Page 98 of Modern Romance May 2026 Books 1-4
She shot him a wide smile. ‘I can’t stop looking at the most beautiful baby in the world. He’s so tiny.’
‘I know. He’s our treasure.’ Still holding the flowers, Massimo sat on the edge of her bed and gazed first at their baby, then at her. ‘Do you still want to marry me or was that labour pain talking?’
His voice was uneven and he looked a little wild about the eyes.
Lily leaned in. ‘I wish we’d marriedmonthsago.’
‘Well, there’s no reason why we can’t get married now.’
‘Now?’ Her heart clattered. ‘Is this one of your impulses?’
‘One of the better ones, yes.’ He chuckled. ‘There’s a chapel in the hospital. There’s a chaplain. A few people are coming to meet our little boy, but they’ll also be brilliant witnesses if you’d like. Do you think he’ll mind sharing his birthday with our wedding anniversary?’
‘You’re serious.’ Lily’s aching body hummed and she stared at the flowers he held. At the cornflower-blue ribbon tying them together. The blue that matched his eyes. ‘Is that my wedding bouquet?’
He reached out and caressed her cheek. ‘We can have a big party later—affirm the vows with a proper suit and a pretty dress but you couldn’t look more beautiful than you do right now, Lily. What do you say?’
‘Yes.’ It wouldalwaysbe yes.
They wrote their vows in a laughing rush of ecstasy. Emiliano arrived to be best man and with immense thoughtfulness, Massimo arranged for Derek and Jean to support her. Intimate and special, it was the sweetest celebration. And as Massimo slid a heavy gold band on her finger, her heart had never been so full.
After champagne and cake and cooing, Emiliano, Derek and Jean finally left. Lily sank back into the bed and watched her handsome, enchanting husband cradle their tiny boy.
‘Not much of a wedding night for you,’ she whispered sleepily.
‘We had a weddingmorningto remember forever,’ he teased. ‘And I couldn’t be happier than to spend the night watching over our son while you finally get the rest you need.’
Shewasawfully tired. ‘I love you so much,’ she mumbled.
‘And I love you.’ His answering smile was so tender it brought tears to her eyes. ‘You’ve given me everything, Lily. Absolutelyeverything.’
She didn’t want to slip into sleep. The sight of him with their baby was too sweet, and to live with love like this was too wonderful.
‘Come on, sleepyhead.’ Massimo flicked the lamp by her bedside off and whispered a loving little tease in the darkness. ‘It’s lights out and away we go.’
Yes. Bathed in the security of his love, she finally realised that this was only thestart.
