Life Before Damaged Vol. 10 (The Ferro Family) Read Online Free Page A

like there are eyes everywhere. It's one of the many reasons I never brought girls home with me before Gina.
    "You'll need a library," she begins, ticking rooms off on her fingers, "and we'll need a room large enough to dance in, a bedroom for us, and maybe a nursery or two?" She bites down on her lower lip and chews nervously, waiting for my response.
    It's an indirect question--do I want to have kids with her?
    I suddenly realize we've never talked about this outside my mother's contract, but it's obviously something she's given a great deal of thought. I momentarily forget we're in a restaurant, my chest expanding, pulse quickening. Gina's studying my reaction closely, so I try to stay as neutral as possible. I've spent my entire adult life trying not to accidentally have kids, but with Gina, the thought is heartwarmingly overwhelming. I place my hand over my pocket, feeling the ring box tucked away. She really does make me want to have it all.
    "How about we get a house with three nurseries, just in case we get carried away." My lips tug up on one side, waiting for her reaction. I never know what to expect of her.
    "Overachiever." Her tone sounds sarcastic, but her face radiates happiness, her worry completely gone. We don't go into specifics, but the simple knowledge that we both want a family together eventually is all we need for now.
    After dinner, we step out into the wintry night air. Gina wraps her arms around my waist and looks up, a tired smile on her face.
    “Thank you for an amazing evening, Pete. You really were listening to me, weren't you?”
    I look up at the night sky, take a deep breath, and smile down at her. It’s time. “This date isn't quite over yet. There’s one more place I want us to go.”
    I take Gina's hand, lacing our fingers together, and head toward the other side of the street, but she tugs me back. "Pete, are you sure we shouldn't just go home? Please? It's late, and I'm tired."
    She places her hand in front of her mouth as she yawns and rests her head on my chest, over my coat. Wrapping my arms around her, I stroke her hair, brushing it out of her face, and lift her chin with a finger. "Just this last thing. I promise it won't take long, and you won't regret it. For me?"
    I bend down and drop a small kiss on each of her heavy eyelids. I feel bad for insisting, but I want everything to be perfect.
    Lazily, she nods her head and mumbles a small, "Mmmhmmm," allowing me to lead her away.

THAT MAGIC MOMENT
Peter, December 21st, 11:23pm
    M y entire life I’ve never felt this way—fear mixed with dread, mingled with happiness and exhilaration. It scares the living shit out of me. What if she says no? My mother doesn't realize it yet, but Gina no longer has anything to lose by refusing to marry me. I'm the only one who could still go to jail for arson and manslaughter if she refuses my proposal. She won't, though. She's the one protecting me now, and she'll take my ring at the official party, to keep me safe. New Year's Eve won't be our engagement, though—it'll be a technicality.
    Tonight is different. Tonight isn’t about my mother's blackmail. Tonight is about Gina and me. I need to know if she really wants to be my wife, or if she simply wants me to be a free man. I also need to make her see that I’m sincere. Tonight, she’ll know just how much I really love her.
    We walk along 5th Avenue, and I help guide her, making sure she doesn't trip on anything. “Pete? Is the blindfold really necessary? ”
    “Don’t worry, Gina. We’re almost there. Just a couple more steps.”
    We've arrived at the Rockefeller Center Channel Gardens. I place my hands on her shoulders and turn her body, so she’s facing the tree. An archway of tall, golden angels light the path to an elaborately decorated Norway Spruce twinkling against the night sky. I can’t wait to see her face when she sees it.
    Standing behind her, I undo the knot behind her head and place a kiss on her jaw before removing her