After getting dressed, we didn’t leave right away. We remained in the backseat, and I nestled in his arms. I couldn’t help but smile as we embraced each other.
Would it be too forward of me to think that even if Gio didn’t say he loved me outright, he might feel that way? I knew I still needed to hear it from him for affirmation, but Gio wasn’t the type to express his feelings vocally. He was not vocal or expressive. In all the years of our marriage, I had come to realize that about him. He showed his love more through his actions.
“I’m sleepy,” I mumbled with my eyes closed. The night was deep, and I was tired from our activities.
“Sleep and get some rest. I’ll take care of everything else.”
I didn’t fight the drowsiness; I was incredibly comfortable in Gio’s arms. Even if I struggled against my exhaustion, the desire to sleep won out.
I clung to him. If only he could interpret my actions, he’d see how much I was falling in love with him. But I hoped that even if Gio did understand my feelings, he wouldn’t change. That’s my greatest fear, that when Gio learns about my emotions, he might distance himself.
~*~
I rubbed my eyes, immediately feeling the weight of Gio’s arm on my stomach. Even though I had just woken up, I couldn’t help but smile. I had no idea what had happened last night after I fell asleep, but judging by what I was wearing now, Gio had even dressed me when we got back home.
I glanced at his peaceful sleeping face beside me. I saw Gio’s handsome, tranquil expression. I wanted to caress it, but I was afraid I might wake him up. This was a rare sight. Catching Gio sleeping next to me or admiring his face like this didn’t happen to me every day. He usually woke up early, which made it even more puzzling that he was still here by my side.
I loved it when he held me like this. Perhaps that’s why I hadn’t had those recurring nightmares lately. My subconscious knew that I was safe with Gio and had no reason to be afraid.
Gio stirred, and I knew he was awake. My smile widened.
“Good morning!” I greeted him cheerfully. He didn’t open his eyes and didn’t respond, but the way he held me closer and nuzzled against my body was a clear sign that he had accepted my greeting.
Gio groaned and hugged me tightly, keeping his eyes closed.
I was tempted to kiss him, but I probably had morning breath, so I decided against it. Instead, I rested my head on his chest. “Gio, don’t you have work? What time is it?”
In the bright morning light in our room, it must have been around eight o’clock. I had overslept. I couldn’t help it; my sleep had been too comfortable, and I knew why. When Gio was holding me all night, it was hard not to sleep deeply.
“I don’t have work today,” he replied in a hoarse voice.
Oh, God! His morning voice was irresistible! His voice was so deep in the morning that it felt like you could drown in it, the kind of drowning you wouldn’t mind coming up for air from.
“Why?” It wasn’t the weekend, so why wasn’t he working?
“I took the day off,” he slowly opened his eyes. “Tonight, we’re going to a dinner party at my parents’ house. Some relatives will be there too.”
I was jolted by what he said. “Tonight? Why didn’t you tell me earlier? I might not have anything presentable to wear in front of your family.” I immediately got out of bed and rushed to the walk-in closet to find something suitable for tonight.
I had plenty of clothes, but when it came to Gio’s family, I wanted to make sure there was nothing to criticize about my appearance. I asked Gio for help in choosing an outfit. He didn’t say much and seemed to not make a big deal out of what I should wear, but I was the one who was making it into a big deal.
I tried on several outfits and showed them to Gio, but he didn’t offer much feedback. I wasn’t even sure if he had registered everything he had seen!
“What should I wear?” I asked, feeling flustered. It was still early, and the dinner was hours away, but I couldn’t relax.
“Everything is great, Millie. They all look good,” he said to me, focusing both his hands on the bed while looking at me.
That wasn’t much help. Could I trust him?
As the evening approached, I wasn’t sure if my outfit was appropriate. We arrived at Mom’s house, and she greeted us. I kissed her on the cheek, and Dad greeted us as well. Mom was overjoyed, and her husband stayed close, watching Gio and me.
We went to the backyard where the dinner was taking place. I met some more of Gio’s uncles. I greeted them politely before Gio and I took our seats.
Soon, Kyrie and Valerio arrived, along with a young girl. I glanced at the girl. Was that their daughter? Kyrie hadn’t mentioned to me that they had a child, so I had no idea. Gio hadn’t said anything either.
I couldn’t take my eyes off the lovely young girl. She was radiant and fittingly named Laureine. Just like the sun, she exuded light and brightness. Kyrie smiled at me and waved. I returned the greeting with a smile.
Taddeo and Arcel, Gio’s siblings, arrived with their own sister. I got to know some of Gio’s Locatelli cousins, though Gia wasn’t there; she already had left the country.
I saw another child, this time a boy. He was the son of Raffaele and her girlfriend, Chloe. I was surprised when I recognized the girl accompanying Raffaele. She was the one during the hostage-taking incident at the gala!
I could only manage a smile, and he responded in kind.
I absentmindedly picked up my glass of water and took a sip, my eyes following the two kids who were playing. If I remembered correctly, the young boy with Raffaele was called Tobias. They had mentioned his name earlier.
As dinner began, the conversation shifted to the topic of children. They discussed how Tobias was the first boy in their generation and how he might be the next in line to take over as the family’s business leader, following Gio. Jokes were made about hidden offspring.
I jumped when I felt Dad’s discreet glance at me. I also felt Gio’s hand under the table. I knew what he was implying. His parents couldn’t rely on us because Gio and I didn’t have any hidden children. We had no secrets.
I couldn’t miss the subtle glances Gio and Taddeo exchanged. I also noticed Taddeo’s annoyance at Gio’s scrutiny. Gio pursed his lips and shrugged.
“Drop it,” Taddeo mouthed, clearly disapproving of whatever Gio was hinting at.
I was a bit distant throughout that dinner. I was happy, and not many people talked to me because I was in my own world.
Whenever I had the chance, I watched Tobias and Laureine. Once, when I had an opportunity, I approached them and joined their game. That’s when I felt as if I really wanted to have children.
I looked over at Gio, who was talking to Taddeo. I really wanted to have a child, but Gio didn’t. It can’t be just what I want; it has to be what my husband wants as well.