Page 24
24
ARCHER
P eople always say time flies, but when you’re preparing for a destination wedding, the saying takes on a whole new meaning. In our case, time has disappeared in the blink of an eye. But every single moment we’ve spent together is precious. I really couldn’t love Carlotta more and each day with her is a new adventure.
One I always look forward to.
I’m a laid back kind of guy when it comes to wedding details, so I tell her to choose exactly what she wants. Guns and ops, on the other hand, I need to know every minute thing down to the letter. Even though I tell her to pick the flowers and foods and decorations she wants most, Carlotta makes sure to include me in everything.
“This is your day, too,” she tells me.
“I know, sweetheart, and I love that you want my opinion, too. But I just want you to be happy.”
“Damon, we could get married at the courthouse tomorrow and I’d be okay with it.”
God, I love this woman.
The plan is to spend a few extra weeks in Sicily. We’re arriving early to take care of the final wedding details and then we will spend the rest of the month with her family and celebrate Christmas. After that, I’m taking my beautiful bride on a flight across the Ionian Sea and we’re going to honeymoon in the beautiful Ionian Islands off the coast of Greece.
I honestly can’t say I’ve ever looked forward to something as much as the two weeks we’ll have alone, just us, exploring the islands and relaxing and having so much sex we might possibly die by orgasm. Maybe we’ll even explore the mainland, too. Whatever she wants to do. As long as there’s a bed nearby, I’m good.
Before we know it, we’re on the Rossi family’s private jet, heading over to Sicily. Angelo and Blake decided to come over early, too, and it’s nice to have the company. I like Carlotta’s youngest brother a lot because he’s always telling a funny story and making us laugh. I think out of all her brothers, she and Angelo are the most alike.
Blake, Angelo’s wife, is expecting twins, so they thought it would be nice to head over early and let her relax. She’s getting bigger every day and is doing well, but I can’t say I envy them. One baby would be hard enough. But two? This won’t be the only set of twins, either. Vin and Hannah have twin girls—Rosa and Bianca—who are sweet little angels. But, I have to say, knowing that twins run in their family makes me a little nervous.
The plane ride over to Sicily goes fast because we talk most of the way. I’ve never been to Sicily and neither has Blake, so we’re both looking forward to it.
“You’re going to love it,” Carlotta gushes. “December in Sicily is the most beautiful time of the year.”
“You’ve told me so much and now I can’t wait to see it with my own eyes.”
“I’m going to take you all over so you can experience everything,” she tells me, squeezing my hand.
The only thing I’m a little nervous about is meeting her parents. Maybe it’s silly, and I know I already have her father’s permission via phone, but I have an old school heart and I really want to make sure he’s okay with me. With us. The last month has been such a whirlwind and the way we swept into each other’s lives might make him start second-guessing my true intentions.
I love Carlotta more than anything in this world, though, and I will make sure both of her parents know that.
After landing safely at the small airport, Angelo and I grab all the luggage while the women go down to check on the car.
“Are you ready for this?” Angelo asks, looking over at me as I load my arms with as much baggage as possible.
I pause and glance over at him. “Ready for what? Marriage?”
“For all of it, bro! You’re marrying my firecracker of a sister, becoming a part of a big, crazy family, about to meet my parents, on the verge of probably becoming a father?—”
“Whoa,” I hold up a hand and laugh. “Are you trying to freak me out? One thing at a time, please.”
I laugh, but I know he’s right. It is a lot of change to happen in such a short amount of time.
But, I’m ready. Actually, I’ve never been more ready. For the first time in a very long time, I have so many new and exciting things to look forward to. I have been solely focused on business for as long as I can remember, and my personal life suffered badly—to the point where I believed I couldn’t have a serious relationship or anything beyond that. But, Carlotta taught me I could and that I have so much more to offer than I ever realized.
“I think you’re just projecting,” I joke, “because your wife is about to have twins and that’s a lot to take on all at once.”
“Aww, hell, Archer, now you’re gonna freak me out.”
We laugh as we maneuver the luggage out the door and down the roll away steps. It’s nice to have a male friend to talk to about things. Although I had my team of guys while I was in the military, we lost touch when they all moved on and started families. But Angelo and I seem to have a lot in common and get along well which is cool.
We load up the luggage into the waiting SUV. The girls are chattering about all their plans, and there’s still more luggage to get so Angelo and I make a second trip. I think the only thing Carlotta didn’t pack was the kitchen sink.
“Sweetheart, you sure don’t travel light,” I comment, finally sinking into the seat beside her once we’re all ready to go.
She throws her head back and laughs. “Better get used to it. Even if this weren’t a destination wedding, I still like to bring all the things. You just never know what you might need.”
I smirk then lean in and kiss her.
It doesn’t take long to arrive at her parent’s house, and that description is an understatement. The enormous home, surrounded by endless vineyards, is more of a sprawling country villa. It’s gorgeous and possesses an old world charm that makes you want to open up a bottle from the Rossi’s private wine cellar, sit out on the back patio and soak up all the vibes. Plus, it’s decked out for the holidays. Too many poinsettias to count sit on the large porch, wreaths cover every window and I can see lights strung from the trees. I bet it looks spectacular at night.
It’s also a bit intimidating and Carlotta must notice my nerves because she reaches over and lays a reassuring hand on my arm. “Don’t be nervous,” she whispers. “They’re going to love you.”
I look down at her graceful fingers and see the big square-cut diamond flashing there. It’s impossible not to notice. When we went ring shopping, it practically jumped out of the case and demanded to be bought. And even though she claimed she didn’t need a rock the size of New York state, I could tell she loved it. So I bought it for her and she lit up like the Fourth of July. She told me she’s never taking it off and, as far as I know, she hasn’t once since I put it on her finger.
Now, I’m going to add a wedding band and seal the deal. I can hardly wait. Who the hell am I? I wonder, stifling a chuckle. Oh, yeah, I’m a man in love. Desperately, head over heels, do- anything-to-make-her-happy in love.
As we’re getting out of the SUV, the double front doors swing open and I get my first look in person at Salvatore and Carmela Rossi. And my shoulders relax, the anxiety disappearing as Carmela hurries over and hugs me before anyone else. Then she hugs Blake. Then her children.
I’m not sure what Carlotta has told her mom about me during their private phone calls, but the fact that she came to me first and threw her arms around me without hesitation makes my chest tighten with emotion. As silly as it sounds, I needed that. The reassurance, the acceptance, the love…it all means so much to a guy who no longer has any family or friends left in his life. Well, had, I remind myself. Because now my life is so full it’s practically bursting.
“Just so you know,” Carmela says, “I’m calling you Damon, not Archer like my boys do.”
I laugh. “You may call me whatever you like,” I respond and wrap an arm around Carlotta’s waist, tugging her near. I need her beside me, need to feel her warmth and support. Meeting her parents is a big deal and I don’t want to screw it up.
“Mom, Dad, I’d like you to meet Damon—officially,” she adds, and everyone chuckles.
“It’s an absolute pleasure,” Carmela says. Then she lowers her voice and leans toward her daughter, as though imparting a secret. But, of course, I can still hear her. “Oh, Lottie, he’s even more handsome in person.”
My lips twitch at the compliment.
Salvatore extends his hand and we shake. “Welcome to the family, Damon,” he says.
“Thank you, sir.”
“Call me Sal like everyone else,” he invites in a gruff voice. His attention slides over to Blake. “And how’re you and my grandbabies doing?”
Blake rounds a hand over her protruding stomach. “They’re kicking now.”
“And keeping her up all night,” Angelo adds, pressing a kiss to her temple.
“Well, come on in and let’s get your feet up. Mela just baked cookies. There’s fresh limoncello and we have a special non alcoholic spritzer for you, Blake. And whoever else may be interested.”
He casts a side-eyed look at Carlotta and I swallow hard, not missing his meaning. But Salvatore is a man who doesn’t mince words or hold back.
“The sooner you two start giving us grandbabies, the better,” he states.
“Dad! Can we at least get married first?” Carlotta exclaims, and I chuckle. The Rossi family definitely knows how to keep things lively.
“We’re practicing,” I murmur.
“Oh, I’m sure you’re practicing quite a lot,” Angelo interjects.
“Shut it, Ang,” Carlotta says, but she’s grinning from ear to ear. “C’mon, I’ll show you where we’re staying.”
She tugs me down the long hallway lined with windows and I can only imagine how nice it must be in the summer months with the windows open and the breeze blowing in from the vineyard.
“This place is amazing,” I say.
“Not half as amazing as you.”
We reach a room and she pulls me inside, closing the door swiftly. Before I can even look around, she throws herself at me, kissing me hard. My arms automatically wrap around her, lifting her up, and her legs circle my waist. After a very long and passionate kiss, our mouths break apart.
“I’ve been wanting to do that for hours,” she states breathlessly, and I smirk.
“Oh, yeah?”
She nibbles on my lower lip, sliding her hand down between our bodies to cover my already hard dick. When she lightly squeezes, I groan.
“You’re playing with fire, sweetheart,” I warn her.
“I’m ready to burn,” she whispers, releasing her hold and grinding against me. “And, hey, we have my dad’s approval, so we may as well have some fun.”
I chuckle. “Well, in that case, I don’t want to disappoint my new father-in-law.”
“I don’t suggest it.”
Turning, I toss Carlotta onto the bed. If she wants me, then she will have me. Without warning, I jump on top of her—carefully, of course—and kiss the daylights out of her.
Ah, I have a feeling Sicily is going to be wonderful in so many ways.
And, it is. Every single moment we spend with Carlotta’s family is beautiful. By the time the whole crew arrives for the holiday, I feel like I’ve known this family forever. They’re so warm and welcoming, overflowing with joy, love and laughter. Sometimes, I have to pinch myself because I can’t believe it’s real.
There’s Miceli, a pregnant Alessia and little Nico; Vin, Hannah and their little girls, Rosa and Bianca; Enzo, Gabriella and baby Luna; Angelo and poor Blake who has evening sickness at six o’clock on the dot every night; Salvatore and Carmela, of course, and us. Going from no family to a big circle of relatives like this has been the easiest and best thing. I worried it might be a little daunting, but they’ve welcomed me with open arms.
On the eve before our wedding, Carlotta and I take another stroll through the village to admire the Christmas decorations and visit the festive markets. Lights and poinsettias are everywhere and we pause to admire the live nativity scenes which she calls presepi viventi . I love listening to her speak Italian. Like the rest of her family, she is fluent and it sounds beautiful rolling off her tongue.
Candles illuminate the front of the church and it’s all so magical and quaint—like straight out of some old-time fairytale book. We’re both watching the baby make cooing sounds in the manger, and I thread my fingers through hers.
One day, I know we’ll have a little one of our own.
“Tomorrow night at this time, we’ll be married,” she murmurs.
“I can’t wait. You’ve given me so damn much to look forward to, Carlotta. So much more…” My voices chokes with emotion. “Well, things I never expected would happen.”
I turn to her so I can look into her pretty brown eyes.
“Thank you, my love. For everything.”
“Oh, Damon, you don’t have to thank me because you’ve returned it all a hundred times over. I love you and I’m so grateful for you and our future together.”
“I love you, Lottie. More than you’ll ever truly know.”
Somewhere nearby, the sound of people singing a Christmas carol fills the air. With the lights twinkling nearby and the scent of spruce in the air from the cut evergreens laid out in the manger, I pull Carlotta into my arms and kiss my girl with all the love in my heart.