Chapter 55

Amara cast a suspicious glance at me as I opened her passenger door. With a narrowed gaze, she looked me over. "What are you up to?"

I offered her my hand to help her from the vehicle, my smile completely innocent. "What makes you think I'm up to something?"

"You've been suspiciously nice all day today."

I placed my hand over my heart. "I'm always nice."

Her mouth dropped open. "Did you seriously just say that with a straight face?"

I wrapped my arm around her waist and pulled her close as my hand tilted her chin back. "You're right. It's been a while since Daddy's punished you with his belt."

Amara tilted her head to suck two of my fingers into her cute mouth. "I know. Maybe I should start misbehaving more."

My answer was a low rumbling growl as I shifted my hand into her hair and claimed her mouth. My tongue swept inside, tasting the vanilla and rum persimmon from our dessert. God, she tasted sweet.

It took all my willpower not to toss her over my shoulder and carry her back to the car then up to our bedroom.

But there were people waiting for us.

As she ran a finger under her lips to check her lipstick, she asked, "Why are we at my mother's cottage?"

Enclosing her hand in mine I guided her along and said, "You'll see."

The moment we passed under the canopy the florist erected of winter jasmine and white hellebores, she knew.

She pressed a hand to her mouth as her eyes misted. "Is it time? Is this finally happening?"

With my hand on the doorknob, I grumbled, "Hell yes it's happening because it is long past time, babygirl."

I swung the door open, and our entire assembled family yelled, "Surprise!"

With my arm wrapped securely around her waist, I pulled Amara closer to my side and kissed the top of her head. "Welcome to your La Promessa."

Milana shifted the baby to her other arm as she moved forward to hug Amara. "I'm so excited for you!" The baby stared with wide eyes, fist waving.

Cesare laughed as he lifted the baby into his arms. "Baby Alfonso is happy for you, too."

Bianca clapped her hands. "We can't start celebrating until he actually makes his promise and proposes!"

My palm slapped over my suit jacket, feeling for the ring. "But first."

Since my girl valued tradition, I wanted to do this right.

I turned to Milana and took her hand. "You have always been Amara's best friend, biggest supporter, and surrogate family. I would be honored if, in her mother's honor, you would grant me permission to ask her to marry me."

Milana threw her arms around my neck. "Oh my God! Yes!"

Benedict leaned forward and whispered to Amara, "Are you taking notes? The word to remember is yes." He then winked as she laughed.

Milana hugged Amara again before Liliana gave Ella the cue.

From her perch near the fireplace, Ella played Etta James's "At Last.

The whole room erupted in laughter at the inside joke.

Facing Amara, I lowered to one knee to take her left hand in my own while holding up the diamond ring I had made for her from the Cavalieri family jewels.

"My dolcezza, from the moment you literally fell into my life, you have brought a love I truly didn't think I deserved into my world. And I will spend every moment, of every single day, striving to be a man worthy of it, if you would do me the greatest honor of becoming my wife."

She shook her head and leapt into my arms, sitting on my bent knee as she wrapped her arms around my neck and kissed my cheek. "That was so beautiful."

Matteo cleared his throat. "I hate to be a stickler, but we're all going to need to hear a verbal confirmation."

As I slid the ring onto her finger, Amara smiled through her tears. "Yes!"

Gabriella raised her arms and clapped, gold bracelets jangling. "Pour the Champagne! She finally said yes!"