Best of 2017

Is that what his woman is? His date, and her children, presumably?

I don't say a word as I'm introduced to them. Her name is Kate, the kids are Jonathan and Bella. They're cute, probably around six and twelve. She must be my dad's age or a little younger.

"It's nice to meet you," I tell her honestly, and am surprised to realize I'm being honest.

It is nice to see her. I didn't even know my father was dating, and I shoot him an annoyed look which he makes sure to avoid.

"I should've told you I was bringing other people," dad fidgets. "But I thought it would be awkward if I did, so..."

"So you brought them without telling me," I finish for him, and the woman, Kate, blushes deeply. "I'm sorry, I'm coming off as really rude. I'm really happy you're all here. I wish you'd told me sooner, dad."

He looks up at me and his eyes explain why he didn't. Of course, I understand. I know I would've made a big deal out of it. She is the first woman I've known my father to date since my mother passed away when I was seven years old, though. Of course it's a big deal.

I look at her two children to distract myself.

"Hey guys, I think there's a cat here on the property that just got kittens. You wanna come check it out?"

They nod right away, excitement shining in their eyes. The younger one, Bella, gives me her hand as we walk away from the crowd. I smile at my dad who gives me a grateful look.

"Have fun and I'll be with you in a second," I promise, leading the kids away.

We find the neighborhood tabby and her kittens in the old barn, and the kids go crazy over them. They're gentle and sweet with the cats, and I decide I like them on the spot.

I keep stealing glances at the party going on behind us. Just like I had hoped, my dad is now talking to Mason. I don't think they've spoken to one another in two years - ever since I left my home in the States to leave with Mason.

Their postures now are rigid and I can tell they're uncomfortable around one another, but at least they're talking. It's a good start, and it makes me smile to see them making an effort for my sake.

I wait until the kids have had enough of the kittens, and lead them back to their mom with big smiles on their faces.

Kate gives me a grateful smile once I tell them there's cake by the pool, and they rush in that direction to get the biggest slice they possibly can.

"They're great kids," I tell their mother honestly.

"Thank you." Her smile is shy and she doesn't go on.

It makes me wonder what her story is and how she met my father. The notion of finding out soon is exciting, and I offer her a genuine smile.

"You alright, darling?"

Mason's hand wraps around my waist and I lean back into his embrace. My dad looks a little, but not overtly uncomfortable as he joins us with a flute of champagne for his date. I look between him and Mason expectantly, but neither says a word. Eventually, we fall into a conversation about Italy. Kate confesses she's always wanted to visit Venice.

"Well, you can stay a few days now, can't you?" I ask her, and she nods, giving my father a careful glance.

"We were planning on visiting tomorrow," she explains. "We have to book a hotel still."

"You're welcome to stay here," Mason says with a small smile.

I look at my dad to see if he's going to accept his offer, and am surprised when his strained expression shifts into a small smile.

"That might be nice, yes," he admits. "Thank you, Mason."

After a little while, we move towards the tables that have been set up throughout the lawn. I take the honorary spot at the head of the biggest table, flanked by Mason on one side and my dad on the other. Even Filippe is joining us today, even though it took us ages to convince him. He's part of the family now, too.

Luca's sitting at a table with some of his friends, and I'm grateful he's not at ours. I may have forgiven him for what happened two years ago, but something about him still makes me uncomfortable.

I get up once everyone's at their spots and smile at our guests.

"I have to make the obligatory speech," I explain. "Mason's making me."

"Like every year?" someone asks, and I nod.

"These are kind of a tradition now," I sigh. "I think he just likes hearing me talking about him."

Everyone laughs and Mason sneaks a hand up my leg under the table, disguised by the heavy white tablecloths. I grin at him as I go on.

"I'm so glad you could all be here today," I begin. "Especially my dad and his girlfriend along with her children. Welcome, you guys. I hope you enjoy your stay here."

Kate gives me a smile while Jonathan and Bella stare at me adoringly.

"I think we'll get along well," I laugh. "Especiallywith the help of some kittens."

I look back at my dad.

"And, dad... I'm so happy you're here after all this time. I know things haven't always been easy."

Mason's fingers tighten on my thigh.

"But I'm so glad you're here for the big announcement."

Mason gets up beside me and wraps his arms around me as I giggle into the night.

"Oh, what the hell," he says with the biggest smile. "Sorry, darling, I'm stealing this moment."

He turns me around so I'm facing him.

"Signorina Cara is going to make me the happiest man alive and marry me," he says, and my mouth drops open.

"But-" I start to say, but he drops to his knee before I can go on, presenting me with a ring.

I can't believe this.

"You better say yes," Mason grins at me.

"Yes," I breathe.

Everybody cheers as he puts the ring on my finger. I haven't even had the chance to look at it properly, I'm so damn shocked this is really happening. We never talked

about this. I didn't even know he wanted to marry me...

A look at my father reveals him wiping tears away from his eyes with a napkin, and my bottom lip trembles.

"Dad?" I say, with everyone's eyes still on me.

"Yes, honey?" he asks. His voice is heavy with unspoken emotion.

"You're gonna be a grandpa," I confess, and his eyes widen. "A boy." I point at my dress with shaky fingers. "Baby blue, for your grandson."

He gets up from his seat and wraps me up in a hug I'll remember my whole life. People clap and start coming up to me to congratulate me, but all I can think about is what my father said in my ear when he hugged me.

Thank you.

I look at Mason, leaning back in his chair and downing his champagne. He grins at me, that wicked smile that got me in trouble in the first place. He pats his knee and I sit down, forgetting about all the guests, forgetting about everything as our lips come together in a searing kiss.

"Mine," he mutters against my lips. "My muse."

*The End*

BONUS SCENE

These are the times when Mason makes me forget how old I am.

With clay all over my body, its gentle caress light and wet against my skin.

He makes me forget it's been years since I became his completely. He makes me forget about the three children I've given him over our years together. He makes me feel as carefree, as beautiful, as special as I was when I was only eighteen years old. He makes me believe no time has passed at all, and I'm still his little girl when he whispers cara mia into the shell of my ear.

"You look so beautiful," he mutters gently.

His fingers make quick work of the brush he's holding. He dips it in color as he paints me, and I look over my shoulder to glance at the man I share a life, three children and a never-ending love with.

"Thank you," I whisper, sliding my clay-covered fingers over my forearm.

My hair is messy, and most of my skin is covered in the thick Italian clay that fills the earth under Mason's property. I feel beautiful. Wild, untamed and so very beautiful for him, my man, my lover, my dream.