“Joe,” I say.
“You consider running off again, you’ll be in big trouble. Lou is distraught back at the house,” he tells me in a no-nonsense tone.
“Sorry.”
“It’s not me you need to say that to,” Joe says, and then gets in Jack’s car.
“Keys,” Jack says with his hand out. I take them from my back pocket and hand them over. “Today, we take stock. I’m thankful every damn day that I still have you in my life. Lou is thankful every day that she has her girls. She has you to thank for that. Can you imagine how she would be if it was Rebecca or Daisy she had buried? No? Neither can I. She wouldn’t be able to function at all.”
“But…”
“No buts, Maria. You saved those girls, and believe it or not, Lou will always be indebted to you for that. Even Mark.”
“But he’s dead. He won’t get to see how they turn out.”
“I may not go to church, but I believe that Mark will see his girls grow up. He’ll be somewhere watching. You were prepared to risk your life for his family. We all wish there had been a happier ending, but life is what we make it now. There will be no looking over our shoulders, for any of us. But Lou is still hurting, and not just because of Mark.” I lift my eyes and look into his face. “She thinks she’s losing you. Fuck, she’s not the only one. I think we all feel that way. You are loved more than you’ll ever know.” He’s so handsome, even with all the worry lines around his eyes. I stand before him and realise all I’ve done these past few weeks is push everyone away, especially him.
“I’m sorry I’ve pushed you away.”
“Don’t be sorry, just stop doing it.” I watch his worried frown change as my tears finally stop falling. I squeeze his hand and I see the sparkle in his eyes that I’ve missed. “I love you with all my heart and soul, and one day soon, you, Maria DeLuca will be my wife.”
I gasp at his honesty and smile, because I know nothing would give me more pleasure. Even on my darkest of days he’s been there, patiently waiting for me. Waiting for my strength to return. Waiting for the spark to be back in my eyes.
“Now, let’s get you back. I’ve been easy on you, but I’m not so sure Lou will be.” He laughs, and for the first time in weeks, I laugh with him, because I know he’s right. “That’s my girl.” He helps me into the car, and I can hear him muttering under his breath about the fact I’m still not fit enough to be driving myself. He’s got a point; it was a bit of a damn struggle.
* * *
Lou is standing on the front step of the house, Daisy clinging to her side. The girls have been stuck to her for the past few weeks, scared that they might lose her too. They are still too young to truly understand everything that has gone on in recent weeks.
Jack helps me from the car and I slowly walk toward the house with his help. I smile as soon as I see my brother coming toward the house. Rebecca is on Dixon, Giovanni’s horse, and Giovanni is walking beside them, keeping a tight hold of the reins.
“Jack, please take Daisy,” Lou says, handing over her precious daughter. “Now, you.” I stop as she takes a step toward me and wraps her arms around me. “You have to stop this. Stop blaming yourself. You saved my girls and I would’ve done the same as Mark. I would’ve put myself in the firing line because you risked everything to keep them alive.” She cries and now my tears are falling once again. “Please, promise me you won’t run off again. I’ve already lost so much. I can’t lose you too.”
“I promise.”
“Good, because I’m not the only one who’d be lost without you. He’s a good man and loves you.” My eyes find Jack’s and he’s standing beside my brother with Daisy in his arms. I almost laugh when I see Rebecca jump into Giovanni’s arms. My strapping big brother looks almost comfortable holding her. He’s been so good with the girls. Even with all the crap that’s been going on in my head, I’ve still noticed.
“I love him.”
“I’ve known that since the day I turned up on his doorstep. Now, whatever shit is going on in your head, it stops now. We all have to move forward. We have so much to be thankful for. And I’ll always be grateful for my children and my sister. Now, no more tears. Today, I want us all to be happy. We’re taking a picnic down to the waterfall.”
“No, I don’t feel up to that…”
“None of us are taking no for an answer. I know it’s hard, but we all have to start living again. Find our new normal. If I can do it with the support of my family, then anyone can do it.” I smile and sigh. Of course, she’s right. “Jack can take one of the cars, so you don’t have too far to walk.”
“No. I’ll walk. I might need my stick.”
“There she is. Your fighting spirit. Right back where it should be.”
“We’ll fight together,” I say, knowing that we both face an uphill struggle to come to terms with recent events.
* * *
Jack
I’d always thought I’d seen Maria at her weakest after Tony died, but I was so wrong. These last few weeks have been the darkest of her life. I’ve had to watch day after day as she battled with her internal demons about Mark’s death. Blaming herself.
No one else blames her. The only person to blame for the tragic events is Pete Jamieson. He, and he alone, turned everyone’s lives upside down after the deathly rollercoaster he took everyone on.
Am I glad he’s dead? Yes. The streets of Glasgow will be a much safer place without him, and as a family, we’ll get through the turbulence together.
I’m loving the determination Maria is showing, wanting to walk all the way and I can only imagine the pain that is radiating through her body. I’ve offered her a piggyback ride more than once. Her reaction was, ‘I’m not a child.’ In all fairness, and with all my admiration, she’s doing exceptionally well.
I just hope she likes surprises.
Lou, Giovanni, and the kids are up ahead and already walking through the forestry. Joe and some of Giovanni’s men and Teressa should already be there with everything set out for a fun-filled day. Not just for Rebecca and Daisy, but I think we all need some fun back in our lives and something to look forward to.
Craig and Beth are also here. I’m hoping that when Maria gets to know Beth, they’ll become good friends. I know Beth can get frustrated at the hours Craig puts in, and I’m certain Maria will feel the same. Although, I’m sure she’ll have a completely different perspective on it.
“Can we take a minute?” She stops and leans heavily on the stick.
“Are you okay?”
“Yes, just a bit sore.”
“Come here. Enough.” I bend and it takes a minute before she climbs on my back.
“This is silly.” She squeals with laughter.
“It’s not. I’ll put you down before the clearing. No one needs to know. Hold on.” I don’t need to tell her twice. She grips on to me tightly and has the walking stick under her arm, and I set off on a journey that I hope will change my life for the better.
Someone has been looking out for us, given today’s nice weather. Spirits seem lifted, especially Lou’s. I spoke to Giovanni the very first night we all stayed here. I laid my cards on the table with regards to my feelings for Maria, and like the man my mother brought me up to be, I did the right thing. I asked Giovanni about marrying his sister.
If he was shocked, he hid it well. There has been a mutual respect on both sides since day one, but by me asking, something changed. A friendship? Maybe. But we are family. Well, I hope that after today we are.
I spoke to Lou too, because after everything that’s gone on, I didn’t want to hurt her. Her response was very typical of Lou, from what I’ve come to learn. She told me, in her words, to ‘Get on with it.’
So, as we approach the clearing, my stomach is doing somersaults. “Okay, put me down. I’ll walk the rest of the way.”
Putting her down, I watch as she takes the stick and uses it for support. I hate that she’s even been hurt, but she doesn’t care as long as the gir
ls are safe. I curl my arm around her waist, hoping that she’ll let me take her weight so she’s not putting herself through further pain. She giggles, realising what I’m doing, and I smile at her response. It’s good to hear.
“I can manage.”
“Of course you can. Just let me help. It’s okay to get help now and then, especially from someone who loves you. It’s called support. I’m sure there will be plenty of times over the years that you’ll support me.”
She remains silent and we walk the short distance through the clearing. If she’s suspicious of anything, she’s not showing it.
She pauses at the clearing and turns to face me, a smile on her face before turning back to the scene before us. The girls are running around, playing tag with Joe. Craig and Beth are sitting on a blanket, a glass of wine in their hands. Giovanni is talking to a few of his closest men, and Lou is leaning against a tree, deep in thought, watching the girls. Then there’s Teressa; she’s sorting out food fit for a king, or in this case, a princess.
All eyes turn in our direction and watch as we walk toward them. “Auntie Maria, can you play with us?” Rebecca shouts.
Maria takes a deep breath, closing her eyes, and suddenly I have doubts about today. This is too much too soon. I was so fucking stupid.
“I can play, but there’ll be no running for me,” she says, taking me by surprise.
“That’s okay, Auntie Maria. We’ll make it a walking game when you play,” Rebecca says with the biggest smile I’ve seen on her in weeks.
“Let me introduce you to Beth, Craig’s wife,” I say, following her gaze to them.
“I’m sure she and I will have plenty in common.”
“And moan about,” Beth says, standing to greet her.
I leave the two of them chatting and sit with Craig. “She looks tired today. Are you sure you want to do this?”
“Yes, and what better way than having our nearest and dearest here?”
“Are you nervous?”
“I’d be lying if I said no. This is a big thing for me. She might tell me to fuck off.”
Craig smirks. “Well, I think she needs to sit down and rest that leg.”
“Feel free to tell her.”
He knows what she’s like. But we’re both surprised when she lets Beth help her sit down in a pop-up chair.
The afternoon is relaxed, with great food and company, and hearing Rebecca and Daisy playing and laughing is music to my ears. Maria looks comfortable, chatting to everyone, complimenting Teressa on the incredible food.
It’s now or never.
I nod at Lou to give her fair warning of what I’m about to do. She smiles warmly, and seeing the happiness on her face, it’s easy to forget all the pain that she’s going through.
I take a deep breath and walk over to where Maria is sitting. I kneel down in front of her and she doesn’t bat an eyelid. My vision is clouded as I take her hand in mine. All these feelings sweep through me. She’s my life, and if I didn’t know it before the whole scenario when we lost Mark and how she dealt with Pete, it’s made me realise I can’t function without her.
“The definition of love is so vague, yet so simple. Being in love with you makes me want to jump out of bed with joy each morning.” My eyes dart to Rebecca and Daisy, and I choose my next words carefully. “Unless we are otherwise occupied.” Her face flushes a rather beautiful shade of crimson as laughter rings out around us. “To truly love someone is about accepting the way a person is, not trying to force them to change. None of us have had an easy past, but that’s what brought us together; our circumstances. I plan on going to bed every single night of my life with you and I expect to start each day with your body wrapped around mine.” Tears fill her eyes as she focuses on me. “Maria DeLuca, I love you more than words can ever say. And I promise to love you to eternity. I’m not beyond begging. Please do me the greatest honour and say yes.” I take my hand from hers and take the small box from my pocket and open it. “Marry me?”
She gasps and nods, but I need to hear the words. “Say it.”
“Yes! Si, ti sposo.”
Sliding the ring on her finger, I’ve never felt more alive than I do right now. I know I’m beaming with pride. Everyone is clapping and cheering, and I can hear Rebecca asking Lou why she’s crying. She replies, telling her it’s tears of happiness.
Gently, I pull Maria onto her unsteady feet before scooping her into my arms. She wraps her legs around my waist. “I love you,” I groan, covering her mouth with mine and taking control of our kiss.
I’m home. This is where I belong.
The pasts we’ve endured are exactly that, our past. Now, we have a future to look forward to, together, and I can’t wait for her to become Mrs Maria McKenzie.
“I love you,” she says softly, her eyes glistening, filled with happiness.
Life isn’t always easy. I’ve learned that over the years. But now I believe that everything in life happens for a reason. I’m thankful that I have Maria in my life, and not even the devil himself could keep us apart.
Yes, I finally believe in true love.
The end xx
Books by
Karen Frances
The Captured Series
Family Ties a Captured Series Novella
He’s Captured my Heart Book 1
He’s Captured my Trust Book 2
He’s Captured my Soul Book 3
She’s Captured my Love Book 4
Captured by Our Addiction Book 5
A Beautiful Game Series
Playing the Field a Beautiful Game Novella
Playing the Game Book 1
Playing to Win Book 2
Saving the Game
Moving On a standalone
The Scripted Series
Scripted Reality Book 1
Scripted Love Book 2
City of Enemies Series
Secrets and Lies Book 1
Love and Truth Book 2
Past and Future Book 3 coming late 2019
About the Author
Karen Frances is the author of thirteen romance novels and two novellas.
She currently lives just outside Glasgow, Scotland, with her husband, five children and two dogs, although she does dream of living somewhere warm and sunny and by the sea. Her days are spent helping her husband run their family business. She spends some of her free time trying to keep fit and prepare healthy meals for her family, when their busy schedules allow them to all sit down at meal times together. The rest of her free time is spent plotting stories, writing and occasionally reading.
Karen writes stories that are both believable and full of life. More often than not she loves sending her readers on an emotional journey alongside her characters.
For more information
www.karenfrancesauthor.co.uk
Acknowledgments
It’s always hard trying to remember everyone I should thank when it comes to the end of the process, so this time around I’m keeping this short and sweet.
To my amazing team that help me bring my stories to life and publication, I’ll always be grateful for all you do; Karen, Kari, Krissy, Suzie, Margaret, Pauline and Leah thank you all for everything you do.
A huge thank you to all the readers and bloggers who read my stories, taking time to review and recommend my books to others.
I’m extremely fortunate to be surrounded by a supportive family and friends and for that I’ll always be thankful.
Love and Truth Page 21
