She looks around the land with wide eyes, her lips turning up into a smile and the inside of the brows mimicking the rest of her awestruck expression.
“I love it. It’s beyond perfect, Vince.” She beams, turning her head back towards me.
“That’s not the only reason I’ve brought you here.” I swallow the lump in my throat and get down on one knee, pulling out the box and revealing the ring inside. She gasps, completely shocked, and I’m reveling in the smile that follows.
“Every day, I learn just how badass you really are. I’ve always needed a partner as well as a wife who can watch my back. You are loyal beyond belief, and every time I turn to you for anything, you meet me with strength. You’ve become someone I know I can trust without a second thought or hesitancy. Relying on you for the rest of my life, fighting for you and you for me, building something untouchable by anything else… That's what I want for us. I want you, forever. So, Jessica Lee, will you please do me the honor of being my wife?”
The tears in her eyes are a steady stream, and she nods vigorously, dropping to her knees to be at my level. She takes my face in her hands, and we kiss with immense passion, smiling at each other. We hold each other for a while after that before I say, “So that’s a yes then?” And she lets out a laugh.
“Yes, that's absolutely positive, yes.” She holds out her hand, and I finally slip the ring on her finger. It’s swirls of white gold that form to shape a multi-layered flower, engulfed in diamonds, with the largest one fixed in the center.
She stares at it admiringly, then into my eyes. I take the chance to kiss her again, holding her tightly, never letting go, not a chance. Before we realize it, the sun completely sets, so we take the opportunity to look at the stars. It’s a quiet decision, like we’re reading each other's minds, in sync with our movements. We remain there for quite some time, laying back onto the carpet-like grass, looking out at the vastness of the sky, so clear we can see the stardust of the milky-way. Marty carefully blows out all the candles for us while we watch.
“Did you know I was going to propose?” I laugh as she curls up next to me, her head on my chest.
“No. I was actually confused, but knew it was something important.” We intertwine our fingers over my chest.
“I’m glad I could surprise you.” I lift my other hand from her shoulder to bring her head closer to me, then kiss the top of it.
“I want to be like this forever.” She whispers, and I just smile, agreeing with her as I slowly tuck her soft hair behind her ear. As we continue to watch the stars, I can feel her body begin to relax, and I know she’s fallen asleep. I lift her up, cradling her close to me while taking one last look at our new land. Marty and Lee give me a look, and I nod to them as if to say, “we’re leaving,” and we start back towards the car.
“Clean this up and bring everything back to the house, Marty. Jess and I will take Lee’s car to the penthouse.” I nudge him before he can get too far, gesturing to the candles and lilies.
“No problem, Vince.” He hops around me to begin cleaning, and Lee turns his head, grimacing at him with an admonishing look for calling me Vince. He must have caught sight of it because he lets out a chuckle. Brave kid to laugh at Lee. I chuckle a little too as we enter the car, buckling up Ms. Lee then myself.
The drive home is beautiful, long, but beautiful. It also helps take off the edge, given that my heart is soaring. I can’t fucking believe that this is the life I get to live— the love of my life by my side. I never knew I could be so happy and fulfilled.
As we pull into the garage, I send a message to Jack Beys, who I’ve been working with on another gift for Jess. This one is far more secretive, given its nature.
“Thank you. I can’t express enough gratitude for your help. I’m working on the other side of it now. Keep me updated on your end whenever you think necessary.” I flip to my group message with Pop, Antonio, and me and shoot them a text as well.
“Tomorrow night, dinner. I have some news.” And then I slip my phone back into my pocket as we park, so I can easily carry Jess up to the penthouse.
The lift arrives at my level, and I say goodnight to Lee as the doors close behind me. Jess begins to stir in my arms, and I try to quietly bring her to the bed so as not to disturb her. I lay her down gently and cross to the closet for her pajamas.
“Vince.” I hear her whisper, and I turn around, making strides to the side of the bed.
“Yes?” I whisper, crouching down and folding my arms at the bedside. She turns her sleepy eyes to me and reaches a cold hand to my cheek.
“I love you.” She whispers; a small breath escapes from my parted mouth as I smile at her groggy words.
“I love you.” I kiss her forehead, and her eyes flutter shut. It’s in these moments I marvel at the fortune I’ve acquired in Jessica Lee. I cross back to the closet, grab her pajamas, and change her into them. She’s quite a deep sleeper, which I find interesting considering she opened up to me when we moved in together about her insomnia. As far as I can recall, she hasn’t experienced it, even for a night at the penthouse.
I shower off quickly before changing into my pajamas and cuddling up to her in bed. Being next to her always makes me sleep well, and tonight is no exception to that rule. I drift away into a blissful rest.
I wake up easily as the morning light shines through the skylights. I glance over to see Jess still sleeping soundless, her lips pressed into a pout. I softly kiss them before slipping out of bed and heading to the kitchen to make us breakfast. This has been the routine every weekend since she’s moved in.
I grab the eggs and sausage from the fridge and place the skillet over the glass stovetop. As I begin to prepare the eggs, I get a text. I pull out my mobile from my pocket and see it’s from Pops.
“I’ve arranged for the whole family, mafia and blood, to be there tonight as per your request. Arrive at 7 with Jess. See you both then.”
I quickly respond, “Yes, sir,” and finish preparing breakfast.
Jess comes out halfway through cooking and sits on the barstool behind me.
“Good morning.” I smile, turning to face her as I slide some eggs, sausage, and a pancake on her plate.
“Good morning.” She yawns and smiles back as I walk around the bar to kiss her cheek.
“I’ve got some news.” I lean on the counter as she takes a bite and tilts her head questioningly for me to continue.
“Tonight, we’re going to dinner with the family.” She raises her eyebrows instantly.
“They don’t know yet, though….” She cups a hand at the base of her growing baby bump.
“They will.” I place my hand over hers, kissing the top of her head reassuringly. Tonight will be much more than just our pregnancy reveal. Still, I’d prefer to keep her busy thinking about trifling details to deter her from the ones I have to work out during the day for the best surprise yet.