Ruined in Vows (Marchetti Family #3)

31. One Month Later…

Chapter 31

One Month Later…

Allegra

R omeo wiggles in my arms, squealing in delight as we watch his mamma practice her ballet routine. Despite her prominent, round, pregnant belly, it doesn’t deter her dancing. She is a work of art, her body moving in ways that would be impossible for most people let alone a pregnant lady. But here my sister-in-law is, proving that nothing will stop her love of dance.

The music hits its crescendo, dramatic and intense. Ocean pushes up on her toes, spinning slowly, her body bending slightly at the waist. She looks so elegant; you can’t help but watch her. The music stops and at the same time, Ocean straightens, blowing out a breath.

She peeks over at me with pink tinged cheeks. “How was it?”

“You’re amazing,” I tell her honestly. “And this little guy is so proud of his mamma, aren’t you baby.” I coo, tickling his sides.

Romeo squeals as if to prove my point, making grabby hands at Ocean.

She chuckles, grabbing her water then making her way over to where we sit on the chaise couch. Just before she takes a seat beside us, a deep, masculine voice rumbles in the silence, startling us.

“Although that was very impressive, you should be taking it easy, Tesoro, ” Nico drawls, pushing off the wall he was observing his wife from and eating up the distance between them.

Ocean blushes, her eyes filled with as much love as her husband’s as they stare at each other. “I can’t just do nothing. You know standing still drives me crazy,” she murmurs. Nico tsks, wrapping his arms around her body and pulling her in close.

I watch them. Longing surges inside me at their easy intimacy, their love. Though I am extremely happy for my brother, I can’t help but feel a little jealous that they get to be so open with their affection. I sigh at my errant thoughts. Here I am, all but moaning about circumstances, when really I should be grateful, that after all the pain I went through thinking Dante was dead, that he is alive. And soon he will be back here with me – exactly where he belongs.

Considering my impending wedding, I’m not sure how long our reunited bliss will last but I am going to make the most of it, regardless of what happens or comes next.

After all, nothing worth having comes easy. I should know that more than anyone.

“What time are you leaving?” I ask my brother, drawing his attention away from his wife.

He moves toward me, scooping up his son and nuzzling his neck. Romeo giggles, the sound so cute, it hits me right in the chest. I briefly wonder if Dante and I will get the chance to have children. He would be an amazing daddy.

“Now. I just came to say goodbye to my wife and son,” he murmurs, gently squeezing Romeo close to his chest.

I nod, guilt clogging my throat. I hate that Nico is in this position, but we have no other choice.

“Be safe,” I whisper.

He cocks a brow, smirking. “Do you have such little faith in me, little sister?”

My brother’s ego knows no bounds.

Chuckling, I shake my head. “No. But things can always go wrong.”

Ocean sucks in a harsh breath, and I inwardly slap myself. I shouldn’t be discussing this in front of her. She has been anxious enough about Nico leaving and the mission as it is. I don’t need to be adding fuel to the fire.

My brother glares at me, wrapping his free hand around his wife and pulling her into his side. He presses a kiss to her forehead. “You have nothing to worry about, Tesoro . Everything will be fine, and I will be home before you know it.”

Ocean exhales wearily, though when she glances up at him, it is with a dreamy look on her face.

“I will miss you,” she murmurs.

Nico grins, satisfaction flashing in his blue eyes.

“I feel the same way, baby. But I will be gone for twenty-four hours at the most.”

Ocean melts into him, love hearts bursting from her eyes. Wanting his mamma’s attention, Romeo grips her cheeks, tugging until her gaze is on him. She laughs, while Nico mumbles something about his son taking away his wife’s attention.

“I better get cleaned up.” She looks at me. “Can you watch him while I shower?”

“Of course,” I say, reaching out to take my nephew.

I look at my brother, only to wish I hadn’t when I see the lustful look on his face.

“I have some time. I will come help you get cleaned up, Tesoro .”

“Ugh. Gross,” I groan, taking Romeo. I throw them both a pointed look. “Go do what you’ve got to do. I will be in the den.”

Leaving the studio quickly, I make my way up the stairs and down the hall, stopping at the kitchen when I spot Mamma at the counter making fresh pasta while Alessio hovers close by. He watches her with a possessive, but awestruck, look in his eyes as she talks him through what she is doing.

“You’re really something special, you know that, Valentina.” It’s not a question but a statement, one that turns my mamma’s cheeks red.

“Thank you, Alessio. But it’s really not that hard once you get the hang of it.” Mamma murmurs her response.

Alessio sighs in exasperation. I cock my head, waiting to hear what he comes back with.

“I didn’t mean the pasta and you know it. When are you going to let me in?” There is a hint of vulnerability to his plea.

Mamma pauses what she is doing, turning to face him fully. “You’re a good man Alessio. You deserve more than the broken, forty-eight-year-old, widowed wife of Lorenzo Marchetti. I can’t give you what you want or need.”

He shakes his head, grabbing her hands and bending slightly at the knee so he can get in her line of sight. I bite back a smile. You’ve got to give Alessio credit for being so reckless. Nico would have his balls if he witnessed any of this.

“Don’t you dare put yourself down. You are amazing, Valentina Marchetti. The most beautiful woman I have ever laid eyes on but it’s more than that. You are strong. Kind. And all that is good in this world. You can keep pushing me away, but I will keep coming back until you give in to this. To us. Because it’s right. And you damn well know it.” He speaks with so much emotion and determination in his voice, I feel it in the marrow of my bones.

Romeo wriggles in my arms, reminding me that I still have him.

To be honest, I’m surprised he kept quiet all this time and didn’t give us away.

Not wanting to get caught now, I tiptoe past the entryway, continuing to the den.

Once Dante is back where he belongs, I will talk to Mamma about what I just overheard.

I will make her see that she is exactly as Alessio portrays her and deserves her happy ever after.

It’s the least I can do after everything Mamma has done for me.