I pad down the hallway, admiring our beautiful home. It took most of the year to renovate, but we are now back into the original space in the compound; however, it has an entirely different floor plan, a new color scheme, and new decor. Dante asked Leo and I to make the decisions, as he wanted the space to feel safe for us both after Angelina came here, and we had so much fun with it. I even had our bathroom painted bright blue, like the waters of Sicily. An artist from Maddison’s gallery connections came in and painted his boat on the water to remind Dante of his love of his home country—a place he says he will take me to again as soon as all my exams are over, and I can’t wait. Sicily is now our frequent holiday destination. I reach his office and look inside, expecting him to be behind his desk, his head buried in papers, but it is also empty.

“That’s odd,” I murmur to myself, because I am sure he didn’t leave the house this morning.

I walk back through the dining room again, to the other side of the house toward our bedrooms, figuring Leo is probably in his room, playing. I stop by his room and poke my head in. “Leo?” I call out, and there is no answer. The room is spotless, and he is not here.

Feeling a little uneasy, because it is so quiet, I spin quickly and walk down the hall to our room. I open the door and push through, stopping dead in my tracks.

“Dante?” I say quietly, as shock stills my body and the blood drains from my face.

Dante clears his throat, before my eyes sweep around the room.

Rose petals are on nearly every surface, candles are lit around the room, and Dante and Leo are standing side by side in matching black tuxedos, their hands clasped in front of them like soldiers. Only Leo is grinning from ear to ear and elbowing his father.

I look back to Dante, and my gaze softens.

“Little Red. Annie. My Bella,” he starts, before clearing his throat again, and I realize he is nervous. I have never seen Dante nervous before; he is usually so stoic. My chest warms as I watch him squirm a little. I take a few steps closer, my heart pounding, and my lips are dry as I watch him, waiting for his next words.