Epilogue

" I 'm so proud of you, honey." My mom rushes forward pulling me into a hug. I'm relieved to see her so carefree. She's been struggling since my kidnapping, and while I understand it, I want her to gain a sense of peace again.

She went from the stress and emotional devastation of my dad's diagnosis, straight into the financial burden of the medical bills. Then, when things finally started looking up for them, I was kidnapped.

After every session with my therapist, a little piece of weight lifts from my shoulders. I want that for my mom. I'm so thankful Luca talked me into going and when we have some time alone, I'm going to suggest she attend a few sessions with me. My Dad will be a harder sell, but I have to believe once my mom gets better, he will too.

"There's my graduate!" Gio booms as he wraps his enormous arms around both of us. Mom blushes when he squeezes us to his big chest.

"Alright, that's enough." My dad and Luca chime in at the same time. Mom and I look at each other and giggle. Only Gio could make my mom blush and giggle like a little girl. My parents have come over many nights to eat dinner with us these past couple of weeks, and the guys have wormed their way into my mom's heart. Dad's, as well, but he'll never admit it.

My heart full, I turn to Dad and rush into his arms next. I love my dad's hugs. He's the best man I know. Thanks to him, I can see what a great man Luca is.

He sways us from side to side. "I love you," I mumble into his chest.

"I love you too, pumpkin." He kisses my head. "I'm so proud of you." His voice waivers with emotion.

"Thanks, Dad." I lean my head back, giving him a wide smile before stepping out of his arms.

Rafael walks up next. "Congrats, little bird." He nods as if I'd leave it at that.

He'll learn.

"Thanks, Rafael." Before he can guess my intentions, I lift onto my toes and kiss his cheek before turning to catch Luca's grin as he shakes his head.

Beaming, I move into his outstretched arms and sigh with contentment. As I rest my chin on his chest, he dips for a kiss but out of respect for my parents, he keeps it short. He confessed to me one night that he hopes to gain their trust because he knows how important it is that I have them in my life.

"Congratulations, Angel." Luca squeezes me.

"Thanks, babe." I squeeze him right back before stepping away and swinging my gaze around the crowd. "Where's Joseph?"

"He's getting the car." Luca runs his hand down my arm until he reaches my hand and entwines our fingers. "Are you ready?"

"Oh … sure." I turn to my parents. "You'll come for dinner, right?" Luca mentioned dinner after my graduation, but in my distraction with the ceremony, I never discussed details with him.

Mom's brows furrow, and she tilts her head. "Honey. Luca reserved the back room at his restaurant."

I swing my gaze back to Luca with raised eyebrows. "Really?"

"Angel, did you think we wouldn't celebrate your graduation?"

"I didn't think about it." I shrug. "Things have been a bit crazy." A blush creeps across my cheeks, remembering the misunderstanding.

"Of course we're going to celebrate, silly." Mom wraps her arm through mine and tugs me to the parking lot, with the guys following behind us. "I'm so excited you got the teaching position. Now that you're busy with Luca, this will give me more time to spend with you. Your dad even promised to take us to lunch regularly."

"Mom, just because I'm with Luca now doesn't mean I won't have time for you guys. He's happy for you to drop by anytime."

"Honey, you'll be surprised how little time you'll have with the new job and maintaining a relationship. While I'm glad he's tolerant of our visits, we also want to give you space. Working across the street from each other will allow me to get more time with you." Mom sneaks a peek behind us before turning back to me with a gleam in her eye."If he isn't already in love with you, he's on his way. The way he looks at you … it's like you've hung the moon. I couldn't be more happy for you, honey."

My stomach flutters at her words. He's already confessed his love, but I could hear it everyday for the rest of my life and it wouldn't be enough.

I lean my head on hers. "Love you, Mom."

"Love you too, baby." She pats my arm before turning away and running a finger under her eye.

My face hurts from smiling so much. The joy of this day and the people I love surrounding me is more than I could've ever hoped for. I kiss mom's cheek before Dad leads her to their car. I turn to Joseph who stands by the Escalade holding the back door open.

"Congratulations, Kylie." Joseph nods respectfully.

He'll learn just like Rafael. I step into his space and hug him.

"Thank you, Joseph."

He hesitates before patting my back. When I step back, his cheeks are tinged pink, but at least he's smiling. I stifle a giggle and duck into the car, sliding over to make room for Luca.

Once he settles next to me, I wrap myself around his arm and lay my head on his shoulder.

Luca's breath tickles my forehead when he asks, "Are you happy?"

"I'm filled to the brim, babe." I tip my head, giving him access for a kiss. "Thank you for today. "

"I've not done anything yet."

"Yes, you have. And, tonight, I'll thank you properly," I whisper, so Joseph doesn't hear me. Luca's smile turns roguish.

***

Luca went all out for my graduation party. He didn't just reserve the back room; he closed the whole restaurant down for it. As we walk in, my jaw drops in awe at the beauty of the place. The restaurant is decorated with fairy lights and real cherry blossom trees. I tear up, knowing he remembered our conversation.

I hope we can take them home with us after the party.

Tables line the whole right side of the room with food set up buffet style, servers ready to dish out plates. Next to it is a portable bar with three bartenders already serving guests. With the drinks free flowing, everyone is in high spirits, laughing, and having a good time.

This is more than I could have asked for and once again, I have Luca to thank for that.

***

As I ready myself for bed, I reflect on the night. My cheeks are sore from laughing and my voice is hoarse from talking so much. It was a great night and one I'll remember forever.

I was surprised by how many people showed. Men from the force, including the Chief came. Mom's fellow teachers, who I can't wait to get to know better, and even Talia and her sugar daddy made an appearance. I bit my lip to keep from laughing as she introduced him to my mom as her boyfriend. She blushed like a schoolgirl with a crush, and the way he hovered over her reminded me of Luca. I was happy to learn he took care of Talia after our rescue. Who knows, maybe she's found love in an unconventional way, like I did .

The biggest surprise for me was the appearance of Luca's cousins. Luca will always be the hottest guy in the room where I'm concerned, but when he introduced me to Rome, I'll admit I got a little tongue tied. And maybe a little scared now that I know who he truly is. I've always thought Luca was intense, but Rome is on a whole other level. He has an energy about him that demands attention. Even Dad's cop buddies stood straighter when he entered the restaurant.I was worried about a confrontation, but they respected each other's space.

Luca warned me who he was when he first arrived. After introductions, Rome took my hand and stooped to kiss the back of it, causing Luca to growl. A beautiful smile graced his lips as he released me—pleased he ruffled Luca's feathers.

I blush again, remembering his words to me. "Congratulations, Bella. I am pleased for my cousin to have found such a beautiful and smart woman. I look forward to getting to know you and welcoming you into the family."

Luca seemed conflicted, as if he was pleased, but also leery. Rome patted Luca's arm, nodding before turning to the food table.

Despite how I met Leo the first time, tonight he reminded me more of Gio in personality. He's a charmer like Gio. He proved that later in the night when I witnessed my mom blushing from his attentions. I don't know what was said, but I'm grateful Gio intervened and dragged him away before my dad could storm over.

I can't help but giggle, thinking back on that. My dad looked ready to kill after that encounter.

Rome and his cousins left soon after that, but not before getting Luca to agree to dinner soon. Tension still permeates the air between them, but nothing like the encounter with Leo that first night.

Mom and I were surprised to discover that Carlina, the friend and co-worker teaching her how to make pasta, was also a cousin of Rome's. I'll have to find out if that makes her Luca's cousin, as well. It seems that side of the family is very large .

As I remove my makeup, my dad's beautiful speech floats through my mind. There wasn't a dry eye in the place after he was done. I choke up once more remembering the love he couldn't hide as he talked about me, his little girl.

We don't have a lot of family and yet I've never felt I was missing out. That's how much my parents have been there for me and made my life full. I will never take them for granted, which reinforces my desire to help Luca grow closer to his own family. I already know my parents will treat him like a son after getting to know him better. How could they not?

Grabbing a scrunchie, I pull my hair into a topknot before stepping into the shower and reflecting on Luca's speech that followed my dad's. He completely won over my future co-workers when he announced he was donating supplies to not only my classroom for the year, but all the classrooms as my graduation gift. So many of the teachers spend their own money on supplies and I couldn't be more proud that Luca is lifting that burden for them.

If my mom didn't love him for me before, she does now.

Arms wrap around my naked body, pulling me from my memories.

"You look lost in thought," Luca says as he kisses down my neck.

"Just re-living the night." I twist in his arms and wrap mine around his neck. "Thank you for today. I had a wonderful time and appreciate your gift for the teachers."

"I have one more gift."

"Luca, you've already done too much," I protest.

"This is as much for me as for you."

I raise my eyebrow in question.

"Tomorrow, we're taking the vacation we missed. Except this time, I'm taking you for two weeks to Tahiti."

My breath swooshes out. "Tahiti?"

"Yeah, Angel. I want more time with just the two of us. Too many things have kept us apart from the beginning, but that's over now. We'll start with a beach vacation so I can have you in as little clothing as possible." He grins like a Cheshire cat.

I poke him in the chest and demand, "Only if that rule applies to you, as well."

"Deal." He seals it with a kiss. "Love you, my Angel."

"I love you, my Luca."