EPILOGUE
One year later
IT WAS LATE March and their first anniversary was just a week away. They were scheduled to leave for Ravello in two days to celebrate their first anniversary in style and enjoy a second honeymoon, something both Rachel and Gio were very much looking forward to.
But nothing was going to plan.
Again.
Instead of packing for their seaside villa in Ravello and anticipating their luxurious getaway in the glorious Italian sun, they were zipping along in the Marcello speedboat, heading to the hospital with Rachel tightly, frantically gripping Gio’s hand.
She hurt. And she was scared. “He’s coming too early,” she gasped, as another swift, hard contraction hit.
Gio just held her hand until the contraction subsided. “We’re almost to the hospital,” he said quietly, leaning over to kiss her. “It won’t be long now.”
“But what is his hurry?” she cried, looking up into Gio’s blue eyes. “He had another month to just hang out and relax. That was all he had to do, too.”
Gio’s lips quirked, and yet his touch was gentle and calming as he stroked her hair back from her damp brow. “I think he’s eager to meet everybody and begin playing with his big brother.”
“Well, he should have consulted me about his plans, because I’m not ready.” Rachel gulped in another breath of air. “But just like a Marcello, he does what he wants and expects everyone to adjust and accommodate his whims.”
Gio laughed softly. “Thank goodness you understand your Marcellos.”
“You’re all a lot of work!”
“And now you’ll have one more.”
Her tense expression eased, her lips curving. “Thank goodness I love little boys.” She looked up into her husband’s eyes. “I just want him healthy. I’m scared that he’s coming too soon.”
“Not all babies go full-term. I was early. He’ll be perfect. I promise.”
“He doesn’t have to be perfect. I will love him however he is.”
“I know you will. You are the best mother, the best wife.” Gio kissed her again. “Bella Rachel, ti amo.”
She blinked back tears. “I love you, too.” She gripped his hand tighter. “I think the next contraction is starting. They’re coming faster and closer.” She blinked and exhaled, trying to remember her breathing, trying not to panic. “Oh, I just want to get there. I really don’t want to give birth in a motorboat.”
He leaned over, kissed her forehead. “We’re almost there.”
She clenched his hand hard as the contraction made everything tighten. “Oh—oh, Gio. This is serious.”
The boat was slowing, the lights of the mainland ahead of them. “I see the ambulance,” he said. “We’re here. You’re going to be fine.”
“I don’t know if fine is the word,” she panted, “but as long as I’m not delivering in a speedboat, I won’t complain. You know I love Venice, but this is a bit much.”
He smiled at her, but didn’t answer, too intent on helping her breathe through the pain. “I love you,” he whispered as the contraction eased. “And I’m so proud of you. Together we have created the most extraordinary life.”
Gio repeated the very same words less than an hour later as he held his newborn son, a boy they’d already decided to name Antonio after Gio’s beloved brother.
Rachel blinked back tears as she watched Giovanni walk around her hospital room, cradling their son, murmuring to their newborn in Italian.
She still wasn’t fluent in Italian but she understood what he was saying to baby Antonio.
I love you, my beautiful boy.
Her eyes stung all over again, her heart so very full.
They’d come full circle, she thought, and what an astonishing circle it was. Full of love and hope and the happy-ever-after she’d thought was only found in fairy tales.
Which must mean fairy tales did come true. At least, in Venice they did.
* * * * *