Submitting to My Best Friend's Dad-Chapter 962 : A sky worth seeing

*Bianca*

New Year’s Eve in Naples was just like I remembered as a child.

I could see my breath come out as puffs of white air, the cold bitter against my exposed cheeks as I held tightly onto Leo’s warm hand. The tiny streets were packed shoulder to shoulder but the smiles were wide and filled with laughter.

“Look at this! It’s so cool!” The twins took turns dashing from each shop, pointing to the various items on display and sale, posing in front of the statues as my Aunt and Uncle made sure to take as many pictures as possible.

Even Nicolo had found his interest in an old vintage shop selling records. My mom was more than happy to show him every band and song from her childhood. My Uncle Giotto had taken to placing Rolando onto his shoulders, allowing the giggling five-year-old to see over the swarm of heads, reaching up to the festive decorations along the aisles.

But for me, I glanced over at Leo who grinned widely at my celebrating family, looking more proud of himself than I’d ever seen him. My heart swelled with warmth as I leaned up on the tip of my toes and pressed a kiss to his cheek.

“Thank you,” I whispered. “They love it. I love it.”

He sent me a heart-meltingly adorable smile, cheeks red from the cold. “Just as you remember it?”

I laughed, feeling like I could swell up like a balloon and float up to the heavens where I’m sure my father was smiling down on us with Grandpa. I leaned my head on his shoulder.

“It really is,” I squeezed his hand.

From the city center filled with shops, we entered and raced one another to the square where the massive sixty-foot Christmas tree nearly blinded everyone with its thousands of twinkling lights and ornaments. Including the brilliant white star at the top.

More festivities were set up, including a mural painter which captured Silvia and Giotto’s attention easily as they watched his masterful art come to life. There were street performers which the twins quickly stopped to watch.

I wasn’t the least bit surprised when Chiara and Cesare invited themselves into the performance, though the actual performers weren’t all too bothered, happy to share the joy. The mime did take a particular joy in following around Cedro though.

I had no idea how he found out Cedro’s worst fear was mimes but it made for a lively party. I’d never seen Cedro run so fast or scream so loud before as the mime chased him around the square.

Leo nearly died laughing, having to lean on my shoulder for support.

The live music was just as amazing, concerts placed all over the city. There wasn’t a spot where you couldn’t hear the instruments playing the classical Christmas favorites mixed with a few Italian twists.

Even the food was just as amazing as I remembered. Little booths were set up in nearly every restaurant as they participated.

Leo and I ended up gathering a handful of samples and doing a blind taste test with the family to figure out where to eat. We were all surprised when the vast majority chose a small little restaurant called La Trattoria.

But my god, the first bite of their pizza seemed to melt in my mouth. It had been a while since I’d had the authentic Italian pizza experience and LA Trattoria nailed it.

The night progressed as we traveled all over the city, getting lost and separating at times, but we always found our way back to one another.

Eventually, though, the sky dimmed as the sunset came up to us and the excitement turned up to an eleven as we all prepared for the grand firework display we knew was coming. I hadn’t seen it for years, not since my father was alive.

It felt a bit bittersweet, not being able to see it with him but also exciting. That his tradition will carry on.

“Well, shall we head over to the Castel dell’Ovo now?” I asked as we made our way to the bridge. The castle was just visible across the lake, the rocky terrain doing nothing to hide the beautiful skyline as the sunset colored it in pale pinks and oranges.

Sunlight was fading fast and I knew we needed to get on the boats to see it.

Mom, however, just glanced at me with a knowing smile as she gave an exaggerated sigh and plopped down on a nearby bench.

“Oh, dear, I’m sorry but I’m just too tired,” Mom sighed, sending me a pitiful look, “It’s these old bones you know. I just can’t take another step.”

“Mom,” I said suspiciously, knowing immediately that something was off. Especially as my aunts and Uncles exchanged grins as well.

“Oh, well stay here with Lucia, Bianca. You and Leo go on ahead. It’s his first time here, isn’t it?” Rosa beamed happily, taking a seat next to my mom, even wrapping an arm around her like they were best buddies.

But I also didn’t miss the sharp glance she sent to her husband, who immediately just shrugged and plopped down on the cement floor next to them.

“Oh, I am so tired as well,” he said in a bland monotone voice, not even trying the least bit to hide his intentions. “You kids should head off together instead.”

“Jesus Christ, Cedro,” Giotto shook his head like he was ashamed of his brother-in-law. Which I didn’t blame him for. But he then turned to me with a sweeter smile. The same one he used to use when he wanted to get me to take some bitter medicine as a kid and tried to convince me it was just grape juice. “He’s right though, Bianca, you and Leo should take this chance. Go watch the fireworks together. I bet it’ll be unforgettable.”

“Giotto!” Silvia elbowed him in the ribs sharply.

I raised an eyebrow, staring at my family members who were all pathetic liars, and like a lightbulb going off, I turned slowly to Leo.

He looked firmly away from me, staring out over the lake like it was the most interesting thing in the world.

“Leo,” I said warningly. “What is this about?”

Leo grimaced but finally looked at me looking like a guilty puppy caught doing something bad.

He squeezed my hand gently then pouted for a bit as I glared at him firmly, waiting to hear what all this was about.

Leo sighed then smiled a bit as he leaned over to gently tuck my head behind my ear.

“Just follow me,” he said, his eyes so sweetly focused on me. What else could I do but follow him?

My family giggled to themselves as he tugged me along just the two of us, clearly knowing what I didn’t but I didn’t pay it any mind. With Leo’s hand in mine, we walked down the festive streets as the new year approached.

My stomach filled with fluttering butterflies, nervous about what was to come but also a bit excited to see what could possibly be causing such a fuss. Leo whisked me across the lake, taking the long path which gave a breathtaking view of the lake as boats began to fill its depths.

Each filled with hopeful faces waiting for the fireworks to bring in the new year.

“Are you going to tell me what this surprise is all about?” I laughed as Leo pulled me down to the water’s edge. It was there that my breath was stolen from my lungs by the beautiful sight of a colorful hot air balloon floating down to us.

A conductor nodded at us, grinning widely as Leo pulled me into his arms, wrapping them around my waist as we waited for the balloon to land.

“This is only part of the surprise,” Leo whispered, sending a shiver down my spine as his hot breath caressed my ear.

Leo held my hand like a gentleman and I giggled giddily as we stepped up onto the basket. It was shaky and uneasy but I didn’t feel scared, not with Leo beside me.

At least not until the conductor nodded at Leo and stepped out, shutting the doorway after us.

“He’s not coming with us?” I exclaimed, gripping Leo’s shoulder tightly now as I stepped away from the edges of the basket. “But who’s going to drive this thing?”

“I am,” Leo laughed, eyes crinkling into half-moons as he grabbed hold of the handle and pulled. With a whoosh, the fire above our heads lit up and the basket swayed with us inside as we lifted up into the air.

I stuck tightly to Leo, closing my eyes firmly as Ib buried my head into his chest but he just laughed, rubbing my back in circles with his finger as we soared.

“You can look now, my love,” Leo whispered into my ear, and despite the biting cold against my cheeks, I was warm as I slowly opened my eyes, connecting with his beautiful ones.

He was gentle as he ever so patiently waited for me to get my bearings. Slowly, inch by inch, I turned in his arms. He kept a solid arm around my waist, my entire back pressed into him as my hair blew past me in a wild tangle as the sky was revealed to me.

My breath was stolen from my lungs.

Above the lagoon, the lights sparkling against the clear water was a city of lights. With a warm angelic glow everywhere I looked, for a moment, I swear I felt like we were weightless.

It was nearing midnight, the entire sky now a pitch black.

“It’s beautiful,” I gasped in awe, falling over all over again as I saw such a beautiful sight before me. There was no greater feeling of freedom, soaring over the city below with just Leo and I tucked warmly into one another.

“I was hoping you would think so,” Leo mumbled, sounding incredibly nervous and I turned around in his arms to face him again. There was an anxiety in him I’d never seen so badly before.

“What’s wrong?” I gently brushed my hand over his cheek and forehead, trying to see if he felt sick. He was warmer than my own hands and completely fine. I pouted. “You know if you pass out we’re both going to die ’cause I don’t know how to work this thing.”

He laughed, leaning forward to press his forehead against mine as he let out a deep shaky breath.

“That would make for a story for the baby to hear later down the road,” he joked, eyes twinkling like the stars above as he gave me a half-grin.

“Is there more to this surprise?” I asked, confused but also eager to see what else he could come up with. I didn’t know how he was going to top the view but I’d love to see him try.

“Yeah.” He cleared his throat, stepping back from me gently. His hands were shaking as he tucked them behind his back and looked me straight in the eyes. “I’m not very good at this so I’ll make it quick.”

My heart raced, my face flushing as a single thought occurred to me.

No...this couldn’t possibly be...

But the sincerity gleamed in his eyes as he faced me nervously like he was about to leap into the next journey of his life.

“You are the greatest joy in my life, Bianca. The day I met you is the day you saved me. I love you. I love how free and expressive you are. I love your compassion and how easily loving someone comes to you. Even if they don’t deserve it. From the moment we met, you shared your joy and your sadness with me and made me part of your family. I have never loved someone as much as I love you. That’s why...”

Tears flooded down my cheeks as I slammed my hands over my mouth, not even able to stop the gasp from escaping as he got down on one knee. He looked up at me, our eyes connecting like stars colliding.

He pulled out a small black box and presented it to me.

“I love you so much and I should’ve done this the moment we met because I will always love you. You and our baby are my everything. So would you please do me the honor of marrying me?”

The box opened and the ring gleamed brightly as loud sparks flew past us, exploding into colors in the sky. Cheers rang out as bells sounded for miles and I couldn’t hold in my emotions any longer.

“Of fucking course I will!”

I threw myself at him as I screamed out my answer for the world to hear.

Leo laughed as our lips connected and I pressed breathy kisses all over his face as he held me in his arms, lifting us up. My feet didn’t even touch the ground but I didn’t care. Not even as Leo slipped the ring on my finger and the fireworks burst around us.

The New Year had come and I’d already gotten every wish I could possibly want.

It was right here in my arms.