doing movies. Blockbusters. Matteo should be the next Batman.”
“I’m afraid that’s not how it works,” I say, stifling a chuckle.
Mom huffs, staring out at the ocean like she’s got a vendetta against it. “One of these days, those dimples will make him money. Mark my words. God willing.”
She mumbles a small prayer in Italian and makes the sign of the cross.
“Dante flies in from Seattle tomorrow morning, and Cristiano and Fabrizio land tomorrow night,” I tell her. We’re celebrating Thanksgiving early this year, and with my brothers being so insanely busy and Chauncey’s restaurant getting crazy around the holidays, we all decided on the second weekend in September. Aidy’s mother, Julie, is coming as well, arriving Saturday. They’re all staying here, at our house. Even Topaz will be here, at least via Skype. It’s going to be an insanely long weekend, but I’m actually looking forward to it.
Mom rubs her hands together before leaning across the table and cupping my face. “I haven’t had my boys all together in a long, long time. You have no idea how happy you’re making your old madre.”
“Yeah, yeah,” I say.
“Mom! I found something! Come look!” Enzo yells from the shore.
Aidy rises before bending to scoop her baby niece in her arms so Wren can tend to her son, and then she moves to the table, taking a seat beside my mother.
“You’re so natural with her,” my mother says, watching Aidy and Maeve intently. “I’m not going to beat around the bush with you two. I’m getting older, and I’m going to want grandkids sooner than later, and your brothers are all too busy living la dolce vita to even think about that stage in their lives.”
“Yeah, yeah, Ma. We know,” I say, giving Aidy a wink. “It’s on the horizon. Believe me.”
“All right.” My mother sighs, rising from the table. “I’m going to head in and check on the rest of dinner. Are we dining al fresco tonight?”
“We dine al fresco every night, Valentina,” Aidy says. “We’re Californians now. You might want to consider joining us one of these days . . .”
“Cara mia, you give me a grandchild and you’ll never see the end of me,” my mother says, laughing as she heads in. “I’ll pack my bags before you can say Pacific Coast Highway.”
My mother heads inside, and I watch Aidy bounce Maeve on her lap, listening to the baby cooing and giggling as Aidy makes all kinds of silly faces and blows raspberries on her belly.
Mom was right. Aidy is a natural with kids. But I already knew that.
“Why are you staring?” Aidy asks me, her attention still focused on the baby.
“What? Can’t I watch you?” I defend my actions. “Just feels like I’m getting a little sneak peek at what’s next, is all.”
“Patience, my love,” she says. “First you need to marry me, then we’ll talk babies.”
“I’d marry you tomorrow if you let me. You know that.”
“Yeah, but I don’t want to rush it. You only get to plan one wedding. I want to enjoy it,” she says, grinning. She’s been focused on her business the past year, growing it from nothing to something that’s flourishing wildly. She’s hired on at least a dozen new artists in the last year, and she’s fielding applications for more.
I’m not sure how she does it.
She’s pretty much Wonder Woman.
And nine months from now, she’ll be Adelaide Grace Amato.
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THE END
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***
Don’t forget to grab book 2 (Dante’s story) and book 3 (Cristiano’s story)! Both are available on Amazon and in Kindle Unlimited!
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Also Available …
Italian Glossary - Contains Spoilers!
*Don’t read until you’ve read the entire book! Contains spoilers!*
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Italian Phrases Used in this Book (in the order they were used):
Madre – mother
Molto bene – very good
Fratellone – older brother
Zia – aunt
Figlio di puttana – son of a bitch
Vigliacco senza spina dorsale – spineless coward
Non la meritavi – you didn’t deserve her
E che hai fatto? – and you did?
Non importa ora – it doesn’t matter now
No perso un fratello – I lost a brother
Un migliore amico – a best friend
Mi hai tradito – you betrayed me
Non mi dispiace di essermi innamorato di lei – I’m not sorry for loving her
Dio mio – my god
Ma vaffanculo, traditore – go fuck yourself, traitor
Cara mia – my darling
Prego – you are welcome
Al fresco – in the open air
Pricked
Description
All I wanted was a tattoo.
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What I got was a broody, enigmatic demigod with an electrifying touch and a mysterious past.
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We