GianMarco (22 page)

Epilogue

One month later

“How much longer do I have to sit for this? Couldn’t we have just taken a family portrait
at a department store like normal people?” Camryn complained.

“Be quiet, young one. It’s almost finished; besides, cameras don’t capture a person’s
essence like an artist can.” GianMarco moved his brush across the canvas.

Darren piped up. “Well, I have to leave in a few minutes. I’m supposed to meet Brian
at Union Station to catch a movie. We’ve been waiting to see this for a while.”

GianMarco glanced at his wife, who looked suspiciously as if she were trying not to
laugh. “Maggie, do you have any grievances to add to those of these ungrateful brats
of yours?”

“Well ... I am hungry.” She grinned.

GianMarco threw his hands up in the air and put his paintbrush down. “Fine. I give
up. Whatever happened to kids respecting their elders? Maggie, you’re not that much
better, you encourage them.”

Camryn stood up to stretch. “Well, you have to admit, we have been sitting here for
a long time. My butt is sore. I’m going to get a shower. I promised Dad I’d have dinner
with him tonight. Poor Daddy, married for less than a month and his marriage is already
over.”

Darren shook his head as he got up. “Well, I for one don’t feel sorry for him. He
brought all his trouble on himself. Besides, Dad’s the kind of guy who always lands
on his feet. Mom, I’ll come by later this week to help you with your little project.”
He referred to the decorating of GianMarco and Maggie’s new home.

Maggie smiled affectionately at her son. “That would be great, baby. Bring Brian with
you, if you like.”

“See you later, Mom. Later, Marc.” Darren kissed his mother’s cheek before heading
out.

“See you, kiddo.” GianMarco didn’t lift his eyes from the canvas.

“Can I take a peek at the picture, Marc?” Camryn asked, trying to look over her stepfather’s
shoulder.

GianMarco glared at her. “No! Go away, you little pest. You’ll get to see it when
I’m finished and not before. Shoo!”

Camryn, laughed. “I guess that’s your way of saying you want to be alone with Mom.”

“Maggie! Tell your daughter to leave us alone.”

“Oh, come on, GianMarco, be a sport.” Maggie was no help at all, seeming amused at
the playful banter. Camryn had come for a visit and had been staying with them for
the past week. GianMarco was happy to see Maggie thriving with her children around.
He knew how much it meant to her to mend her relationship with her daughter. Seeing
Maggie smile meant the world to him. And he was coming to care for her children as
well. Surprisingly he got on well with them. Seeing how Maggie was with her children
showed GianMarco how loving she would be with their child who would arrive in six
months.

“I’ll show you what a sport I can be later.” GianMarco looked at his wife.

“Well, be like that, Marc, keep your precious painting to yourself. I have a favor
to ask, though ...” Camryn smiled at her stepfather, batting her eyelashes innocently.

GianMarco braced himself. In the short time he had known Camryn, he’d learned she
had no filter. He expected her to say something outrageous. “What is it, brat?”

“Could you guys not be so loud tonight? I barely got any sleep. Sheesh. I feel sorry
for the poor baby, because it’s not going to get any sleep with you two constantly
screaming each others’ names. You guys might want to consider soundproofing your room.”
She blew GianMarco a raspberry before leaving him and Maggie alone.

Maggie burst out laughing.

“I think a husband deserves a little loyalty from his wife, especially when I was
nice enough to do this portrait of the three of you.” GianMarco pulled Maggie into
his arms.

“You’re right, sweet. And it was awfully sweet of you to take on this endeavor. As
you’ve learned, my daughter can be very outspoken at times.”

“Bah. When does she go back home? A man should be free to make love to his wife as
loudly as he wants in his own home.”

“I know. She’ll be here until the end of the week; you promised she can move in with
us when she finishes grad school, until she finds a place of her own.”

GianMarco rolled his eyes. “How can I forget?”

Maggie caressed his face as she looked up at him, her eyes gleaming with love. “Ah,
it won’t be so bad. Did I tell you how much I love you today?”

GianMarco’s heart swelled with his feelings for her. “I think you did, but a guy never
gets tired of hearing it.” He kissed her.

“I love you very much, GianMarco Grimaldi.”

“I bet not half as much as I love you, Maggie Grimaldi.”

“That’s up for debate.” She laughed.

Suddenly, she stiffened in his arms. “What’s wrong, Maggie?” GianMarco asked with
concern. “Is it the baby?”

“No ... I remember his name.”

“Whose name?”

“I think it was the person who attacked me, but I can’t be sure.”

“What’s his name, Maggie?”

“Adonis. Adonis Grimaldi.”

COMING SOON: NICCOLO

Book 2 in the Blood Brothers Series.

About the Author

Eve has always enjoyed creating characters and stories from an early age. As a child
she was always getting into mischief, so when she lost her television privileges (which
was often), writing was her outlet. Her stories have gotten quite a bit spicier since
then! When she’s not writing or spending time with her family, Eve is reading, baking,
traveling or kicking butt in 80’s trivia. She loves hearing from her readers. She
can be contacted through her website at: www.evevaughn.com.

Books by Eve Vaughn:

Whatever He Wants

Finding Divine

Laid Bear