Sophia looked around the room as everyone said their farewells to the Sergeant and his wife. It had taken a lot of effort and a few favors called in by her boss but she did it... she was able to give him something meaningful to help with the loss he felt. She waved to the couple once more as her boss ushered them out to take them back to their hotel.
Eddie informed her that he was going to give the couple a week's vacation in California as a thank you for doing this for me. Sophia couldn't believe how incredible Eddie is. It just proves she made the right decision to continue working with him for so long. He knew of her sickness when he first hired me and Sophia believes it resonated with him back then. He spoke a few years ago that his brother had battled the same disease however was not able to beat it. Ever since then, he has come to be like a second father to the young beauty. Always keep an eye on her.
She came out of her thoughts as she was engulfed in a hug. Long blonde hair tickled her nose but she smiled over her shoulder holding her just as tight. Heather pulled back looking at her with adoration and gratitude. Her hands coming up to cup her face as she searched her eyes for a few seconds before pulling her close to kiss her forehead gently. Sophia's eyes closing on their own accord.
"Thank you sweetie"
Sophia nods her head against her lips as Heather releases her giving her one more look before stepping aside. She gets a wink from Luca's father whose arm has found it's way around his wife. He leads them back to the exit of the room. They stop momentarily to speak to Cami and Theo. She just realized that Luca was not around making her furrow her brows in confusion.
She is about to leave to find him but Cami steps away from the group coming to her gently. Sophia stays grounded as her eyes focus on her fairy godmother. As Cami makes it to her, she pulls her in to a gentle hug which is the polar opposite of what she is used to when it comes to Cami. Cami doesn't release her worrying Sophia who continues to hold her. She can feel Cami take a deep inhale as she pulls back still holding her shoulders. A look of pure gratitude and peace lightening her eyes.
"I can't express how thankful I am for what you did today. You are an angel."
Sophia smiles softly to the woman who looks like she is trying to control the tears in her eyes. Sophia pulls her in for one more hug leaning closely to her ear.
"As I said, he was an incredible man."
Cami nods her head as her body tremors with tears. Sophia rubs her back in soothing circles aware she needs this. She needed closure just as much as Luca did. Her only hope was that this was helpful for both of them. Sophia continues to hold her until she feels Cami's muscles relax before she steps back. Cami gives her another small smile with a firm head nod before she walks to the door.
Sophia follows her figure but stops upon noticing only Luca standing at the entrance to the large room. Cami walks by patting his shoulder before disappearing leaving them alone. Luca walks over slowly as his never stray from her. She stands wide eyed wondering if she should have done that.
Her thoughts are abruptly cut off as he yanks her neck to him smashing their lips together in a passionate kiss. Sophia's form melting against his chest. Both her hands holding his sides gripping the fabric of the jacket while she tries to not crumble. Luca's kiss giving her the reassurance that he wasn't upset. After a minute, he releases her just enough to look into her beautiful eyes. Sophia could hardly breathe but did not dare move away from the intoxicating man.
"What on earth did I ever do to deserve you?"
Sophia's face softening as she leaned forward wanting to feel his lips once again. One arm coils around her while the other makes it to the back of her head being careful of her hair as he keeps her against him... not that Sophia was complaining. She felt as if she was drowning however she did not want saved. She wanted to fall into the abyss.
Luca pulled back making both of them gasp for air. He leaned forward just enough to place his forehead to hers as they both try to catch their breaths. Sophia's lips tugging up into a warm smile that Luca couldn't help but mirror. Her arms coming up to wrap around his neck. Her voice coming out softly.
"I love you my dear husband."
Luca's small smile lit up liking how that sounded. He pecks her nose making her scrunch it adorably earning a deep chuckle from him.
"As I love you my wife." Sophia hummed also loving the new title. She let her arms fall just enough to lay on his upper arms as his arms continued to hold her waist. "May I ask how.."
His voice trailed off not even sure how to ask but Sophia understood. "I knew how much Nicholas meant to you and how hard it was on you. I was hoping that someone could give you clarification. I wasn't aware of the movie until they called me back."
Luca raises a brow at her, "How long have you've been working on this Tesoro?"
She bit her lip as she shrugged innocently, "Not long, it came to mind that day I found you in your office."
He nods his head in understanding. His thumbs brushing the sides of her dress as he continues to hold the most precious gift he was ever given. Luca begins swaying her side to side as they dance to the silence of the room. Neither caring about their reception outside. Each other was all they wanted in that moment.
They eventually found their way back to the party where the night presumed in bliss. Everyone celebrated fully and Devon even showed up to congratulate the new couple before stealing Taylor away. Brad and Jessica eventually took a sleepy Destiny home as well. The couple made sure to send farewells to everyone as they left.
Sophia noticed through out the night Luca's gaze was continuously fixed on her no matter where she was. It was like a magnet pull and each time their gazes met, Sophia's stomach did flips. Luca couldn't seem to tear his eyes away from her fearing she is figment that will vanish if he was to blink. His tesoro had absolutely no idea just how much he needed her.
The closure he got watching that video and listening to the story was enough to put his mind to ease. His uncle was a hero as he had always known. He died so others could live, he died the protector and savior. Luca felt at peace knowing that... Cause he knew if they could turn back time, Nicholas would make the same decision again. It was the type of man he was... And Luca couldn't be prouder.
The party began to dwindle down and Luca couldn't wait anymore. He whisked his wife into his arms and made his way out of the tent with her laughter singing in his ear. He took her to his car inserting her gently making her giggle all the way. He turned back to see his family waving from afar. He waved back before rounding the car and climbing in. His hand going to lay on her leg as it always does and like magic, her hand interlaces with his.
They make good time back to their own home where Luca once again picks her up bridal style carrying her over the threshold of their home. The door closes and the night presumes with pure passion and love. They both did not stop until they were physically exhausted. Sophia slept gently on his chest with the most serene smile while Luca brushed her hair from her face wanting to freeze the moment in time. Soon enough sleep over took him as well.
When Luca awoken the following morning he found the bed bare and the door to the balcony open. He pulled himself from the comforts of the bed throwing on a pair of sweats before walking outside. Sofia sitting on the love seat with her legs pulled to her chest and arms wrapped around her legs. She tilts her head to look at him with a gentle smile. He comes over to sit beside her throwing his arm behind her before tugging her to his side. Her head relaxing against his shoulder.
"Luca?" he hums in acknowledgement. "We didn't use any protection last night."
He stays silent for a moment before answering honestly, "I know."
Sophia tilts her head to look up at him as he peers down at her. She searches his eyes wondering if he wanted kids. The look he gave her answered her question. She wasn't upset, and with that cupped his cheek to pull his lips gently down to hers giving a sweet kiss. Luca relaxes feeling the reassurance in the kiss.
The morning sun begins to rise as they continue to sit outside. No words needed to be exchanged as the comfort of the other being all the needed. Some time later Luca stands offering his hand which Sophia takes wincing slightly as she stands. Luca couldn't help but smirk earning a slap to his chest as she wobbles slightly before finding her balance. He chuckles following her into the house.
Sophia gasp as they walk into the living room finding it full to the brim with gifts. Luca chuckles at her expression but guides her into the room. She stops abruptly as her eyes fixate on one specific object. Luca follows her gaze in confusion and watches silently as she leaves his side slowly walking over to it. Her fingers trembling as they brush over the surface of the wood before grasping the back of one of the chairs.
"Luca, where did this come from?"
Luca is confused on her expression. Her eyes almost in tears at this point. He walks over to stand by her side looking down to it. "It was my sister's tea table but mom thought that maybe we could use it in the future."
Sophia couldn't find any words as she felt the tear escape running down her cheek. Her mind going back to a faint memory. She can picture the little red head girl sitting at this very table handing her a cup. Those beautiful blue eyes and her long auburn hair. She closed her eyes as she smiled. Luca coming up to wrap himself around her.
"If it's too much, I can have-"
Sophia immediately shakes her head, "No, it's perfect... absolutely perfect."
Sophia wanted to believe she knew what the future held for them. She hoped for what she had saw. Time will tell but something she knew to be true. The man at her side would forever be hers.
Luca gazed down at her as he could see how much she loved the gift. He hopes she is imagining a future with children running about. She did not seem upset that he openly admitted to not wearing protection last night. He watched as she closed her eyes momentarily before those beautiful siren eyes landed on his. He was ensnared by those eyes. The memory of their first meet flashing in his mind.
"You are just as beautiful as the day I met you."
"What? the day your aunt claimed me?" She giggles while he continues holding her.
"No," he shakes his head at her. "The day I claimed you."
She laughed but in a sense knew it was true. He had attached himself to her from their very first meet.
For she was Undeniably Claimed by him... And she wouldn't have it any other way.