Shot at Love

I'm back again guys!!! I'm going to try my hardest to make sure there aren't months in between updates

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The first night went smoother than anticipated. Mama let her anger go enough to enjoy the luxuries Dominic has provided for the famgila. Dominic allowed everyone to travel around the house and get settled. After Mimosa hour, everyone found a room in the house that they were obsessed with. For Mama and Nonna, it was the rose garden. They spent the entire afternoon and evening admiring the flowers. Nonno fell in love with the endless antique car collection Dominic and his father have in the 12 door garage. Babina and Juliana spent their entire day by the Olympic size infinity pool either frolicking in the water or tanning on the beach chairs. And of course, Roberto spent the entire time cooped up in the entertainment room. There's an endless amount of game consoles, arcade games, and a wall-size projector with surround sound. I was surprised that Roberto even came out to join us for dinner.

There is only one day left before the engagement party and the nerves that were once out of control are now taking over my entire existence. My night's rest was the worst I've ever had. I barely slept a wink. Dominic, however, slept peacefully beside me; his arms were wrapped tightly around my waist and his head placed lightly on my chest. Watching him rest soundly was relaxing for me. Sleeping might be the only time he lets his guard down. I snuck out of bed the moment Dominic's arms loosen his grip. For someone who sleeps deeply, he has a talent for having a death grip. I rushed to the bathroom to get ready for the day before Dominic woke up. By the time I was finished it was 8 am. I know Mama would be up right now, she hates sleeping in and right now would be the perfect time to explain to her what is happening with Dominic and me with no interruptions. I left a note on Dominic's bedside table and left to find Mama.

I found Mama having tea and biscuits by the garden with Nonna. They were gossiping quietly to themselves before they notice my presence.

"Ah, my daughter up before 10 am? I am surprised." Mama smirked.

"I couldn't sleep. Tomorrow's a big day for me." I sat on the bench across from Mama and Nonna.

"So are you ready to explain to me what in God's name got into you?"

"Mama...I'm happy. Well...not exactly happy but I'm at peace with what I'm doing."

"That's what I don't understand Tereso. When you left, you looked like your heart was being ripped out of your chest. That first phone call you sounded so determined to find your way back to us. I thought all this time you were plotting to come back home. Now I hear you're willing to marry the brute?"

"That was the case at first Mama. I didn't want to marry him. All I wanted was my life back. To be home with you and papa and be with my friends again. I was fighting at first. I didn't want to be here but believe it or not, Dominic and I have a past beyond this stupid contract. We met for the first time a long time ago. I really liked him back then even though it was only for the day. He was different back then. A gentleman with charm. I haven't seen him since."

"Scusa? You met Dominic before, when?" (Excuse me).

"When I went down to the beach with Babina and Juliana one summer. I was 16. He was down visiting and we spent the entire day and night together. I woke up that day and he was gone. I had no phone number or way of contacting him. It was like a beautiful dream. Then once I came back home I was trapped in the tower and 4 years later I'm looking at the man who my heart skipped a beat for. Dominic has been trying to prove to me that he's still the same boy from the lake and I decided to give him a chance."

"Why would you believe anything that man says, you know how his family works. They use lies and manipulation to their bidding."

"I know how his family works but I can promise that this time it's different. He showed me a side to him that no one has ever seen. He's been vulnerable with me and shared things with me that I never expected him too. I want to believe him. I choose to believe in us and work things out. Dominic has been so open and willing to change our arrangement so I'm not some locked up housewife. I'm going out more, I'm involved with his community. I'm becoming apart of his world, not his possession."

"So you expect me to be okay with this?! To forget how he treated us when he came and scooped you away from us without so much as a phone call! You expect me to call the man who ruined the best moments of your life, my son in law? I'm supposed to forgive how he sent you into a mental breakdown your first hours with him!? Tereso, a mother can never forgive anyone who hearts their babies."

"Mama...I had to forgive and leave the past in the past. I tried my hardest to do what I thought I wanted. I wanted to go back home with no ties to Dominic. Yet the battle in my mind was worse than any punishment that Dominic could give me. I was physically and emotionally drained. I became tired every day. Being angry was literally killing my spirit. I just want to be happy and learn to live with what God hands me, and God handed me, Dominic. I'm choosing to explore the possibility that I can be happy in his world as his wife. I know it's hard for you to forgive someone who has made their daughter cry but I just want you to support me. That's all I want from you. I don't need you to understand or accept Dominic as a son-in-law right now. I want you to be by my side."

Mama looked at me for a long time. Her face expression was hard to read but I knew she was processing what I've revealed to her. If we weren't facing face to face right now, she probably would think Dominic was forcing me to say all these things. The old me would probably need to be held at gunpoint before I would EVER admit that I wanted Dominic. The new me is ready to accept the consequences and surprises for a chance at love and happiness.

Nonna sipped her tea happily. Her eyes twinkled in the light as she listened to every word I said. Nonna has always been romantic. The story of how she met my Nonno would bring the strongest of men to tears. If anyone can understand sacrificing and putting yourself at risk for a chance at love it would be Nonna.

"Mama, please knock some type of sense into your granddaughter!" Mama huffed annoyed.

"L'amore è raro L'amore non è come un tempo. Non è mai stato facile. Non gioca mai come ti immagini nella tua testa. L'amore è pazzo, selvaggio e inaspettato. Colui che è il tuo opposto totale è l'uomo dei tuoi sogni. Solo tu conosci i tuoi limiti e ciò che sei disposto a fare per vivere quell'amore una volta nella vita. We would be selfish to deny her a chance to feel that unique love that comsumes your entire existence. I felt that electricity with Nonno, You felt it with your husband. Let your little one experience without the guilt."

(Love is rare Love is not like it used to be. It has never been easy. Never play as you imagine yourself in your head. Love is crazy, wild and unexpected. The one who is your total opposite is the man of your dreams. Only you know your limits and what you are willing to do to live that love once in your life.)

"Cazzo...Promise me you'll get out if you feel a MOMENT of uncertainty. You don't need to be trapped for the rest of your life." Mama sighed defeated.

"I promise Mama. This time it will be different."

This is the only second chance Mama will give Dominic and I. I want my mama to see Dominic as part of the famiglia so from here on out, we have to make sure we are working our hardest to keep each other happy.

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The rest of the house woke up soon after Mama's heart to heart moment. It was barely 11 am before Liliana came outside to summon us to breakfast upstairs with the rest of famiglia. Dominic was awake as well and telling from the scowl on Liliana's face, he isn't in the best mood.

We reunited with my brother, friends, and Nonno in the dining room. Everyone was sitting patiently waiting for breakfast to be served. Dominic wasn't downstairs yet and something told me he is going to make an elaborate grand entrance.

"Thank God you guys are back! We are starving!" Juliana grumbled under her breath.

"Sorry, I wanted to show Mama and Nonna more of the garden. Has Dominic been down at all?" I sat in the seat beside the head throne chair.

"No, but I did hear screaming this morning. What did you do?" Babina wondered.

"Nothing but if you heard screaming then it was probably my fault. Dominic's a big bad boss who ironically can't handle waking up alone."

"You're brave saying such a thing with your big bad boss standing right behind you."

All the color from my face evaporated. The blood in my veins ran cold in fear and the bottom of my stomach felt like it was swarmed with violent wasps. The shocking smirk on Juliana and Babina's face was enough to tell me how much shit I just got myself into. I turned my head slowly and saw Dominic standing right behind my chair with the nastiest of scowls on his beautiful face. His knuckles turned white as his large hands grip the gold metal trim on the top of my chair. His jaw ticked violently as he tried to put on a smile for the rest of the group.

Oh Lord, Dominic is going to kill me!