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Alex steps away and my heart thunders anxiously. I don’t want him to go yet. “Are you leaving?”

He shakes his head and reaches inside the closet, retrieving a pillow. “Not a chance in hell am I ever leaving you.” He returns to my side and pulls back the covers. I shift to the side, giving him plenty of space. Carefully, he positions himself beside me and places the pillow beneath his head. We both lie on our sides, facing one another.

“Hi,” he whispers, his fingertips gliding across my temple, pushing back my hair.

“Hi.” I roll in my bottom lip, a smile breaking free.

“So…” He slides his arm around my waist. “Clara called you mama.”

“She did…” I grip his shirt, curling my fingers around the fabric. “And how do you feel about that?”

His hand slips beneath my shirt, his thumb dragging over my skin. “It feels like the last piece of a puzzle was just set into place.” He leans forward, brushing his lips across mine. “But how do you feel about it?”

“I feel…” I smile, so overcome with emotion. “Like I got everything I could have ever dreamed of and more.”

His grin widens as he pulls me against his chest. “I love you, Fiorellina. I don’t know what I ever did to deserve you, but I promise I will spend every day of my life loving you with all of my heart.”

Fresh tears coat my eyes. “I think that’s my favorite promise yet.” I press my lips to his. “I love you.” I stare into his eyes. “I always thought freedom was an intangible item. Something I might never experience. But I was wrong. Because freedom…” I wipe a finger across my cheek. “Freedom is you and Clara.” I smile. “It’s the family I always wanted. And I promise to love you both until I take my last breath, if not longer.”

His lips consume mine in a kiss that leaves me breathless.

Neither of us holds back as if our time together is limited.

When really… Our time together is just beginning.

Chapter thirty-six

Alex

TWO WEEKS LATER

Scarlett and Leo catch the officiant completely off guard, crashing their mouths together long before he reaches that part of the ceremony.

Laughter and cheers erupt from the guests. A chorus of delighted sighs ripples through the crowd as they shamelessly ignore the officiant’s attempt to regain control.

A smile tugs at my lips as I take it all in.

Mauro wears a knowing smirk, Eli cups his hands around his mouth, shouting his encouragement, and Vin watches the scene with soft fondness in his bright blue eyes that only a big brother would have.

My attention drifts to the front row, settling on my two favorite girls.

Clara, dressed in a soft pink gown, sits on Charlotte’s lap, both of them smiling at the scene before them. Though she didn’t walk down the aisle, Scarlett still crowned Clara an honorary flower girl, knowing it might be too much to have hundreds of eyes on her as she took those steps alone.

Charlotte’s blue floral gown hugs every curve, stealing what’s left of my breath. When she catches me staring, her beautiful smile widens.

Heat blooms in my chest, and without thinking, my knuckles stroke over the spot where my heart pounds beneath my suit.

I’m the luckiest man alive.

There’s no doubt in my mind about that.

I mean, how could I be any less when everything I’ve ever wanted is sitting just a few feet away.

Charlotte mouths, I love you.

I love you, I mouth back.

An elbow digs into my ribs, and I glance over at Vin, who arches a brow.