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“Ciao, Mama.”

“Romeo?” He’d caught her by surprise—he could tell by the background noise and the fluster in her voice. He heard her moving to a quieter place, and once she was there, the flustered tone turned to warmth and love. “Is that really you?” she asked, speaking to him in Italian, their preferred language of conversation.

“It is. I hope I’m not disturbing you.”

“Of course, you aren’t. It’s so wonderful to hear your voice. How are you?”

“I’m good. I wanted you to be the first to know. Lexi and I got married while we were on assignment in Brazil. It’s a long story as to how it happened, and it was completely unplanned and unexpected, but we’re legally married. I think you’ll greatly enjoy hearing the story, but I want to tell you all the details in person and with Lexi by my side.”

“Brazil? It sounds terribly exciting.”

“That it was. Regardless, we still intend to have a church wedding in the U.S. and we’d like to have a nice reception with family and friends to celebrate. Do you think you and Papa can make it?”

“What a silly question. We wouldn’t miss it for the world. As soon as you give me the details, I’ll be sure to clear my shift well in advance at the hospital. I’m so happy for you, Romeo. You deserve every moment of happiness you receive.”

“Thank you. We don’t have details on the wedding yet, but I believe they’ll be coming shortly. I can’t wait for you to meet Lexi. She’s extraordinary.”

“I’m sure of that. I’m looking forward to meeting the woman who’s stolen my little boy’s heart. You’re bringing her to Giorgio’s wedding, right?”

“I am.” It made him happy to imagine how fun it would be when Lexi was finally surrounded by his entire family. “Also, if you have another minute, there’s something else I’d like to talk to you about. Something I should have said a long time ago.”

“I have as much time as you need.” She must have heard something in his voice because she added, “Is everything okay?”

She was his adoptive mother, and she knew him better than anyone except for Lexi. “It’s more than okay. The truth is, I’m the best I’ve ever been in my life. Everything seems to have fallen into place for me. I couldn’t possibly ask for any more. I’m an incredibly lucky man.”

“That makes my heart so happy to hear.”

“You’re a big part of that.” There had never been a time when he doubted her support for his pursuits in life and he loved her for it. “I’m not sure I ever told you how grateful I am that you took in a child you didn’t know, a child that wasn’t your own. Your patience and love saved me—a broken child. How can I put into words what that means me?”

He heard the soft intake of her breath. “Oh, Romeo. You don’t have to say a thing.” Her voice caught with emotion. “You’ve brought incredible joy into my life—into all of our lives. I’m proud of the man you’ve become and all you’ve accomplished. You’re truly a special and brilliant soul. It’s my honor to be your mother.”

“Being your son made me the man I am today.” He closed his eyes, taking a moment to compose himself, because her love for him was about to undo him. “While I’ve always appreciated what you’ve done for me, I’m not sure I ever fully understood the sacrifices you made for me until recently. Your love and acceptance gave me the courage to find my own way and eventually my own love.”

She didn’t speak right away, and he wondered if she was collecting herself much as he had just done. “That’s a beautiful thing to say. Thank you. Although I haven’t met Lexi yet, I already love her as if she were my own. She’s captured your heart so completely, Romeo, and that’s not an insignificant achievement.”

She, of all people, would understand that. “I know. Sometimes when I look at her, I can’t believe how fortunate I am to have found her. It’s been hard for me to trust people.”

“That’s completely understandable.”

“Perhaps, but you were the first person to whom I gave my trust, and you kept it safe. Now I’ve extended that trust to my wife. Thank you for that.”

“My heart is bursting with happiness for you. I can’t wait to see you.”

“I can’t wait to see you either. I love you, Mama.”

“I love you, too,cucciolo. And remember no matter what happens in your life, if you have your family beside you, you’ll be rich.Amor vence tudo.”

For the first time in his life, his head was clear, his heart was full. “Si, Mama, love conquers all.”

Chapter Sixty-Three

Lexi

“Hi, Mom, it’s me, Lexi.”

“Lexi, where are you? You haven’t been answering my emails.” Her voice held a mixture of annoyance and worry, so I knew I had to reassure her everything was fine. She had no idea about my kidnapping or the particulars of my assignment, and I intended to keep it that way, at least for the time being.

“I’m sorry about that. I’m in South America on assignment, remember? We’re using satellite connectivity here and it’s not overly reliable. Plus, we’re really busy.”