The car stopped with an abrupt shake.
Her father turned, throwing a smug glance at Giada. “Seven minutes, ten seconds. What do you say?”
“That’s enough. You can gloat inside as well. Let’s go.” Her mother whacked him in the chest.
They got out and hurried up the large marble stairs.
Giada gripped the handrail. Her stilettos were a tick higher than what she was used to, and it wouldn’t be a good start for the evening to roll down the steps like a ball.
The metal surface contrasted with the heat of her moist palms. Why was she so nervous? It wasn’t her giving a speech to thank everybody. Despite this, her heart was dancing in wild anticipation.
It was going to be a special night; she could feel it.
As they stepped into the hall where the ceremony was to take place, Giada’s eyes scanned the room. She spotted Gabriel immediately. His tall figure and broad shoulders were unmistakable even with his back to them.
He was chatting with the captain of the fire station and the mayor. As if he had a sixth sense about Giada’s presence, he whirled around and his face lit up. He turned to his conversation partners, probably to excuse himself, and then bolted towards them.
He first shook hands with her father and embraced her mother, and then finally stepped over to Giada. His eyes opened wide as he gave her a slow once-over. His pupils dilated and a dark glint of lust seeped into his eyes. “You look breathtaking, my love,” he murmured.
Giada’s cheeks seared. “Uhm, thanks. I wanted to look my best for your special night.”
Gabriel snaked his arms around her waist, pulling her closer to him. He bent down and blew a soft kiss on her neck. “Our special night. I couldn’t have done any of it without you.”
Exultation surged through Giada, her cells filling up with an energy so giddy that she felt like jumping. Luckily, the pressure on her feet reminded her that it wouldn’t be very advisable to do so.
A loud creak cut through the air, as the microphone on the stage got switched on.
“Ladies and gentlemen,” the mayor’s deep voice echoed from the walls. “The delivery of this year’s Service Awards is starting in a minute.”
Pietro put his hand on Gabriel’s shoulder. “I think you need to go now. We’ll find a place to sit.”
Gabriel looked like he didn’t want to release Giada, but in the end he nodded. “Very well. My mom is already here. She's in the fifth row, I think.” Before letting his arm fall, he whispered into Giada’s ear. “Save the first dance for me, please.”
He rushed to his squad standing at the side of the podium. A group of men that Giada didn’t recognize rubbed shoulders with them. A bulky fair-haired man with a short mustache greeted Gabriel as if they were friends. Was this the other squad that would receive the Unit Awards?
“Come, figlia mia, it’s time to join Gabriel’s mother.” Giada’s mom grabbed her hand and pulled Giada to the chairs decorated with gigantic ribbons.
As they elbowed their way through the crowd of people who were all trying to find a free seat, her mother pointed at the white stripes. “I could imagine such bows to adorn the seats when you get married.”
Giada’s heart jumped to her throat. It wasn’t the first time her mother brought up the subject in the past two days. Once she did it in front of Gabriel who, fortunately, pretended to not have heard her comment.
Why was her mom so insistent? Frustration gathered in the pit of her stomach as she squeezed her mother’s hand. “Mom, please. You need to stop with this.”
Her mother turned and smiled. “With what, mia cara?”
“You know, talking about me getting married to Gabriel as if it were a fact. He didn’t even ask for my hand yet. Maybe we’re just a live-together type.”
Her mom halted, making an elderly couple bump into their backs.
The old man whose front crashed against Giada’s shoulder blade rubbed his nose with a painful grimace. He muttered something under his breath, then led his wife to the nearby row as if he wanted to avoid walking behind Giada and her parents any longer than necessary.
Maria Theresa seemed ignorant of the happenings around her. She just stared at Giada with an expression of utter horror, while she pinched her medal of Virgin Maria between her index and thumb. “You can’t be serious. You must get married. You will get married, right? Gabriel is such a nice Christian boy. I can’t believe he would want to live on like this forever. And you, daughter? You surely can’t be pleased with it.”
Heat prickled on the back of Giada’s neck. If she was honest, she also secretly hoped to become Mrs. Roche someday. But she was in such a pure bliss with Gabriel. She didn’t want to ruin their happiness by bringing up topics she wasn’t sure Gabriel would want to hear about.
After all, he did refuse a marriage proposal once, didn’t he?
But it was with that witch Aurélie. He is in love with you.
The soothing voice in her head helped her gain control of her anarchic pulse. Yes, it would eventually happen for them. She just needed to be patient.
She tapped her mother’s shoulder. “Mom, let’s talk about this later. We’re holding up the queue. And look,”—she lifted her hand—“Dad has already found Gabriel’s mother. Come, let’s join them.”
By the time Giada and Margaret Roche exchanged a warm embrace and settled down in their chairs, the mayor began speaking.
The entire room went quiet, all eyes drifting over to the chubby figure on the podium.
“My dear fellow citizens, I’m happy to welcome you tonight. Like every year, we have some exceptional people to say our thanks to. We all know that firefighters deal with life-threatening situations on a regular basis. They are a pillar to our town. Their presence allows us to sleep more serenely. But even among these heroes, there are some who go above and beyond the call of duty.”
He nodded toward the group of men standing beside the stage. His glance traveled across their faces and stopped on Gabriel’s.
Giada’s heart swelled with pride. Since Gabriel had returned to his station he had become an even better fireman than he had been. His courage was unparalleled, and he performed each rescue mission in an outstanding manner. His colleagues and his chiefs were in awe of how he had managed to find strength in the tragic happenings of the past and transform them into a propelling force that motivated his entire squad.
“It’s these overachievers,” the mayor continued, turning back to the audience, “we are to celebrate tonight. These men and women were nominated by their co-workers for their extreme bravery and special merit of honor. This year, we have four awards to hand out. Let’s start with the Unit Awards. The two teams receiving this prestigious recognition have overcome obstacles under unusual or adverse conditions while completing their duty.”
Gabriel’s squad and the other group were called on stage, and each of them received a medal.
Then the mayor called to the front the fair-haired man with whom Gabriel had spoken with before and presented him with the Valor Award. The man thanked his family and his team, then returned to his colleagues.
The mayor lifted the microphone. “And now, we have come to the most distinguished award of our entire night. The Award of Honor is given for an act of bravery under life-threatening conditions. A fire department bestows this recognition only when one of its men knowingly risks his or her own life to perform an outstanding act. Our candidate tonight has done exactly that. To save a young woman from the flames, he entered a burning house, despite a lack of his protective equipment, but not before informing his team of the emergency. Thanks to his prompt and selfless intervention, the woman was saved and the fire contained.”
Giada’s throat thickened. She knew very well whom the mayor was talking about.
Her mother brushed her fingers on Giada’s knee. “He has saved the most important thing in this world.”
Giada bent to her mom and gave her a peck. “I love you too, Mom.”
Gabriel step
ped forward, and the mayor hung the large Medal of Honor on his neck. “Thank you, Gabriel Roche. Our entire city is grateful to have men like you at our service. Would you care to say a few words?” He handed the microphone to Gabriel.
He took it and turned to the people. “It’s a great honor to receive this recognition. I’d like to thank my team and my department for their support and for the nomination. They are the best colleagues a fireman can wish for.”
Loud cheers and claps sounded from behind his back as well as from the rows.
Gabriel grinned. “Yes, guys, this award is also yours.” His face became more serious. His eyes searched the audience till he found Giada. His gaze locked on hers and he inhaled. “But it wouldn’t be right to forget mentioning the very person who was there that particular night. My lovely girlfriend, Giada Biagi, whom I managed to save from the flames, but who, in return, saved me from a life of loneliness. I love you, honey. Thank you for being my best friend.”
Giada’s mother sniffed loudly and even her father snorted, trying to mask a gasp of emotion that escaped his throat.
Giada’s heart raced, and her chest brewed with joy. She smiled back at Gabriel and blew him a kiss. Several people turned to take a peek at her, but she didn’t mind. She was proud of belonging to Gabriel, glad that he didn’t shy away from mentioning her in such a public place. Even if he didn’t propose yet, he definitely was serious about them.
After the award ceremony, a band started to play. Most invitees were eager to attack the buffet, so only a few couples were swaying to the relaxed beats.
Gabriel caressed Giada’s neck with his thumb. “I want to dance with you.”
Shivers zigzagged on her skin, raising the small hairs on her back. She put her hand into his and nodded. “Okay, but don’t step on my foot like you did at our prom. These shoes are peep-toe.”
Gabriel pressed a palm to his chest. “You have my word.”
They walked to the middle of the room and Gabriel slid his hand to her waist. With the other, he held firmly to her fingers. They began to move slowly to the song.
“So what did you think of it all?” he asked.
“It was beautiful. My mom almost burst into tears when you mentioned me in your speech. You scored some good points again, probably enough to get you through for a while without her frowning that we—” She bit her lower lip. The words marriage almost slipped out. What luck that she could stop herself.
Gabriel stopped, rounding his brows. “That we what?”
Giada avoided his inquiring glance. Why did she have to tell all the small details when Gabriel asked her a question? Her brain seemed incapable of withholding anything from him anymore.
“Tell me, love. What is your mother unhappy about?” His lips neared her forehead and planted feather-light kisses on her skin.
Her features smoothed and she peeked up at him. “You know Mom is a bit old-fashioned. With Ginny having gotten married, it’s Giordano and I who are on her watch list now.”
“Ah, I see. Maybe she isn’t that wrong about it. What do you think?” A weird gleam invaded his eyes.
“What?” Giada’s mouth fell open and her heart leaped so high she was afraid it could escape from her throat.
Gabriel chuckled. “Don’t look so surprised. Are you telling me you haven’t thought about how it would be to tie the knot and have a family? I know I have.”
“You have?”
Waves of heat washed over her, making her dizzy. Maybe she had some premonitory talent after all. She had suspected that tonight was going to be special. Of course, Gabriel’s revelation trumped all her fantasies about how it might be.
He wasn’t opposed to the concept of marriage like she’d feared. It was the best news ever.
Gabriel smiled, releasing her hand. “Oh, yes. In fact—” he reached into his back pocket and pulled out a small square box. He held it out to Giada. “I meant to give you this once we got home. But waiting is overrated.”
She stared at his hand, unable to move or even blink.
Was this what she thought it was?
She reached for the box with trembling hands and opened it. Inside lay a ring decorated with four tiny diamonds embracing a heart-shaped stone made of amber.
Gabriel scratched his neck. “I know that most engagement rings are pure diamonds, but I wanted something that reminded me of you. This is a precious stone coming from the forests of Canada and—”
He couldn’t finish his sentence because Giada jumped in his neck. “I love it. I do. And I love you.”
The tense expression that distorted his face since he took out the ring softened. “So your answer is yes?”
“Yes, Sí, Oui… in any language of this world. I want to be your wife, Gabriel,” she squeaked.
The other dancers around them stopped at her high-pitched voice, snapping their heads in their direction.
Gabriel tightened his hug around her. “I think we’re making a bit of a spectacle. But I don’t care. Do you?”
Giada gazed into his bottomless grey eyes and shook her head. “Not one bit. I’m the happiest person alive, and I don’t mind if the whole world knows it.”
Gabriel’s face illuminated. “You took the words out of my mouth. “
He bent to her and Giada also inched forward.
Their lips closed into a passionate kiss. One that signaled the end of something old and a beginning of something entirely new. Still, their mingling breaths held the promise that wherever the future should take them they would stay united— best friends, lovers, and man and wife. Forever.
* * *
It doesn’t have to end here. Are you curious to see more about Giada and Gabriel?
Then join my Reader Club and get Saving the Brother Best Friend’s EXTENDED EPILOGUE immediately.
You’ll also receive a sweet forbidden love
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Go to: agnescanestri.com/amber-bonus
* * *
Ready to see how Giada’s twin brother, Giordano find love?
Get FALLING FOR THE UNDERCOVER AGENT by clicking here or go to my book.to/gol5-bm
She was just a job. Until she wasn’t …
Private Investigator Giordano Biagi lives for his work. And he’s been at it long enough to know that maintaining the line between business and pleasure is essential. It’s never been a problem for him, either. Not until he meets her—the fiery, entirely too intriguing woman he’s been hired to investigate. Suddenly he’s having trouble remembering exactly where the line is, and why crossing it would be a bad idea …
Ruby Terryson is pretty sure she’s dated every liar in the state. Her abysmal luck with men did teach her at least one valuable lesson, though—to always lead with her head and protect her heart. So when Giordano walks into her tattoo salon, to say her guards are up would be an understatement. But the more time she spends with him, the more she starts to wonder if maybe—just maybe—it’s time to take down the walls around her heart once and for all.
Their entire relationship is built on a lie. There’s no way they can find a happily ever after together once Ruby’s learns the truth … is there?
Get FALLING FOR THE UNDERCOVER AGENT by clicking here or go to my book.to/gol5
OTHER BOOKS BY THE AUTHOR
Book 1
LOVING THE BOSS
It could be her fresh start. If only she can avoid falling for her boss…
Eleni is in desperate need of a new beginning—preferably one that’s far, far away from her cheating ex. So when she’s offered a dance instructor gig at a remote tropical resort, she jumps at the opportunity. Now all she has to do is ignore her attraction to the resort’s handsome dive instructor, Matteo. After all she’s been through, the last thing she needs is another potential heartache.
Matteo isn’t looking for love, either. He’s more comfortable in the water than out of it, and finds the depths of the ocean a lot easier to navigate than matters of the heart. Besides, he needs to stay focu
sed if he wants to eventually open his own free diving school. All he’ll have to do now is ignore how Eleni makes his heart flutter with nothing more than a glance in his direction.
But all their best intentions go out the window when Eleni is transferred to the dive center—and it’s not long before the lines between business and pleasure blur. Can Eleni and Matteo learn to overcome the wounds of the past and heal together, even if their ambitions and desires are oceans apart?
Get it on Amazon (also in Kindle Unlimited)
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Book 2
GAMBLING WITH THE BILLIONAIRE
She’s all about passion. He only believes in reason. Their business deal won’t go down without fireworks…
Billionaire Ryan O'Connor knows the peril of letting his emotions prevail over reason. Returning to his hometown to dismantle a small restaurant is supposed to be about profit, not nostalgia. Until he meets Bianca, that is. Her quirky love for oldies, charming smile and tendency to wear her heart on her sleeve make it increasingly difficult for Ryan to stick to plan.
Bianca’s motto is to trust her emotions. Following her heart helped her turn a struggling taverna into the coolest jazz restaurant in town. So when her gut suggests a gamble to save her workplace from the tycoon with the reputation of a shark, she takes the plunge. Only she never expected Ryan to be as gallant as her idols of the golden era, nor his eyes to be as dazzling as Dean Martin’s.
Bianca’s and Ryan’s attraction for each other is undeniable, but falling for each other isn’t on the menu. Can Bianca prove to Ryan that listening to his heart is worth the risk?
Get it on Amazon (also in Kindle Unlimited)
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Book 3
Saving The Brother's Best Friend (Gems 0f Love Book 4) Page 16
