by Andy Gallo
“I went to Cantangello’s to get my tux today.” That being the tailor Rocco Esposito recommended when they needed tuxedoes for the charity event. “Funny thing. They gave me two.”
Nico pulled the second one from behind the first.
“Really?” He smiled and stepped closer. “Funny how these things always seem to happen to you.”
Nico held one out. “Would you believe I asked them to ready one for you?”
“Why would you do that?”
“Because I was hoping you’d be my date to my sister’s wedding.” He moved into Luke’s personal space. “Would you please go with me, Luke?”
“I’d love to be your date to the wedding, and everything else you want us to do.”
Nico put the suits down and wrapped his hands around Luke’s waist. “Oh, Mr. DeRosa. You say the darndest things.”
Chapter Nineteen
Luke
Luke: Hey. What are you doing?
Coury: Aren’t you at a wedding with your pretend boyfriend?
Luke: Nope. At a wedding with my real boyfriend!
Coury: FINALLY! Congrats!
Nico
Nico: So maybe you were right.
Isaiah: I hope that means what I think it means.
Nico: I’m in love with Luke.
Isaiah: Duh.
Nico: And he loves me too
Isaiah: I KNEW IT
Nico had done it.
The wedding went off without a hitch. The photos had been taken, the reception was in full swing, the band was playing, and everyone was jolly. Happy.
Nico scanned the crowd and stopped when he saw his father and Luke laughing at something Joey had said. Luke fit with his family like he’d known them forever. And because Nico’s family loved him, they accepted Luke like he’d been one of them just as long.
God, he hoped this lasted.
No. He didn’t need to hope.
It was real.
His father glanced in Nico’s direction, and the others followed his gaze. Nico waved and headed toward the kitchen to check on when they would serve the cake.
Two minutes later, he was back in the main hall.
“Nico,” Giuseppe Amato said from behind him. “I was looking or you.”
“Papà. Why aren’t you schmoozing with the guests? Or better yet, spending time with the bride?”
“Because I’m trying to track down my elusive son to thank him for all his hard work.” He put his hand on Nico’s left shoulder. “I’ll admit, I had my doubts when Elisa told me you were taking over.”
“I wasn’t going to let E down.”
“That alone should have told me you would do a wonderful job.” His father kept his grip on Nico’s shoulder. Just before the moment got awkward, he nodded. “Your mother and I plan to give you the rest of the fee we would have paid the planner.”
“You don’t need to do that, Papà.”
Giuseppe smiled. “Always the good son. But this is a gift. You did this for your sister and she . . . we all . . . appreciate what you did. You keep it and use it when you get your own place.”
Nico couldn’t swallow the lump in his throat. Unable to speak, he hugged his father.
“You deserve it, Nico.” He rubbed Nico’s back gently. “I’m very proud of you, for so many reasons. Just one more thing I can brag about.”
“Thank you, Papà.” Nico wiped his eyes and stepped back. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.” He glanced over Nico’s shoulder. “Luke is a wonderful person. Your mother and I are so glad you found someone to make you happy.”
Nico’s stomach somersaulted. “Papà, I am. Nerve-wrackingly so.”
Giuseppe held up his hands. “I know it’s too soon to say such things, but everyone likes him.”
Nico’s heart pounded. “That’s good, because I really like him.” His gaze caught on Luke approaching.
“I can tell.” Giuseppe squeezed Luke’s shoulder as he walked away.
“Hey, stranger.”
Luke looked gorgeous in his tuxedo, and Nico’s heart skipped. “Having fun?”
“Not as much as I could be having. My date has been avoiding me.” Luke winked. “But I’m hopeful the night will pick up.”
“Right. I’m such a hot commodity today.”
“Definitely hot.” He leaned in and kissed Nico’s cheek. “Will you dance with me?”
Nico touched his cheek, the touch of Luke’s soft lips lingering. “I have . . . stuff to do.”
“Actually, you don’t.” Luke took Nico’s hand and nodded toward the dance floor. “I spoke to the banquet manager while you were talking to your dad. The only thing left is the cake, and that’ll happen after the tables are set for dessert.”
Luke’s information was correct. “You’re plotting something.”
“Yes. I’m plotting to dance with you.”
Luke led them to an empty space close to where Elisa was dancing with Elliott. Lively music shifted to a slow dance.
“Perfect timing.” Luke waggled his eyebrows and draped his arms warmly over Nico’s shoulders. Nico breathed in Luke’s clean, soapy scent and wrapped his arms around Luke’s waist. Luke’s heat blazed against Nico, making his breath snag.
Luke swayed with him, met his gaze and didn’t let up.
“You and your brother are so different. Joey’s so serious.”
“He’s a doctor. I guess it comes with the job.”
“Yeah, maybe. And why do I feel like I met Nico age seven last night?”
“Elijah?” He hadn’t seen his nephew since Christmas, but Elijah had practically vaulted into his arms when he arrived. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“Sure you don’t.” Luke winked. “He sure loves his uncle Nico.”
“The feelings are mutual.”
“You’ll make a great dad one day.”
Nico rubbed his nape. “You were pretty good with the kids too.”
“I love children. I hope to have my own someday.”
That just made Luke even more perfect. “I had no idea.”
“Now you do.”
Nico’s senses were short-circuiting. He tightened his hold on Luke’s waist, and glanced to his left. Seeing his sister so happy made him teary eyed.
“What’s wrong?”
Nico blinked quickly to clear his eyes. “Nothing’s wrong. I’m . . .” He caught himself. “I usually cry at weddings. This being E’s, I’ve cried more than usual.”
Luke leaned in and whispered into Nico’s ear. “Feel free to cry on my shoulder whenever you need to.”
Nico closed his eyes and rested his head on Luke’s shoulder. “Thank you.”
They stayed like that, swaying slightly, until someone tapped him on the shoulder.
“May I cut in?” Elisa slipped beside them in her dazzling white dress.
Nico stepped back so she could dance with Luke.
They each smacked one of his arms. “What? I figured you were tired of me by now.”
“No way, boo. Not happening.” She smiled at Luke. “I know you’ve been waiting all day to dance with him, but so have I. Do you mind sharing him for a few minutes?”
“Just a few. Then I want him back.” Luke backed away, grinning.
Nico took his sister’s hand and made small moves that barely qualified as dancing.
“First, thank you.” She kissed his right cheek. “Today was everything I wanted. And you made it happen.”
“Meh. It was mostly done when I got here.”
She squeezed his hand tight and shook her head. “Nope. You don’t get to do that. You did this for me, boo. I won’t forget.”
He scanned the ballroom until he locked eyes with Luke. Nico’s pulse raced. “Coming to Philly worked out pretty good for me, too.”
“Good. I want you to be happy, boo.” Tears formed around the edges of her eyes. “Will you do that for me?”
Nico blinked back the heat in his eyes. “How is that something for yo
u?”
“Because I love you a hundred googolplex times.” They both laughed at her nine-year-old comeback. “Promise me you’ll try with Luke?” The song changed, and she led them into a quick dance. “You fit well together.”
They did fit together. “I promise.”
Her face lit up, and he spun her around once. While she twirled, he motioned with his eyes for Elliott to take over. The groom didn’t need to be asked twice.
“Thanks for thinking of me on your day.” He kissed her cheek and handed her back to her new husband.
She winked. “Every day is family day.”
He couldn’t argue with that.
Threading through dancers, he made his way toward the guy he planned to start his own family with.
The thousand-watt smile on Luke’s face burned away any doubts Nico might have had left. Luke wanted him.
He took Luke’s hand and kissed him chastely. “God, I wish I could kiss you more. Like, obscenely more.”
“Soon.” Luke’s grip shifted on his hip and he leaned toward his ear. “I might have gotten a key to your suite from Elisa. And I might have put my stuff in there.”
Nico pulled back, snorting. “And I might have given you my bag to take with you.”
Luke entwined their fingers and turned back to the dance floor. “Can I tell you something?”
“You can tell me anything.”
“I didn’t know what it meant to be in love until I met you.”
Nico slowly faced him, and Luke gazed back.
“It’s all the little things you do. You care about me and make me feel special. You never said it, but I knew. Because you showed me. Every day. That’s why I love you, Nico Amato.”
“I love you too, Luke.” As the staff cleared the tables, the weight of his wedding planner title vanished. He was free. No more duties. Well, none other than be ridiculously happy with Luke.
The guests seemed to sense something was happening and most of them left the dance floor. Including his nonna. On the arm of his cousin, CJ.
“Up for meeting another family member?”
“I thought I met all the important ones already.”
“Just one more. I want you to meet my cousin CJ.”
“Ah, the infamous CJ. What’s CJ short for?”
He took Luke’s hand and lead him across the room. “Carmine, Jr., but he hates Carmine, so stick to CJ.”
When his cousin spotted them, he waved. After making sure Nonna was in her seat, he circled the table and met them halfway.
“Nico!” He threw open his arms for a hug.
After they thumped each other’s backs in front of an amused Luke, Nico stepped back.
“CJ, this is my boyfriend, Luke.”
“Nice to meet you.” Luke held out his hand, but CJ went for a hug.
“Hey, hey.” Nico tapped him on the back. “Get your own boyfriend.”
“I kind of do, but Mom and Dad would’ve had a cow if I brought him.”
“Really?” Luke looked at Nico, who nodded. “Sorry. I shouldn’t have asked.”
“It’s okay.” CJ shrugged, but Nico knew it wasn’t fine. “I’m staying at Nonno and Nonna’s”
Nico knew his cousin had spent the last month with his parents and grandparents. “Are you going home after the wedding?”
“No. I told Mom and Dad yesterday.”
“Ah, that would explain why they aren’t sitting with Nonno and Nonna.”
“Yeah.” CJ frowned. “It wasn’t pleasant, but Nonno raised his voice, and Mom threw her hands up and walked away.”
“Nonno yelled at someone?” Luke sounded stunned.
“Exactly.” CJ nodded.
“Good.” It was good. CJ needed to get away from his overly religious father. Nico squeezed his cousin’s shoulder. “We need to go see Nonna.”
“Yeah, you do. She’s been fussing at everyone that you’re working too hard.”
Nico laughed and reached for Luke’s hand. It already felt so normal.
“Nonna, you look amazing.” Nico kissed her on the cheek, “And you were really dancing with CJ.”
Nonna opened for a hug. After kissing him on both cheeks, she swatted him in the head.
“What’s that for?”
She pointed a finger at him. “Don’t you ever lie to me again, you hear?”
He rubbed his head and sent the chuckling Luke a playful growl. “Huh?”
Nonna turned her finger on Luke. “You too.” She waved him into a hug and smacked his head.
Nico swallowed a nervous giggle.
“What’d we do?”
“Tomasso Merighi?” Her evil eye set Nico back a step.
“What . . .?”
“Did you think I didn’t notice Luca wasn’t your boyfriend from the spring?”
“How . . .?”
“Never you mind how I know.”
Luke slipped his fingers between Nico’s. “Yes, Nonna. Nico and I promise not to do it again.”
“I should hope not.” She finally smiled. It had an edge to it that frightened Nico. “Tomasso’s grandmother asked me how you were doing since her grandson broke up with you. I told her you and Luca were so happy, you never mentioned it.”
Nico snorted, then it grew into a full laugh.
“Rozzo.” She tossed up her hands and flicked them when she brought them down.
“What?” Luke whispered in his ear.
He took advantage of the closeness to nick a kiss. “Uncouth. Why didn’t you say anything earlier?” Nico asked, flushed.
“Because I sensed the spark and knew you’d come to your senses.” She eyed them closely, and Luke blushed just as hard as Nico was. “And it looks like you have.”
Someone in the hall started tapping their knife to their glass as Elisa and Elliott reached the head table. The family took up the call. Even Elliott’s family seemed into the moment.
Elisa rolled her eyes but didn’t seem too put off as she kissed Elliott. All the happy couples followed suit. Luke leaned in, and Nico closed the distance, smiling into the kiss.
He pulled back and stared into Luke’s eyes. “The first of many more to come. Better get used to it.”
Luke linked their fingers. “I’m totally down with this tradition.”
Epilogue
Christmas Day – Iowa
Luke
Luke: Made it home safely.
Nonna: Good. Have fun. We’ll miss you.
Luke carried his bag up the stairs and beckoned Nico to follow. Flying on Christmas Day was much better than leaving earlier. The whole arrangement had been perfect.
Nico hadn’t lied when he said Christmas Eve was a bigger deal for his family. Elisa and Elliott were there and took the train to Philadelphia to spend Christmas with his family. She was training him well.
Luke stopped by his room first and dumped his bag, then led Nico to the guest room. His mom had made it up, put towels on the bed and a new comforter.
Nico plopped his bag down and tugged Luke into a soft kiss. “Merry Christmas, sweetie.” Nico reached for his backpack and pulled out an envelope.
“What?” They’d exchanged gifts at the Amatos’ last night.
“It’s customary to open gifts you’re given and not ask what they are.”
Keeping his dark, twinkly gaze on Nico, Luke slid his finger under the flap and pried it open. He pulled out three slips of paper and shifted through them.
“Is it customary to guess what it is after you open it?”
Nico kissed him again and grabbed the sheets of paper. He held up a menu from Esposito’s Bakery. “My family bought Esposito’s from Rocco. He’s staying on for at least three years to help train someone to run it for the family.”
Something in the way Nico said that thrilled Luke.
“This is a picture of Mrs. R’s house. Quinton and his girlfriend are moving out after the spring semester. So the apartment is available to rent come June.”
“What? Why?”
Ni
co put a finger on his lips. “Last is a Phillies’ schedule. I thought we’d catch a few games this year after you move there.”
Luke had only gotten a job offer the week before school ended. He had until January 15 to accept. “This is sweet, but what’s going on?”
“My father wants me to take over Esposito’s and learn from Rocco. CJ is coming too.”
“You’re moving to Philly?” This wasn’t real. “What about your family and the bakery?”
Nico held Luke’s shaking hands. “You’re going to be my family. You, and however many kids we have.”
“Are you . . .”
“Sure?”
Luke nodded.
“I’ll be running Esposito’s—and it’ll be at least fifteen years before Papà is ready to retire. We have plenty of time to figure out if you want to transfer to New York, or we stay in Philly.”
We! Nico kept throwing out that word. “Nico . . . this is amazing. But you can’t give up your family.”
“I’m not. Not only is Elisa in Philly, I’ll need to be in New York a lot—but most of that can be on weekends. As you know, Amato Railways gets you pretty close to my house.”
“Just don’t drink the radiator fluid.”
“Exactly. Second, my father wants me in Philly to run the new shop. He has big plans to expand. So we have gobs of time to sort that out.”
Luke was numb. He’d never mentioned how anxious he was about what would happen after graduation, but somehow Nico knew. “You did this didn’t you?”
“Omertà.” He put his fingers to his lips. “If that doesn’t work, I’m invoking the Fifth.”
“C’mon, Nico, we need to talk about this.”
“Honestly, I want this. I want you. Always. It won’t be enough seeing each other on weekends. I want to come home and make dinner for you and ask about your day when you come home. I want to share silly customer stories with you and gripe about the price of flour.
