“Let’s shower,” I say as I sit up and wrap my arm around her head in a headlock to tug her in for a kiss. “We have a lot to talk about.”
Chapter 41
Walk on the Beach
Carleen
As I tug my cape closed tighter, I’m glad we chanced the brisk wind to take this walk on the beach. The night sky is magical. Even with my ponytail whipping in my face, I can’t help smiling and taking in this gorgeous place.
“So we’re in Sicily, right?”
“Yes, I’ll take you to Naples this week. We can take a ferry or fly over. We have family there. Nonno had two younger brothers who have a bunch of children there. His sister lives there as well.”
“Had?”
“I believe they were killed. It’s something he doesn’t like to talk about, but I think it’s one of the reasons he’s pushed us to be so close.”
“Oh, that’s kind of sad.”
“I still can’t believe Gwen was your aunt. When she took off with Ma. I felt like I lost two mothers.”
“Do you remember Beth?”
“You know what’s crazy? You’re the one who lost their memory, but I feel like I buried those times so deep that I forgot almost everything about life before Ma disappeared.”
“That makes sense. It was a traumatic time. If I hadn’t had the accident, I don’t know how much I would remember. All I can remember for sure was how depressed everyone was.”
Dario squeezes my fingers. “I still have so many questions. Something more happened. I know it in my gut. Did your parents say anything else?”
I think of the things Uncle Lucas told me, but I hold my tongue. I can’t tell Dario any of that. Not that I think any of that will help.
“No, I told you all they told me.”
“The more I think about it, the more I believe Gio knows the entire truth. I was so relieved when Nonno told me I wouldn’t become Don. All I could think about was getting home to you so we could start a life together. I never stopped to think about all Nonno had said.
“Gio was so cool about it. In fact, we never addressed the subject.” He pauses in thought for a moment. “Damn it.”
I place a hand on his chest and stop walking. Looking up into his eyes, I search his face. He looks so frustrated.
“Be patient. Your grandfather promised you the truth. For now, let’s enjoy this beautiful place. I’ll need your help finding a doctor for me and this little one. My Italian is rusty.”
“Your Italian sucks,” he teases. “Nonno already has a doctor coming in to check on you next week.” He brushes his fingers across my cheek. “How are you feeling? You must be tired. Do you want to eat again?”
“Oh God, no.” I laugh. “I’m so full. I am tired, but I’m still taking all of this in.”
“Come on, let’s head back. This place isn’t going anywhere. It’s been here since before 729 BC. It’s survived pirates, famine, earthquakes, civil unrest, volcanoes, and epidemics, you name it. This city will survive one night of rest.”
I smile up at him and lift on my toes to kiss him. When I pull away, he inhales deeply and presses his lips to my forehead. We stand like this for a few beats before he pulls away and looks down to search my face.
“What?” I ask as a look crosses his handsome features.
He turns me in his arms and points up to the sky. I follow his long arm and gasp as tears spring from my eyes. I’ve cried more in the last few months than I ever have in my life.
Looking up, the words Will You Marry Me? are scrolled against the night sky like a Bat-Signal, lit brightly for all to see. I turn to face Dario and he’s on one knee.
“I asked you to have our playground wedding after we watched Pebbles and Bamm-Bamm get married. You had this look on your face. I’ll never forget it. It was almost as if you saw yourself as Pebbles.
“I wanted to be Bamm-Bamm with all my heart. Ma took us to the toy store later that day and one of the gumball machines had a ring. Dante and I used up all our quarters to get that ring out.
“I proposed the next time I saw you. I never imagined I’d grow up and have a chance to do it again. You have been my best friend all my life. The first person I think of when I wake, the last person on my mind when I go to sleep. You now know all my secrets.”
He places a hand on my stomach. “You’re carrying my child and you hold all my peace. I granted you your wish, now I want to ask you to grant me mine. Will you marry me, Carleen? Make our family complete and become my wife.”