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“Look who I brought with me,” Uncle Matthew says. “Who is your favorite uncle?”
I can’t help but laugh. “Mom, Dad,” I say to them, “this is Tyler and Jessica, Romeo’s parents.”
“It’s nice to meet you,” my mother says, going over and hugging Jessica, who smiles and hugs her back. “You have a wonderful son,” she says, and we all look over at my father, who puts his hands in his pockets.
“I agree with you,” Tyler says. “He should have married her first.”
“Whoa,” my father says, holding up his hand, “they just met.”
“So this is better, then,” Tyler states, and I can’t help but nod at him for the way he just handled this. Now it just looks like a standoff.
“Wait,” Uncle Matthew says, pointing at Tyler, “you’re that crazy actor who does all his stunts.” I close my eyes and look over at Uncle Max, who just bursts out laughing.
“You already told Romeo you did a security check on him.” Max slaps his shoulder, and Matthew glares at him.
“I was trying to be undercover,” Matthew explains, looking back at Tyler who smirks.
“Looks like we both did our security check,” he says. “That boat you bought, why are you selling it?” I stand here with my mouth open. “We come from Hollywood. We do security checks on everyone,” he declares, and Jessica slaps his stomach to stop him from talking. “What?” My mother and Jessica leave us and walk into the house, chatting and asking each other questions. I look at them, hoping they would have stayed and helped get everyone outside.
“This is going to be so much fun,” Max says, clapping his hands. “You know this kills him, right?” He points at Matthew.
“Be quiet, you,” Matthew scolds. “Tyler.” He nods at him. “Well played.”
“Likewise,” Tyler replies to him, and I feel Romeo behind me as he wraps his arms around my chest.
“And you said they wouldn’t get along,” Romeo says, and I almost kill him here in the middle of the foyer.
“I said it would be hectic,” I mumble between clenched teeth.
“Can you imagine the wedding?” Tyler says, and I’m the only one who moans.
“I’m going out before you do something like propose to me, and I have to kick your ass,” I threaten Romeo, who grabs my hand, and I swear I stop breathing. “Romeo.”
He laughs and pulls me in his arms, everything gone when he holds me. All I feel is happiness. “Thank you,” he says, and I look up at him, “for loving me.”
EPILOGUE ONE
GABRIELLA
One year later
“Knock, knock, knock.” I turn my head and look over at the bathroom door, smiling when I see my dad.
“Hey,” I say, turning back to face forward again as the hairstylist continues to curl my hair. “Don’t you look dapper,” I compliment, looking in the mirror at my father, who wears a black suit and tie. We are in a rental house in Hollywood, and my whole family has flown out to support him. It’s been the craziest fucking week of my life, with having everyone here and making sure that everything was perfect for him for today. I was out of my mind. After this, we are going on the annual summer trip, so it’s double time with my family.
He smiles at me as the hairstylist puts down the curler and sprays my hair with hairspray. She uses her fingers to run through it. “That should be good until it’s time to leave.” She smiles at me before she walks out of the bathroom, going to check on the rest of the family who are scattered in this twenty-bedroom home that everyone has come to get ready at. Whoever decided this was a good idea was wrong. There is commotion everywhere. I literally almost had a panic attack, so I set myself up in the bathroom alone so I can just calm my nerves.
“How’re you holding up?” my father asks, and I put my hand on my stomach. The soft satin robe I’m wearing feels cold to the touch.
“Like I’m going to throw up,” I admit honestly. “I’m so nervous for him.” I look at the bathroom door to make sure Romeo isn’t lurking around. Tonight is the official screening of Undercover Mule. The movie Romeo directed and produced. The one he poured his whole heart into.
“Meanwhile, he’s out there pacing to make sure you are okay.” He chuckles and puts his hands in his pockets. “You love him, right?”
I stare at my father, not sure where this is coming from. “I do,” I tell him.
I watch my father and see something in his eyes. “He broke your heart?” I don’t know if he’s asking me or telling me. My heart is speeding so fast in my chest that I don’t know what to say. “You knew him when you first lived in LA.”
“What?” I say in more of a whisper than anything else. My mouth goes dry.
