Page 223 of The Italian Obsession

“What?”

“Enrico proposed.”

There’s silence for a while, until she eventually whispers, “What?”

“I’m getting married, Mum.”

“Liv, you hardly know this man.”

“I know him. He’s the one. He got down on one knee and proposed to me in the Pantheon. Mum, I’m so happy.”

Enrico’s eyes twinkle with a certain something as he watches me.

“Honey,” she sighs.

“Can’t you just be happy for us?” I ask. “We know what we’re doing. We’re not kids, Mum. I’m twenty-nine. I’m pretty sure I know what I’m doing.”

“I just worry.”

“You don’t need to worry. I’ve got this.”

She stays silent for a moment before she speaks again. “What’s your ring like?”

“Gorgeous.” I smile. “It’s a simple gold band with a stunning two-carat diamond.”

“Wow!” She gasps.

I laugh at her reaction. “Will you come over for a holiday so we can pick my wedding dress?” I ask hopefully.

“Darling, yes, of course”.

“Okay.” I smile knowing she’s coming around. This is really happening. “I can show you around Italy. It’s so beautiful here. You’ll love it.”

“Olivia, I can’t believe this. I’m so shocked.”

I giggle. “I know. Me, too.”

“I have to go to work. I’ll call you tonight.”

“Okay, I love you.”

“Love you, too.”

She hangs up, and I turn to the sexy man on the couch. He taps his knee for me to go to him. When I do, he wraps me in his arms. “Was she okay?”

“A little worried about how quickly it’s all happened. She’ll come around as soon as she meets you.” I run my fingers through his curls. “Are you going to call your mother?”

“I’m going to see her today. I’ll tell her then.”

“What do you think she’s going to say?”

“She’ll be fine. It’s not up to her, anyway.” He flips me over and lays me on the couch to hover over me. “It’s up to us.”

________

On Monday morning, I dance into the café like a rock star while holding my hand in the air. I wiggle my fingers to make my ring sparkle.

Jennifer and Natalie bounce in their seats with excitement.