Total pages in book: 96
Estimated words: 86325 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 432(@200wpm)___ 345(@250wpm)___ 288(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 86325 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 432(@200wpm)___ 345(@250wpm)___ 288(@300wpm)
"I've found a capable crew to head the operation and I intend on focusing most of my attention on this place, alongside you, if you so desire," Ryder goes on. "We're christening the place as The Carlucci Home. We're hoping to have thirty children by fall, perhaps even thirty-five – some of them are siblings and wouldn't mind sharing a room."
"This is incredible, Ryder," I whisper, overcome by my own emotions.
"I was hoping you would think so," he smiles. "We will have Father's helicopter at our disposal anytime you want to visit, he's already agreed to it. And we're also establishing a program to help the kids with small grants once they turn eighteen. We won't let them go without."
"But... it won't turn a profit," I whisper.
"So?" Ryder smirks. "I think it's safe to say my family isn't strapped for cash, Aurora. And I want to do this for you – for us. I think it will fulfill us in a way we can't even imagine yet. Wouldn't you agree?"
I can't help but nod, silently agreeing with everything he's said. As he shows me the plans for the renovation of the rest of the building, I find myself with tears in my eyes trying to imagine a world these children will be living in, so far away from the poverty and loneliness they must be experiencing now.
By the time we get back into the helicopter and prepare for our flight back home, my hand is firmly in Ryder's, and he squeezes my palm gently, as if to let me know it's all going to work out.
I've been rendered speechless, and my words don't come until we sit down to another sunset-lit dinner that night on our private terrace. That's when it all pours out. The gratitude, the elation I feel at what Ryder is doing. I confess how happy he's made me, that he's truly honored the Carlucci's memory and that I'll be forever grateful for everything he's done.
"I don't deserve this," I finally say. "I'm just a commoner, after all."
"So was I until Bruno adopted me," Ryder says firmly. "And you'll never be that to me. You're the most special, honorable woman I've ever had the pleasure of meeting, and I want to spend the rest of my life proving to you just how grateful I am that you get to be a part of it."
"Thank you," I whisper, instantly overcome by even more emotion. "Truly, Ryder, you don't know what this means to me. The marriage, the honeymoon, the children's home... It's all almost too good to be true."
"You're worth it," he says firmly. "And if there's anything else you want, you only need to mention it and I'll give it to you."
"I just –" I sit up straighter, placing my hand on my belly in alarm.
"What?" Ryder is instantly worried, putting down his cutlery and coming to kneel next to my chair. "What's going on, are you in pain? Is something wrong?"
Wordlessly, I shake my head as a bright smile fights its way onto my lips. "Feel."
He quietens down as he feels my belly, and there it is again. The tiniest of kicks.
"Dio," Ryder mutters. "Our son. He's moving."
We share a look filled with love and silent understanding. This is truly the beginning of our story, not the end. And once our son is born, I'll finally be the mother to him that I never had. Because of all my losses, I'm even more determined to be everything my son could possibly hope and wish for.
I'll sacrifice it all for him and his father. I'll do everything in my power to ensure my family grows happier and healthier by the day. And I'll never doubt my feelings for Ryder again, just as I won't doubt his feelings for me.
"You make me so happy," Ryder says softly. "Everything you've given me feels like a blessing... You... You are a blessing."
"Don't be silly," I giggle nervously, but he seems perfectly serious as he takes my hands in his. My wedding ring glints in the dying sunlight. "I know we didn't have a traditional love story, but I will take pride in telling our grandchildren how happy you made me since the moment I first laid eyes on you."
I nod, not needing to say another word. It's all in our smiles and our sparkling eyes – the love, the understanding and the connection we share that is unrivaled in this word.
"I love you, Aurora," he says softly.
I smile, whispering against his lips, "Ti amo, Ryder Bernardi."
36
Ryder
We are visiting Father's Estate today. While Aurora is in the gardens, I head with Father to his office for an update on Angelo Giordani.
"Did you find him?" I ask the instant Father closes the door behind us. "Please tell me you finally got that bastard."