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I narrow my eyes as he pulls me off the floor. “Another gift? West, you’ve already given me so much.”
“Trust me, you’ll want this one. We need to go to the airport.”
“The airport?” Confusion must be written all over my face, but West grins. “Why?”
West grabs our coats, helping me into mine. “You’ll see.”
In the car, I fidget with my engagement and wedding rings. Sliding the metal around my finger. “Are we going somewhere far?”
West shakes his head. “Only two hours away.”
By the time we reach the airport, I’m a bag of nerves.
I can’t help but wonder where we’re going as we board the private plane.
My stomach churns more with anxiety than anything else. Even though Vincenzo is gone, I still feel uneasy leaving the safety of our penthouse in New York.
“West, where are we headed?” I ask, settling into the plush leather seat.
He takes my hand, his thumb rubbing soothing circles on my skin. “It’s a surprise, princess. Just relax and enjoy the flight.”
Less than an hour later, the plane takes off. I try to calm my nerves by focusing on the comfort of West’s presence beside me.
After about two hours, the plane descends.
“Charleston?” I ask, peering out the window at the familiar landscape below.
West nods, a mysterious smile playing on his lips.
As we exit the plane, I’m surprised to see a black Escalade waiting for us on the tarmac. Even more shocking is the sight of Jackson and Callum already inside.
“What are they doing here?” I whisper to West as we climb in.
“All part of the surprise,” he says, giving my hand a reassuring squeeze.
The car travels for a while before pulling up to a familiar cemetery. My heart clenches as I realize where we are.
West leads me to my parents’ graves, his arm wrapped protectively around my waist. When we reach the headstones, he surprises me by speaking.
“Hello, Mr. and Mrs. Morelli,” he says softly, giving them their real names. “I wish I could have met you both. I would have asked your permission to marry your daughter, but I promise I’ll always take care of her. As you did.. Thank you for giving her this life and bringing her into mine.”
Tears spring to my eyes, and I lean into West’s embrace. After a few moments of silence, he gently pulls away.
“I’ll give you a moment alone,” he says.
I kneel on the cold grass, my fingers tracing the letters etched in stone. Tears blur my vision as I speak softly to my parents.
“Mom, Dad... I miss you so much. Thank you for everything you did for me. For sacrificing everything to give me a chance at a better life. I hope I’ve made you proud.”
My voice breaks, but I continue.
“I found love, real love. West is...he’s everything. I wish you could have met him. He makes me feel safe, cherished. I think you’d approve.”
I pause, wiping the tears from my cheeks.
“I love you both. Forever.” Standing on shaky legs, I turn and head to where West stands.
When I get there, emotions overwhelm me, and I stumble. But before I can fall, his strong arms catch me, pulling me against his chest.