase and Uncle Brett. With the three of them here, there won’t be much quiet time. He’ll want some time with you, and so will your uncles.”
“Charly, Maxx, and the kids are coming too,” I reminded him. “And apparently, Kelly arrived this morning.”
Stefano frowned. “I didn’t know she was coming for a visit.”
“Neither did Charly. She says Kelly told her she was on hiatus for a while.”
“Hmm,” he replied. “Wonder what that means.”
“I’m sure we’ll find out.” I watched him for a moment, loving how sweet he was with our girl. “I wonder how Brett will react?”
He lifted Luna to his shoulder, smiling as she snuggled in tight to his neck. He stroked her back as he mulled over my words.
“I don’t know. I thought they were getting tight at our wedding, then she left. Brett was really upset. I don’t think they’ve kept in touch, and she hasn’t been back since.” He sighed. “I tried to talk to him about her, but he was pretty tight-lipped. Refused to say a word.”
“Charly tried with both of them. Got nowhere. I think Brett told her to mind her own business. She was rather pissed about that,” I chuckled.
Stefano laughed, the sound rumbling through his chest and making Luna squirm. He rubbed her back again. “Sorry, little moon.” Then he grinned. “Ms. It-is-my-business-because-I-say-so wouldn’t like that, I agree. But he certainly isn’t talking. I guess we’ll see what happens.”
“I guess so. I hope they are at least civil.”