Page 113 of Luciano

As the priest recited the verses, my wife’s hand found mine and our fingers interlocked. Her eyes were on Francesca, watching her like a lioness. She protected the ones she loved with all her might, and it made me love her even more.

“May almighty God, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit bless you Francesca Aria Vitale.”

The cheer sounded off, and Grace’s proud smile breathed life into my chest. No matter what life had in store for us, she would always be my rock, my flame.

Francesca’s tiny body looked even smaller in Cassio’s arms. He looked like a big bear worried about hurting its cub. I couldn’t help but chuckle at the sight and laugh when my father snapped the picture of the two of them, and Cassio warned him he’d wake up the baby.

I nuzzled my face into my wife’s neck, inhaling deeply. Her scent always calmed me, grounded me.

“You know, husband,” she whispered, “we could sneak out for a little romp.”

My chest shook with the laugh I was trying to hold back. Though her words always managed to surprise me, I wasn’t going to bring attention to ourselves. I was all about rutting and romping my wife.

“I married an insatiable woman.” I gently nipped her earlobe.

“But you love it,” she murmured. “And I love you, Luciano Vitale.”

“I love you, mio Tesoro. From the moment I spotted you.”

“All the way then, huh?”

“Yes, my love.” This woman could single handedly bring me to my knees. “You are mine, Grace. You’ve been mine from the moment you took your first breath. And you’ll be mine when you take your last breath.”