Page 42 of Hello Goodbye Amore

CHASE WAS all smiles as he stood next to Tio while everyone milled around the lawn of the Boboli Gardens.

They made their way inside and sat at their places at the head table, with Paolo next to Tio, and Dave, who had come over with his family for the wedding, on the other side of Chase.

Ricky sat at the table right in front between his Grammy and Nonno as he’d specifically requested.

“I expected there to be a number of people who sent their regrets,” Tio said as they looked out at the very full gathering. “Very few people did.”

“I’m glad.” Chase figured that made things much easier for Contessina, who had been warming over the past year.

Chase had figured out that she was very much concerned with what others, especially those in her social circle, thought of her.

The celebration of their life partnership had made things much easier for her to accept.

Well, that and the fact that their relationship included her only grandson, who she was coming to adore.

A light tinking sound silenced the crowd, and Tio’s father stood near their table, welcoming everyone and thanking them for coming.

Then he sat, and the food was served. And what a meal it was.

The courses came and went, with the meal taking almost two hours, followed by Paolo’s speech and then one by Tio’s father. Then music filled the night with magic.

“I think they’re waiting for us,” Tio whispered, and Chase let him lead him to the floor before they began their first dance. It was magical, and after a few minutes, Tio motioned to his parents to join them. Soon the floor was filled with couples, including Ricky dancing with Chase’s mother.

“Are you happy?” Tio asked softly.

“More than I ever thought possible.” He closed his arms around Tio’s neck and rested against him, letting the music carry him away.

They had decided on a delayed honeymoon, given their recent trip to the States.

Both of them had plenty to do, with Chase beginning a new project for Smithson.

They had found that having someone in Europe was immensely beneficial.

Instead of running his own initiatives, he spent most of his time facilitating other projects, looking to source components from Glorioso.

He loved his job and the flexibility he had to work from anywhere, which meant they spent as much time at the villa outside Rome as they did in Florence.

Ricky came over, and Chase lifted him into his arms, the three of them dancing together.

“Smile, Daddy. You too, Papa.” They turned to where the photographer stood, and all three of them smiled.

Their first official family picture. “You gotta kiss,” Ricky giggled, and Chase and Tio each kissed one of Ricky’s cheeks.

The photographer captured Ricky mid giggle.

“Not me,” Ricky clarified, and Chase leaned in and kissed Tio gently as Ricky grinned.

Chase knew that not everything would be easy, but for now, it was perfect.