Moretti, I am a patient man but have now reached the end of it. I am not accustomed to asking the same question, what will now be three times, and I expect the right answer this time. From the minute we first met, you have been difficult, arrogant and tested my patience. You have done your best to make my life as difficult as possible and I have crossed Oceans to bring you back to me. I gave up my family for you and turned my back on a life that would make me want for nothing but one thing.”
He seems almost emotional as he rests his head against mine and says softly, “You. I gave all that up for you because you are worth more to me than life itself. I couldn’t begin to live a life without you in it because you are the breath in my lungs and the blood in my veins. You give me strength and purpose and you own my heart and soul. So, will you fucking marry me, you annoying woman and put me out of my misery once and for all?”
“Yes.”
My voice is but a whisper and the tears that fall are the happiest I have ever shed.
“Yes, I will marry you. It was always going to be a yes, you know that because who else would ever put up with you?”
I smile through my tears as his eyes light up and the happiness shines through the darkness. The emotion in the room is palpable and as he traces the lines of my face, he whispers huskily, “I love you, Sophia Moretti but I am in love forever with Sophia Romano.”
Our lips meet in a kiss that relegates the breakfast to the trash. I no longer need food when I have everything I want holding me so tenderly in his arms. As he lowers me to the bed, I plan on showing him just how much he means to me because I intend on feasting on a different banquet this morning and what a tasty one it is.
Epilogue
Millie
My head hurts, I think I’ve lost the power of taste and I feel sore and bruised from a night that hasn’t ended yet. As party’s go, this one was the mother of them all and it makes me so happy we could give Sophia and Maverick the send-off they deserved.
If I feel a tinge of regret, it doesn’t last long because I quickly laid that particular infatuation to rest. Maverick may have been the sexiest man I have ever met but seeing him with Sophia, told me it means nothing when they don’t feel the same. Watching them this past few months has taught me a lot. She has brought him out of his shell in a way I never could and it annoys me to hell and back that I love her like the sister I never had. When Angel left, I was cut adrift in an empty boat of my own making. I have learned to embrace change since living here and roll with the punches because life is never dull for a second.
It wasn’t hard to pick up the fragile pieces of my heart and glue them back together because the guys here make it impossible to stay lonely for long.
However, the party last night was not just to celebrate the happy couple’s approaching wedding, it was to celebrate my own exit from a life I never thought I’d walk away from.
“Hey, Millie, you should get some sleep, don’t you have a long day ahead of you tomorrow?”
I look up and see Bonnie wandering through the bar, bleary-eyed, as she looks around with disgust at the mess left behind.
“Oh, you know, old habits and all, I thought I’d leave this place as I’d want to find it before packing my bags.”
She looks a little concerned. “Will you be ok?”
“I hope so.” I feel slightly nervous and she smiles with a genuine warmth that always makes her one of the most approachable women here.
Grabbing a stool, she pulls me down beside her and takes my hand, looking deep into my eyes. “You know, you can back out, it’s not for long; this is still your home.”
“I know that and it’s fine.” I smile with a bravery I’m not sure is real because I have lived here for close on two years and life is easy. However, it became apparent when Angel left and Maverick found happiness with Sophia, that I wanted more.