Total pages in book: 41
Estimated words: 39068 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 195(@200wpm)___ 156(@250wpm)___ 130(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 39068 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 195(@200wpm)___ 156(@250wpm)___ 130(@300wpm)
Antonio pulls me into a back office where he slips an envelope out of his inner coat pocket and hands it to me. “This is my present to you.”
“What is it?”
“Go on.” He nods toward the envelope. “Open it.”
I don't know why my fingers tremble as I open it. I know it's not something unwanted, like divorce papers. It's just the emotion of the moment, I guess. The overwhelm of being loved this thoroughly and well.
I unfold the sheaf of papers and start to skim. They are legal papers.
“You're signing King Yachts over to me?”
“Yes. It's up to you if you want to return it to your father. He's been reaping the benefits of it anyway, as I've paid his salary for the last year.”
“You…you have? You've been paying my father's salary.” I can't keep the disbelief from my voice. “Has he been working for you?”
Antonio gives a dry laugh. “No. Nor do I want him to. But I couldn't let your parents starve.”
I let out a watery laugh. “They wouldn't have starved. They could have sold off half their properties and lived on the interest from the proceeds for the rest of their lives.”
“Well, I didn't want them to suffer. They're your parents. That means they're my family too.”
This man. He may be a cut-throat businessman, but underneath it all, he’s a big softie.
“I'm not returning it to my father. This is a legitimate business, and we're keeping it for our family. Our future children. It will be our legacy.”
Antonio cradles my face. “I can't wait to begin that family, Principessa.”
And now for my real anniversary present–far better than a song at a party. Something that will last a lifetime.
I beam up at him. “We already have.”