Epilogue

EPILOGUE

T wo years later

I stand in front of the full-length mirror, hardly recognizing the woman staring back at me. Two years ago, I never would have imagined this day would come.

Lou catches my eye in the reflection, her face beaming with pride. At eleven, she’s growing into a beautiful young woman. Her junior maid of honor gown, a soft lavender that complements her blonde hair, makes her look older than her years. She’s been buzzing with excitement all morning, taking her role very seriously.

“Mom, you look like a princess,” she says, her eyes shining.

Shawn, resplendent in her deep purple maid of honor dress, nods in agreement. “She’s right, Fee. You’re stunning.”

As Shawn fusses with my veil, I can’t help but reflect on the past two years. They’ve been a whirlwind of joy, healing, and new beginnings.

After the showdown with Gino, Victor, Angelo’s shark of a lawyer, tore into Lou’s old school. His righteous fury was a sight to behold. Within weeks, Lou was enrolled in a prestigious private school where she’s thrived. She’s on the debate team now, her quick wit and sharp mind serving her well.

The therapy has helped immensely. For her and for me.

There are still nights when Lou wakes up from nightmares, but they’re becoming fewer and farther between. Angelo’s suggestion of reimagining the endings has worked wonders. Now, in her dreams, Lou often finds herself as the hero, facing down her fears with courage.

I try to do the same thing. It helps… most of the time. But I’m not sure I’ll ever be over killing two people.

Karate classes have been another source of healing for her. The discipline and self-defense skills have boosted her confidence tremendously. It warms my heart to see her so passionate about something.

There’s a knock at the door, and Shawn stiffens. “I swear to God, if it’s Angelo, I’m going to be so mad.”

She opens it, revealing Genesis and Romero, with little Enzo in Romero’s arms.

The moment my son sees me, his eyes light up. He starts squirming in Romero’s grip, eager to get down. As soon as his feet touch the ground, he’s toddling toward me, his chubby arms outstretched. I can’t help but smile when I see him—barely a year old and already the spitting image of his father. Angelo dotes on him, and Lou is the proudest big sister I’ve ever seen.

Genesis watches him go, shaking her head. “Christ, babies are a lot of work. No wonder I don’t want one.”

Romero smirks, nudging her in the side. “You sure about that? I thought our practice sessions might’ve changed your mind.”

I can’t help but laugh at Genesis’ scandalized expression. “Alright, you two. No violence on my wedding day, got it?”

Before I can scoop up my son, Lou intercepts him, swinging him into her arms. His delighted squeals fill the room, and I feel my heart swell with joy.

“Look, Enzo!” Lou coos. “Doesn’t Mommy look beautiful?”

Enzo babbles in response, reaching out to pat my dress with his tiny hands.

“Careful, baby,” I warn gently. “We don’t want to mess up Mommy’s dress, do we?”

Lou expertly maneuvers him away from my gown. “Don’t worry, Mom. I’ve got this. Big sister duty and all.”

I watch as she bounces him on her hip, marveling at how natural she is with him. The love between them is palpable, healing parts of my heart I didn’t even know were still bruised.

“You know,” Shawn says, coming up beside me, “if someone had told me two years ago that this is where we’d end up, I would’ve thought they were crazy.”

I nod, feeling tears prick at my eyes. “It’s more than I ever dared to hope for.”

Genesis approaches, her usual sarcasm softened by a genuine smile. “You clean up nice, Fee. Angelo’s not going to know what hit him.”

“Speaking of Angelo,” Romero chimes in, “you should’ve seen him earlier. I’ve never seen the boss so nervous. It’s kind of hilarious.”

“He’s currently getting a pep talk from Jimbo,” Genesis says helpfully, eyeing Enzo who is now trying to climb up on top of a chair with Lou’s help. “Not that he doesn’t want to marry you, but Jimbo’s giving him advice on the finer points of marriage.”

I feel a flutter in my stomach at the thought of Angelo waiting for me at the altar. After everything we’ve been through, this day feels like a miracle.

Shawn glances at her phone, her face lighting up. “Fee, we just got another order. This might be our biggest yet!”

I can’t help but smile. Our new boutique, Phoenix Rising, has been thriving. While I couldn’t bear to return to Perfezione after everything that happened, this new venture with Shawn has been a blessing. We’ve maintained our commitment to helping the downtrodden, while also attracting high-end clients. Our first year has been more successful than we ever dreamed.

Another knock at the door interrupts my thoughts. Romero opens it, revealing Zip standing there, looking dapper in his tuxedo. His eyes crinkle with joy as he sees me.

“Ready to walk your girl down the aisle, old man?” Romero teases.

Zip chuckles. “Who are you calling old? I could still take you in a fight.”

As he steps into the room, I feel tears welling up in my eyes. Seeing him here, healthy and happy after his full recovery from Gino’s attack, fills me with gratitude.

“You look beautiful, Tesoro ,” Zip says, his voice thick with emotion.

I embrace him, careful not to wrinkle my dress. “I’m so glad you’re here, Nonno.”

As we hug, I think about how much has changed. Even my mother, Cher, has made efforts to mend our relationship. Her apology and the donation to our business were unexpected but welcome steps. While I’m not ready to fully forgive her, I’m willing to give our relationship a chance.

Shawn claps her hands, bringing me back to the present. “Alright, everyone. It’s showtime!”

Genesis and Romero take their leave, and I take a moment to reflect on the journey that brought us here.

Two years ago, I was a single mother, struggling to keep my shop afloat and protect my daughter from dangers I could barely comprehend. Now, I’m about to marry the man who turned our world upside down in the best possible way. We have a beautiful son, a thriving business, and a family that extends far beyond blood.

Lou approaches me, little Enzo still on her hip. “Mom? Are you okay? You look like you might cry.”

I smile, reaching out to cup her cheek. “I’m more than okay, sweetheart. I’m just… happy. So incredibly happy.”

Lou beams at me, and I see the same joy reflected in her eyes. “Me too, Mom. I love our family.”

“Ready, Fee?” Zip asks softly.

I take a deep breath, nodding. “More than ready.”

As the first notes of the wedding march begin to play, I step forward, ready to start the next chapter of our lives. Whatever challenges we may face, I know we’ll face them together—as a family.

It’s time to become Mrs. Angelo Pirelli, and I couldn’t be happier.

The wedding passes in a blur of joy and emotion, but one moment stands out crystal clear in my memory—the look on Angelo’s face as I walked down the aisle. His eyes widened, filled with a mixture of awe and love that took my breath away. For a moment, it felt like we were the only two people in the world.

The reception is a beautiful celebration of our love and our family. We dance, laugh, and bask in the warmth of our friends and loved ones. As the night winds down, we say our goodbyes, kissing Enzo and Lou.

“Be good for Aunt Shawn, okay?” I tell them, my heart squeezing at the thought of being away from them, even if just for a short time.

Lou rolls her eyes good-naturedly. “We’ll be fine, Mom. You and Dad have fun on your honeymoon!”

With one last wave, Angelo and I climb into the waiting car, cheers and well-wishes from our guests following us as we drive away.

Our flight isn’t until morning, so we head to a luxurious suite at a five-star hotel in the city. As we step inside, I’m momentarily stunned by the opulence. The room is spacious, with floor-to-ceiling windows offering a breathtaking view of the city’s skyline. A king-sized bed dominates one side of the room, covered in plush, ivory linens. A bottle of champagne chills in an ice bucket nearby.

“Angelo,” I breathe, taking it all in. “This is amazing.”

He wraps his arms around me from behind, pressing a kiss to my neck. “Only the best for my wife,” he murmurs.

As I lean back into his embrace, I’m overwhelmed with emotion. After everything we’ve been through, all the challenges we’ve faced, we’re here. Together. Married.

I turn in his arms, meeting his gaze. “I love you, Angelo Pirelli.”

His smile is gentle, filled with all the love he holds for me. “And I love you, Sofia Pirelli,” he replies, the words like a promise, binding us together.

He leans down, capturing my lips in a tender kiss, one that speaks of everything we’ve shared, everything that’s brought us to this moment.

The kiss is soft at first, a slow exploration, our lips moving together in a rhythm that feels like home. His hands cradle my face, his thumbs brushing over my cheeks as if he’s memorizing every detail. I wrap my arms around his neck, pulling him closer, wanting to lose myself in him, in the warmth and safety of his embrace.

He deepens the kiss, his tongue sliding against mine, coaxing a soft moan from me. I feel the love he pours into every touch, every caress. His hands move down to my waist, lifting me slightly so I’m on my toes. I giggle against his mouth, feeling the joy bubbling up inside me, and he smiles, the sound of my laughter only fueling his affection.

Angelo lifts me effortlessly, and I wrap my legs around his waist, feeling his strength as he carries me to the bed. He lays me down gently, like I’m something precious, and kneels above me, his eyes roaming over my body with a look of adoration that makes my heart race.

“You’re so beautiful,” he whispers, his voice low and reverent. “I can’t believe you’re mine.”

I smile up at him, my hand reaching up to trace the strong line of his jaw. “I’ve always been yours, Angelo,” I tell him softly. “From the moment you walked into my life.”

He leans down, capturing my lips again, and this time the kiss is hungrier, needier. His hands move to the straps of my dress, slowly sliding them down my shoulders, exposing more of my skin to his touch. His fingers are gentle, unhurried, as if he wants to savor every moment. He pulls the dress down, baring my breasts, and I feel a blush rise to my cheeks under his intense gaze.

“You’re perfect,” he murmurs, his hands cupping my breasts, his thumbs brushing over my nipples. I arch into his touch, a soft moan escaping my lips as pleasure washes over me.

He lowers his head, his mouth closing around one nipple, his tongue flicking over the sensitive peak. I gasp, my fingers threading through his hair, holding him to me.

“Angelo,” I breathe, my voice a mixture of need and love.

He moves to the other breast, giving it the same attention, his hand sliding down my body, over my hips, to the hem of my dress. He pushes the fabric up, exposing my thighs, and I shiver under his touch. His fingers trace the outline of my lace panties, teasing me, making my breath hitch with anticipation.

He kisses his way down my body, his mouth leaving a trail of heat against my skin. When he reaches the edge of my panties, he hooks his fingers into them, pulling them down slowly, his eyes never leaving mine.

The way he looks at me makes me feel worshiped, cherished in a way Angelo has only been able to make me feel.

Angelo spreads my legs gently, positioning himself between them. He leans down, pressing a kiss to my inner thigh, then the other, his eyes dark with desire. “I want to love every part of you,” he says softly, his breath warm against my skin. “I want you to feel how much you mean to me.”

His words send a shiver of pleasure through me, and I can only nod, lost in the sensation of his mouth on me. He presses a kiss to my center, his tongue parting my folds, and I cry out, my hands gripping the sheets as pleasure shoots through me. He takes his time, exploring every inch of me with his tongue, his fingers teasing, coaxing me higher and higher.

“Angelo,” I moan, my hips moving against his mouth, my body straining toward release.

He looks up at me, his eyes dark with desire, and the sight of him between my legs, his lips glistening with my arousal, pushes me over the edge. I come with a cry, my body shaking, and he doesn’t stop, drawing out my pleasure, making me see stars.

When I finally come down, my breathing ragged, he moves up my body, kissing me deeply, letting me taste myself on his lips. He positions himself at my entrance, his eyes searching mine. “Are you ready, my love?” he asks, his voice gentle.

“Yes,” I whisper, wrapping my legs around him, pulling him closer. “I want you, Angelo. I want all of you.”

He pushes into me slowly, filling me completely, and I gasp at the feeling of him inside me. He sets a slow, steady rhythm, his eyes locked on mine, and with each thrust, I feel the love he has for me, the bond that ties us together. It’s slow and tender, each movement a declaration of the love we share, a promise of the future we’ll build together.

We move together, our bodies in perfect sync, and as we reach the peak together, I know that this is where I belong. In his arms, in this moment, everything else fades away. There’s only Angelo and the love we have for each other, a love that’s strong enough to withstand anything.

As we come down from the high, Angelo pulls me close, wrapping his arms around me, holding me tightly against his chest. I rest my head on his shoulder, feeling his heartbeat against my cheek, and I know that this is what true happiness feels like.

We’re quiet for a while, basking in each other’s presence. Then Angelo speaks, his voice soft but serious.

“There’s something you should know, Fee. There are rumors that a Don from Chicago is looking to move in on the old Timpone territory.”

I tense slightly. “What does that mean for us?”

Angelo’s arms tighten around me. “It means I might have a fight on my hands. But don’t worry—I won’t let anyone threaten what we’ve built.”

I nod, understanding the unspoken promise in his words. “We’ve faced worse and come out stronger.”

“That we have,” he agrees. “And whatever comes next, we’ll face it together. But for now…” He tilts my chin up, meeting my eyes with a smile. “For now, I’m just happy to be here with my wife and our beautiful family.”

As we kiss, I push thoughts of potential threats aside. We’ve earned this happiness, this peace. And no matter what the future holds, I know we’ll weather it together—as a family.

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