“I love you. Now stop talking and rest. Then I’ll go downstairs and make a shake.”
“Chicken parm better,” she said and they chuckled.
“Sweetie, we can’t wait to see you eat a chicken parm and not have to drink shakes. It will take time. We aren’t going anywhere,” Slane told her. She looked at Vince. “Promise?” she asked and he stroked her lower lip. “Promise, Bella. You are our world, our family, and we will love you always and forever.”
“And Vince? Love me still too?” she asked her voice really sounding terrible and it hurt so much to talk but she needed to know that he was okay, and that he still loved her the same.
He looked down into her eyes, reached up and stroked her jaw. “I’m sorry for failing you, for pondering over what I should have done, or could have done. I can’t handle seeing you hurt, and in pain like this. I love you so damn much Bella. So much, and I never want to let you out of my sight. I never want you in harm's way and I never, ever want to lose you or what we have. I guess I was being stubborn and hung up on what happened. Of course I love you. In fact, I can assure you that my brothers and I are not ever going to take for granted every moment, every memory we make with you. And for the record, you’re moving in here permanently, and I don’t expect any lip about it. Understood?” he asked firmly but with a smirk.
“Yes sir,” she whispered.
“Jesus, I sure the hell can get used to those words coming from your lips,” he said and kissed her softly, being careful not to kiss too deeply because of the swollen lip and bruising there.
She smiled and cuddled closer. She loved them so much too, and was grateful they were alive and well, and now part of her family as well. Her parents and brothers were safe and no charges were made and held against them. They were all finally free to live their lives, to run the restaurant, and to be just regular citizens of this special town called Warriorville.
THE END
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Ciao Bella Page 13