by Zavi James
"I've really enjoyed this trip," he told me.
"So, have I, Luc."
"I enjoy every day I spend with you, Mia."
"You're being very affectionate tonight," I laughed. Luc’s affection didn’t come in the form of words. Vocalizing how he felt wasn’t his strong point, instead he showed it through the way the house always had lilies, constant contact and protecting me from others.
"Mia." The tone in his voice wasn't teasing. It was serious and I felt a nervous knot in my stomach. "I love you."
"I love you too, Luc," I said. "Are you sure everything's okay?"
He took a deep breath. "Mia, I never expected to love you the way I do. I was never looking for love and you caught me by surprise and now I couldn't imagine a single day without you. I've done a lot of wrong in my life, but I must have done something good to deserve you."
My cheeks burned from the blush.
"In my eyes you are mine. I'm selfish and impulsive, Mia. I act before I think a lot of the time but when I make a decision, I stick to it. I've had plenty of time to think about this and this isn't enough for me anymore."
I panicked. This wasn't enough for him? We’d had such a good few weeks together and now this wasn't enough for him. I was about to respond when Luc pulled something out of the pocket of his jeans and dropped down to one knee in front of me. My hand flew to my mouth in shock.
"I need you," Luc told me. Those were the words he had told me when we first started to get close. "I love you." The words I no longer doubted when I heard them from him. "Would you do me the honor of becoming my wife?"
Luc opened the box, but I didn't look at the ring. I couldn't move my eyes from Luc's face. He looked so vulnerable and hopeful that it made my heart flutter.
I felt the sting of tears in my eyes before they spilled onto my cheeks. I knew what he meant. I had never expected to fall in love with him, but I did and I had fallen hard. Looking at the man in front of me now, I knew this wasn't a decision he had made lightly.
Slowly, I nodded my head. "Yes."
"Mia."
"Yes. Yes. Yes."
I threw myself at him and Luc just managed to steady us in the sand as I kissed him hard, tears flowing freely.
"OH MY GOD!" Vittoria screamed from up the beach and I broke apart from Luc and laughed.
"Let me put this on you," Luc said. He had managed to keep a hold on the ring. We stood up and I gave him my hand, only now realizing how much it shook. Luc pulled the ring from the box and slipped it onto my finger, and I threw my arms around him again.
He’d picked something classic and elegant. A simple band that held a single diamond that I had no doubt would have amounted to the annual salary of the average man.
"Thank you," Luc said to me. The grin on his face was the widest it had been since we came on vacation and he kissed me before we walked to our friends. I felt as if I was floating.
Dante was the first to greet us, narrowly beating Vittoria. He picked me clean off my feet and swung me around. "Finally becoming part of the family!"
"Dante," Luc said, amused. "Put my fiancée down right now."
He placed me back on the ground and I laughed hard. Vittoria moved in to hug me and then looked at my hand where the engagement ring sat. She let out a low whistle. "Tiffany's?"
Luc showed her the little blue box the ring had once nestled in.
"Dammit, Luc," Vittoria said. "Harry Winston, Cartier and now Tiffany's. I'd ask if you have a brother, but we all know Stefan's an asshole."
"You always have Dante," Luc told me. "He helped me pick it out."
Tori rounded on Dante. "You knew? You knew he was going to ask her?"
"Uh..." Dante said, eyes wide.
"You knew and you didn't say anything?" Tori demanded.
"You would have told her."
They started to fight, and I noticed Gabriel watching us with a faint smile. It knocked me just how much he looked like his father in that instance.
"Congratulations both," Gabe said to us. He came over and hugged us. "You really will be part of the family now. I'm sure Dad will be happy to hear it."
Xavier might be happy to hear it and so would Dom and Lydia, but it struck me that I knew there would be plenty of people unhappy with the news, including Dad.
Chapter Fifty Seven
Mia
When we arrived home from our trip, Luc and I broke the news to the rest of our friends, and Tori and Gabe insisted on hosting an engagement party for the pair of us, despite Luc's reluctance. A full month of planning had led to us expecting an exhausting number of people at Luc's house.
"Luc, can you help me, please?" I asked as I walked into the bathroom. Luc stood there and buttoned up the black suitcoat he'd chosen to wear. I had always found him attractive but the moment he suited up I couldn't help but stare.
When Luc turned around, he let out a low whistle. "I'll help you however you want, princess," he told me, taking in the sight of me draped in the red silk of my dress.
This had become an ongoing “problem” for the both of us. Time alone in isolated confines usually led to us wrapped around each other.
"Just tie me up in the back," I said, blushing and gesturing to the back of my dress, where two loose strands of silk hung. Luc stepped behind me and traced his fingers down the exposed skin of my back. I shivered at his gentle touch. "Babe..."
"Mmm?" Luc placed kisses along my bare skin. His lips were warm, and his beard scratched along my back as my heart picked up the pace. His fingers worked at the fabric of my dress in the complete opposite way to what I had asked.
"Stop," I told him quietly.
"Is that what you really want?" Luc asked and then licked along my spine and a moan escaped my lips. "Because it doesn't sound like it's what you want."
∞∞∞
Once we had both cleaned up and Luc had helped me tie my dress so that it clung to my waist, we walked down the stairs. Dante stood in the foyer of the house and raised an eyebrow.
"You two took your time. Do I even want to know why?"
I blushed and buried myself into Luc's side.
"None of your business, Dante," Luc told him firmly, pulling me close and kissing the top of my head.
Dante was the first of the guests to arrive, which came as no surprise. The house had been professionally decorated and there were plenty of drinks and staff around to keep people happy and entertained. Outside on the grounds, long tables had been set up for everyone to be seated at.
A knock on the door saw Dante answer to see Vittoria and Gabriel. "Come on in," he told the twins. "Lucky you didn't come earlier because you would have been left waiting."
Luc punched Dante’s arm before he kissed Vittoria on the cheek and shook Gabe's hand.
"You look stunning, Mia," Tori said, moving to me.
"Thanks, Tori."
"Truly beautiful," Gabe agreed. "You're a lucky man, Luc."
"Don't I know it," Luc said, and then he lowered his voice. "Keep your eyes and your hands to yourself, Gabriel."
"You don't have to worry," Gabe assured him. He leaned in and kissed me on the cheek before he whispered, "I have a gift for you, but I'd rather not give it to you in front of Luc."
The group moved towards the kitchen and I turned to Gabe. "Come through to the living room," I told him.
We walked into the room where Cerb laid on the floor. When he saw us, he got up and bounded over, earning a scratch between his ears from Gabe. "Who's a good boy?" he asked.
"What's the gift, Gabe?" I questioned him. "And why can't you give it to me in front of Luc?"
Gabriel straightened up. "Because Luc's not going to be happy about it, but I think it's a good idea for you to have it." He reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out a black handgun, causing me to take a step back.
"Gabe," I said, eyeing the weapon.
"You know what you're getting into, Mia," Gabe said. "You aren't stupid but there might be a time Luc can't be here or we can't
be here, and you need to make sure that you stay alive."
I blinked a few times before stepping up to him again. Gabe held it out to me, and I took it, feeling the weight of it in my hands.
"You know how to use one?" Gabe asked me.
"Yeah. Dad has guns. He thought it was important I learn to shoot." I took the lessons but never thought I would need to use them. I never believed I would be in a situation that required it. If this was going to be my life, then it was more than likely I would need it.
"I'll talk to Luc about it, just not tonight," Gabe said. "Let's not have him kick my ass at your engagement party."
I walked over to the drawer where I knew Luc kept a spare gun, and placed Gabe's gift beside it before closing the drawer again.
"Good idea," I agreed, walking back to him and pulling him into a hug. "Thank you."
"For all our sakes, you keep yourself alive. Luc's a lot more tolerable now he has you," Gabe laughed. We walked out of the living room to see more people had arrived for the party.
Dom caught sight of us and called, "Mia, Xavier is looking for you. He's out back."
"Thanks, Dom." I gave him a quick kiss on the cheek before walking through the kitchen and out onto the grounds.
Lights had been strung up among the trees making the bare branches almost look magical in the dark winter evening. There were plenty of people outside that stopped to congratulate me and ask to see the ring and hear the proposal story. Eventually, I managed to make my way to the makeshift bar that had been set up, where Xavier was sitting.
"I should offer my congratulations," Xavier said. He got up from the seat and kissed me on each cheek.
"Thank you so much."
"I'm glad to see Lucas is making an honest woman out of you. Would you like a drink?"
"Sure."
Xavier took a glass of champagne from the barman and handed it to me. I took a sip, feeling the bubbles travel down my throat.
"Dom said that you asked to see me," I said. "Luc wasn't with me but I could find him."
"No," he cut me off. "I actually wanted to see you alone."
I suddenly felt nervous.
"Mia," Xavier said, looking at me. "Lucas means a lot to me and my family. You know this."
I gave a small nod. Xavier had told me that Luc and his reputation were important.
"He obviously saw fit to bring you into this family and to make it a permanent decision."
"Xavier, if this is about loyalty..."
"Don't hurt him, Mia."
I was shocked at the words, not only because I wouldn't dream of hurting Luc but because how genuine Xavier seemed when he said the words. This wasn't a threat but a plea.
"He's had a difficult few years with everything. Luc deserves something good in his life. He deserves someone, but don't hurt him."
"I would never..."
"Things might get difficult at times and he'll need you," Xavier told me seriously. "Maria left Charlie and it broke him. He let her go because he loved her, but he wasn't quite the same. I don't want to see Luc suffer the same thing."
I felt a hand on the small of my back and turned to see Luc join us, a grin plastered on his face. "There you are! Xavier!"
They shook hands and Xavier congratulated us again before walking away.
"Shall we go take a seat?" Luc asked me and I nodded.
We joined everyone at the table, and I couldn't believe just how many people had joined us for the night. The staff brought food out and we chatted to friends as we made our way through the courses. After we finished the main course, Xavier rose to his feet, all attention turning towards him.
"It really should be Charlie or Maria doing this, but considering they can't be here with us tonight," Xavier said, his voice carrying through the crisp evening air. Luc took my hand under the table and squeezed gently.
"Friends," Xavier continued. "We are here and happy to celebrate the engagement of Lucas and Mia. I'm happy they've made the decision to marry without me having to fire a single shot."
There was a chorus of laughter around the table and I laid my head on Luc's shoulder.
"Lucas, you're a fine young man and I see you as a son. Mia, remember to be careful because when things become broken you may not find something that can replace them."
I watched Xavier carefully and I could see a sheen of tears in his eyes.
"Luc, all great decisions are the result of discussion and respect for the common good. I wish you both happiness through the years. All that's left to say is... to Lucas and Mia." He raised his glass and the rest of the table followed.
I couldn't take my eyes off Xavier. I couldn't figure him out and the conversation followed by the toast had left me feeling a little uncomfortable. He was Luc's godfather and I understood that he cared, but he hadn't made much effort with Luc since Charlie had passed. Everyone had put it down to Luc pulling away but there were always two sides to a story.
"You okay, sweetheart?" Luc asked. He looked at me, eyes filled with concern. I reached up and placed a hand on his cheek, thumb stroking the skin gently. I could never imagine hurting this man. He had quickly become my everything. I’d put all my faith and trust and love in him, and he'd returned it all tenfold.
"I'm doing perfectly fine," I told him.
He leaned over and kissed me. "I'm glad to hear it, soon to be Mrs Foster," Luc murmured against my lips.
The smile grew on my face. "Mia Foster. I like the sound of that."
He pulled back and laughed. "I hope you like the sound of it because it's going to be your name soon enough."
"Luc," I said.
"Yes, love?"
I bit my lip for a moment before continuing. "I was thinking about that."
"What?"
"About when we would get married."
Luc nodded. "Mia, I know I joked about eloping but there's no rush. As long as I get to have you as my wife, I don't care how long you want to wait."
It had been an ongoing joke ever since we came back that Luc would rather elope than deal with the stress and fuss of planning a wedding. There were times I wanted to agree with him, but I also wanted to see him suited and waiting for me at the end of an aisle.
"Well, actually," I said and took a deep breath. "I was thinking that maybe we could set the date for summer. How does July sound?"
Luc blinked. "As in 5 months from now?"
"Your Mom really wants to see us get married, Luc. She's not getting any better..." His eyes started to well with tears and I panicked. Luc rarely cried and I had just put my foot in it. "Luc, I'm sorry. It was a stupid idea."
He pulled me into the hug and whispered into my hair, "It's not a stupid idea. It's perfect, Mia." Luc placed a kiss on my forehead, and I wiped away a stray tear from his face before anyone else could see.
"When in July?" I asked him.
Luc thought for a moment and smiled. "July 13th."
"July 13th it is. We'll let your Mom know tomorrow when we visit her."
"She'll be thrilled."
Desserts were placed in front of guests and Dom and I picked off each other's plates while Dante sat trying to convince Luc to make him best man.
"D," I said, leaning forward to look at him directly. "I don't know why you're worrying. It's not like he has any other friends."
"Oi!" Luc said, looking offended. "You're my wife. You should be taking my side."
"Not quite yet, love," I grinned.
"Excuse me, everyone," Luc said, raising his voice and getting to his feet.
My eyes widened. "What are you doing?"
The noise died down again and Luc held out a hand to me. I took it and stood up cautiously.
"I'd just like to thank everyone for joining us tonight and for the warm congratulations we've had from everyone," Luc said, looking down the table. Dom and Dante whistled, and I laughed along with the guests. Luc wrapped an arm around my waist, and I leaned against him.
"There's something very special that happens to a man w
hen he realises he's met the woman that he's going to spend the rest of his life with. I think it's called fulfilment."
I looked up at him. I hadn't expected Luc to prepare anything to say to the guests.
"The words couldn't come fast enough once I realized." He looked down at me. "Mia, I can't thank you enough for agreeing to become my wife and seeing the goodness in me."
I bit my bottom lip gently. Luc had always struggled to see the good in himself, but I’d work hard every day to make sure he was reminded it was there.
"I'm not sure I'll understand color schemes or decor or bridesmaid shit that will come my way, but like the best of me, my father and many of you here who've gone before me, I'll endure it because I know what I want and that's to call Mia my wife."
I couldn't stop looking at Luc. How could my entire world be packed into one human being? It was such an all-consuming love that sometimes I worried about how bright it burned for him but my fears were calmed when I saw it reflected in Luc.
"All that's left to say is that we will see you at the church in 5 months’ time. Please raise your glasses to the woman I love. To Mia and family."
The echoes of “Mia and family” filled the yard as I gently tapped my champagne flute against Luc's. He kissed me deeply, leading to cheers and whistles before we sat down and were inundated with questions about the date, now Luc had announced it.
The night wore on and people mingled inside and outside the house. I stuck to Luc's side as we worked their way through the guests but eventually, we were split apart when the boys took him for a drink and I went in search of Vittoria. I walked inside and made my way through people before I spotted Xavier making his way upstairs.
Why would he need to go upstairs?
I followed after him quietly.
Xavier headed down the hallways as if he were familiar with the house. I wasn't surprised, considering how close he had been to Charlie. I followed until we reached Charlie's old office.
Xavier made his way into the room and I stood outside the door, against the wall. When I popped my head around the door, he had his back to me. He looked along the shelves at the photographs that sat there. Luc's childhood with his parents that soon shifted to just him and Charlie. He picked up a picture of Luc and Dante, at around 16, arms slung over each other in the summer sun and laughing at some joke.