Epilogue

Epilogue

Leo

W e spent the next few weeks, while my parents were in Italy, running the Annapolis location and planning for the new one. We’d put in an offer on the Italian restaurant that had closed, and it was quickly accepted.

We were trying something new and hoping it would work out. Even if the business venture wasn’t successful, I couldn’t view it as a failure. But I was feeling confident that it would be. I’d spent so much time envisioning this second restaurant, I couldn’t see it failing.

We already knew how to run a business, how to cut costs, and how to market to the public. We’d take everything we’d learned over the years, and everything that worked in the first store, and make the second store even better.

Despite the workload, I managed to quit at a normal time to get home to Harper and Evie. My brothers were willing to take the evening and weekend shifts so I could be with my family. Neither of them was seeing anyone, and they preferred sleeping in and working nights.

The schedule worked out for everyone. I hired Cade’s company to renovate the restaurant too. It had a lot of things we needed, but I wanted the dining room to have more of a family feel. We added a fireplace for the winter and lots of windows for light. There was even room for an outdoor patio and a room in the back for larger parties. It was the perfect location to expand.

Knowing the importance of opening quickly, I paid Cade extra to expedite the renovation, and we were lucky we didn’t run into any permit issues. Mainly because the first restaurant had already done most of the heavy lifting, and our changes were cosmetic.

When my parents arrived home, we met them at their house with a feast. Mamma was always taking care of us, and this was our chance to take care of her. I just wasn’t sure how she’d react to seeing Harper with me. I braced myself for her reaction.

Mamma hugged everyone but paused when she reached me and Harper. “This is the real deal, isn’t it? You love him?”

Harper smiled, a flush coming over her skin. “I do.”

“He will always be my baby.”

“I know,” Harper said softly. “And we’ll take good care of him.”

“And my son will care for you. He has a huge heart, and I’m happy he has someone to share it with. I don’t know why you thought you had to keep it a secret—” Mamma gave me a stern look.

“We weren’t sure you’d approve—” I began and then broke off when she continued.

“That Bianca was no good for you. My Harper is perfect for you and our family. She fits, and now we can keep Evie forever.”

I wondered if she’d relaxed on vacation and realized happiness was all that mattered. If so, Evie’s slip was perfect timing.

Mamma hugged Evie next, and when she let her go, she asked, “Will there be more grandchildren?”

I bristled. “It’s still early in our relationship. We haven’t discussed—”

“I’d love more children.” Harper smiled, wrapping a hand around my arm.

“That’s my girl,” Mamma said, clearly pleased with her answer as she moved on to embrace Matteo.

“Are you serious?” I asked her.

Harper frowned. “I want more children. I thought you did too?”

My heart pounded in my chest. “I do. I just wasn’t sure where you stood.”

“Evie wants a sibling, and I love kids. I always saw myself with a big family like this one.” She gestured around the kitchen where my family talked and laughed and loved.

“I want to give you that. I want to give you everything,” I said, cupping her jaw and then kissing her.

When I lifted my head, she smiled sweetly. “You already have.”

That’s when we realized the room around us was quiet. They were watching us, Mamma with tears in her eyes. Even Gia’s expression had softened.

Mamma clasped her hands. “I’m so happy. Now, when are you two going to settle down with a nice girl?”

Matteo and Carlo groaned, and everyone laughed.

We ate dinner and looked at the photographs they took of their vacation while Evie sat in Papà’s lap. They treated Evie as if she was already their grandchild, and I intended to make it official. It was the best night. Everything was right in the world and in my family.

I thought it might take a while for my parents to come around, but their vacation must have helped. Maybe they liked the idea of retirement and were ready to hand more off to me and my brothers.

At the end of the night, Harper helped Evie go to the bathroom, and Papà pulled me aside. “I wanted to talk to you about your girls.”

“What about them?” I asked, sensing a lecture.

“You’ll take care of them like we have all these years. You’ll remind them of how much they are loved.”

I nodded. “Of course.”

“They couldn’t have found a better man. I’m proud of you.” Papà clasped my shoulder, and I felt the weight of his words.

I appreciated the sentiment even more because he wasn’t referring to my accomplishments, but rather my capacity to love. “Thank you, Papà.”

“You’ll marry Harper. Make Evie your daughter. My granddaughter.”

“I plan to.” There was always the issue of her biological father, Manny. I didn’t think he’d ever give up his parental rights, but I intended to be the father Evie needed. The one who was present and attended all her important events. I’d be there for her, and when Evie needed something, she’d come to me. There was no doubt in my mind.

Papà nodded, satisfied. “You’ll be good for her.”

I felt like I was flying. I had my parents’ approval. I was in love for the first and the last time in my life, and I had a daughter. The responsibilities were bigger, but I felt ready to meet the challenges. I was excited for what life had to offer.

The restaurant was finally completed, and we were christening the place with a party.

Gia was here. She planned the event and even brought her coworkers, since they helped with the flowers, the cake, and the photography.

As soon as Papà gave us the go-ahead to move forward with the expansion, we conferred with Silas. He had good business sense, and his knowledge was invaluable. He’d bought the resort and renovated it to what it was now.

I knew Gia wouldn’t like him here since she saw him as her main competitor in the wedding business, but he was a friend.

It was Gia’s idea to have the door wrapped in a large ribbon and Mamma and Papà cut it for us. Abby took photographs that she said she’d send to the local papers, and I wanted to frame them for the walls.

Inside, the dining room had plush maroon booths, dark wood paneling, and a fireplace in the middle of the room. It was warm and inviting, everything I hoped it would be.

The walls were covered in family photos of us as kids, playing in the sprinkler, coloring in Papà’s office, and later, greeting customers at the original restaurant. It was the first time Papà had seen the final renovated space, and everyone fell silent as we waited for his reaction.

“You did good. It’s fantastic. It has the Giovanni feel.” That was high praise from my father.

It was hard for him to give us the space to create something on our own, but he’d let us do our thing, and we’d met his expectations, maybe even exceeded them.

Papà hugged us as Gia poured the champagne glasses and handed them around. She even had a glass filled with juice for Evie.

Gia raised her glass. “Let’s toast to Giovanni’s.”

She could have been referring to family, the restaurants, or everything. It fit perfectly.

“May you have the success we did with the first location. May you be happy in your relationships. May you find love like we have,” Papà said to Mamma as everyone clinked glasses and drank.

I waited for the glasses to lower before I turned to Harper and said loudly so everyone could hear, “I already found love.”

Here, in front of our family and friends, I wanted to declare my love for Harper and Evie. I’d already asked Evie’s permission for me to ask her mother to marry me.

Harper’s eyes widened. “Leo, what are you doing?”

I lowered to one knee and held her hand in mine. “Harper, I’ve loved you far longer than you think. I think I fell in love with you the day you came into our lives. Back then, I wanted to protect you and care for you. But I pushed those feelings down deep because you were too young and Gia’s best friend. But I’m so glad I lowered those walls because loving you is the best thing that’s ever happened to me. I want to spend the rest of my life making you and Evie happy. Harper, will you marry me?”

She covered her racing heart with the palm of her free hand. “Yes, I’ll marry you.”

The room erupted into cheers, and I stood, lifting Harper in the air so that her hair fell around me, shielding us from the others. “I can’t believe you proposed in front of everyone.”

“I wanted everyone to know how I felt.” I kissed her and slowly lowered her to the floor. And then I pulled out the ring box and opened it to hushed gasps as it sparkled under the lights.

Harper covered her shocked gasp with her hands. “It’s beautiful.”

“Not as beautiful as you,” I said as I took her right hand and slid it onto her ring finger. Then I kissed her again.

When I felt a tug on my pants, we broke apart and looked down at Evie. “Me too.”

She raised her hands to me, and I lifted her too. “I have something for you.”

“You do?” Evie asked, her eyes wide.

“Can you get the other box in my pocket?” I asked Harper.

She smiled; her eyes filled with excitement as she grabbed the second velvet box.

“This is for you,” I said as Harper opened it. It was a necklace with three rings. “One for me, one for your mommy, and one for you. Together, we’re a family.”

“I will marry you,” Evie said as she tightened her arms around my neck, and everyone laughed.

She was a little confused as to who got married to who, but she had the right sentiment. She was ours, and we were a family.

We had a few more seconds as a family, enjoying the moment, just the three of us, before everyone converged with hugs and congratulations. More champagne was poured. There was talk and laughter. It was just like Mamma and Papà’s kitchen. There was so much love in the air. I couldn’t help but want the same for my sister and my brothers.

I had a feeling love was more likely for Gia, since my brothers were still playing the field. Then the door opened, and Silas walked in.

Gia’s eyes moved to him, and her mouth opened slightly before she recovered. “What are you doing here?”

I set Evie down and quickly walked over to them, wanting to avoid an argument, if possible. Gia was a bit of a hothead, and Silas never backed down when confronted, especially when it was her.

Silas nodded toward me. “Your brothers invited me.”

Gia’s hands were on her hips, and if I wasn’t mistaken, Silas’s gaze over her was appreciative. Before I could process that, she said, “You’re not welcome here.”

“Gia, be nice. We’re friends with Silas. Whatever beef you have with him, can you let it go for one night? Can you just be happy for us?”

Gia’s face softened as Evie ran up to me. “Can you put the necklace on me?”

I squatted down in front of her. “Of course.”

I moved her hair and clasped it behind her neck. “Do you like it?” Evie looked up at Silas.

“It’s beautiful, just like you,” Silas said, and I swear Gia’s face softened even more.

Then Evie smiled brightly. “Leo’s marrying my mommy.”

Silas’s gaze met mine. “Did I miss something?”

“I just asked Harper to marry me.”

Silas grinned and pulled me in for a hug. “Congratulations. Although I didn’t even realize you were dating.”

“I’ve liked her forever, and when I finally realized she was the one for me, everything fell into place.”

“That’s great,” Silas said.

“What do you know about love?” Gia asked Silas.

I wanted to tell Gia to give it a rest, to leave him alone, but I was a little curious as to why she was asking.

“I can like it for other people,” Silas said.

He was frequently photographed with women at the events at his resort, but I didn’t think he’d dated any of them seriously. He was too busy with work.

She nodded as if he’d said something she agreed with.

“This place looks great,” Silas said.

I clasped his shoulder. “Thanks for helping us. We couldn’t have done it without you.”

“You asked Silas for business help? Why didn’t you come to me?” Gia asked, clearly offended.

“You don’t own a restaurant,” I said tightly, knowing this confrontation was inevitable.

“I own a business.”

“It’s different,” Silas began.

And before the conversation could degrade any further, with Silas saying that wedding planning wasn’t a business to be taken seriously, I asked, “Do you want a tour?”

“I can walk around while you enjoy time with your fiancée.”

“Silas, it’s so good to see you again.” Harper hugged him. Silas had been around the house as much as Harper when we were growing up, so it was always odd to me that he and Gia didn’t get along. But then, maybe he was like another brother to her. I preferred that idea to the one where Gia secretly lusted after my best friend.

There was zero chance I’d be okay with Silas hooking up with my sister. The idea made me shudder. But there was no way that was a possibility. Gia hated him.

“When can we get out of here?” I asked Harper as Silas walked away, and Gia followed him. I wondered if I should stay with the two of them and referee, but I had other things to do. I wrapped an arm around Harper’s shoulder, and she placed a palm on my chest.

“This is your party. We’re celebrating your success.”

“I want to celebrate us and our engagement.” I loved the diamond on her finger; it declared her to be mine.

“Me too, but there’s plenty of time for that.”

I touched her hand. “Do you love the ring?”

“I loved that you proposed in front of family, and I adore the ring. It’s exactly what I would have dreamed of.”

I knew she never thought any of this was possible for her, but I wanted to change that. “You deserve everything you want in life. It doesn’t matter how you were brought up or who your parents were. Besides, you’re a part of my family.” I didn’t add now because she’d always been a Giovanni.

“I know that.”

I kissed her, knowing we were surrounded by the love of our family and friends. Nothing could ever come between us. This was love. This was life, and I couldn’t wait to start mine with Harper and Evie. It was her and me forever. “ Io e te per sempre .”