I didn’t, because Gian was my present, my future. My everything.
It was strange how fate worked. When I had left his club that night with him as my fake fiancé, I was sure I’d lost everything. Little did I know, fate had handed me the key to a new life. A better life. Sure, it might not be perfect, but it was perfect for me.
EPILOGUE
Gian
Six Months Later…
The second I entered the restaurant with my arm around Evie, the air shifted. Without greeting me, the owner barked out orders. The staff shifted into motion. Patrons stirred in their seats. Hushed whispers filled the room. Some people knew of me; others recognized Evie. All eyes were on us.
Her play was an instant hit, and she’d become a Broadway star. The critics raved about her skill and her grace. Good thing she was so talented because I would have ripped out their tongues if they said anything unflattering.
The owner dipped his head. “Mr. Trassato, Miss Jeffers, so nice of both of you to visit us tonight.”
I pulled Evangeline closer to me, loving the way her body fit against mine. “Only the best for my girl.”
He beamed. “Follow me. I have a special table on the back deck for you where you’ll have all the privacy you need.”
“Thank you.”
Evie eyed me with more than a little suspicion. I had told her I wanted to take her out to celebrate six months of being together, which was only half true.
The minute we settled into our seats, a waiter popped open a bottle of champagne, filled our glasses, and disappeared inside, leaving us alone.
Lanterns dangled from a trellis over our heads and circled our table on the floor. Red and white rose petals were scattered over the white linen tablecloth. Soft music played in the background.
Evie leaned forward, and her emerald green dress gaped at the front, drawing my attention downward. “Hey, eyes up here,” she said, snapping her fingers.
“Sorry.” I chuckled. “I can’t help myself. You look amazing in that dress.” She did. It complimented her hair color and her skin, and I really loved the way it showed off those legs of hers.
She flung her arm in a swooping motion. “What’s all this, Gian?”
I grinned, fishing my hand into the pocket of my best black suit. “Well, Evangeline, I wanted to make sure everything was perfect this time.”
“This time. What do you mean?”
I pulled the white box from my pocket and dropped down onto one knee. Her hand fluttered to her chest. “Gian…what are you doing?”
“Evie, the first time we were engaged, it wasn’t real, but everything about it felt right. Since you’ve agreed to be part of my life again, my mom, Carmela, everyone has been asking me when we’re getting engaged for real.” I paused, cocking my head to the side. “By the way, my mom told me you ratted us out about the first engagement not being real.”
A blush stained her cheeks, and she covered her face with her hands. “I don’t know what to say. Your mom can be really intimidating.”
I pried them away. “I don’t care about that now. I only care that I still can’t refer to you as my wife to everyone and anyone who will listen.”
I opened the tiny box and held the ring between my thumb and index finger. It was several bands woven together with one princess-cut diamond in the center, holding them together.
“I picked this ring for you because, to me, it symbolized our journey together. It’s been twisted and taken a lot of unexpected detours, yet somehow we still ended up together. You’re my soul mate and my other half, and I can’t imagine anything better than spending the rest of my life with you. Evangeline Jeffers, will you make me the happiest man alive and marry me?”
“Yes. Of course.” She wrapped her arms around my neck and showered my face and neck with kisses.
“Wow,” I mumbled against her lips. “You’re really picking a stroll down the aisle with me over a swim in the Hudson with cement boots?”
She shoved me in the shoulder. “Why do you have to bring up the dumb crap I said at a time like this?”
“Because I love you, and I love our story. It’s one of a kind. Exactly like you.”
Her eyes softened. “I love you too. Always.”
“Forever.”