𝐒𝐇𝐎𝐖 𝐎𝐅𝐅, ᵐᵃˣ ᵛᵉʳˢᵗᵃᵖᵖᵉⁿ

FORTY-FOUR

18th january 2024, italy

 

         MAX LOVED ITALY. He had definitively decided that this was the place for his family. They had been staying with Ella's family, but Max had secretly begun planning the building of a house for their little family. He had to pull a few strings, and pay a lot of money, but he managed to find a way to make the gazebo part of their back garden. He couldn't wait for Ellas reaction, it would be ready by the middle of August, during the summer break.

For now, Max had to show Ella the gazebo before construction started and he would have to hide it from her. "C'mon gorgeous, nearly there." Max pulled Ella towards him, Ella sulked and wish she hadn't worn such high heels. "We have an early flight tomorrow! Can't we just go home?"

"And miss the sunset?" Max asked in confusion, Ella pouted. "My feet hurt," she forced Max to slow his pace down, refusing to let go of his hand. In a simple manoeuvre, Max had swept Ella off her feet and carried her the final stretch. Ella didn't argue, she was just glad to be off her feet. Max put her down in the centre of the gazebo and unclipped her heels for her.

"Okay, I'll give it to you. The sunset is stunning." Ella agreed, leaning over the banister of the gazebo to take in all the beauty. "Sure is." Max grinned, not taking his eyes off Ella for even a second. "Max..."

"Sorry. I know you hate when I stare," he laughed, finally taking in the view. Ella shook her head. "I don't hate it - well I don't anymore - I just think you're wasting a good view!"

"i'm liking my view from right here," he flirted, once again glancing at Ella. She laughed and insisted he was a goofball. Max embraced her in a gentle hug. He took a step back, and cuddled her from behind instead, kissing her neck gently. Standing here with her, his arms wrapped around her he didn't think life could get more perfect. As the sun set, Max kissed her cheek from behind. "Gorgeous," he said softly.

"Max?" She turned to face him, her back leaning against the side of the gazebo. "Will you be my girlfriend?" He asked. Ella's face lit up immediately. "Of course!" She said enthusiastically, kissing him immediately. "Why did it take you so long?" She joked, Max rolled his eyes at her and gave her another kiss.

"You know, I really can't imagine my life without you." Max breathed, Ella tilted her head with a soft smile, she brushed a piece of Max's hair back into place. "Me neither, Max."

"I think you're my missing piece," he almost whispered. Ella's eyebrows furrowed. "I've been waiting for you my whole life, Millie and I have been waiting for you our whole lives."

"I can say the same for you both, the best things in life take time... And you and Millie are the best thing to ever happen to me." She said delicately, Max smiled softly and kissed her slowly. "Speaking of Millie, she should be here soon. Adriano is bringing her."

"Really! I can't wait. I loved our date today, but I have missed her." Ella looked over Max's shoulder with excitement, as soon as she caught sight of her 6'2 brother, she hurried over to greet the little girl. "Millie! How are you, honey?"

"Good! I missed you, Elsy." Millie hugged her tightly. "I'm here too, Ella." Adriano sighed, Ella gave her brother a quick hug before taking Millie's hand and leading her over to Max. Max lifted his daughter into a hug. Adriano began setting up the picnic he had brought, the rest of the family was on their way with the food. He laid the oversized blanket on the patch of grass and set out the paper plates and cups.

"C'mon, picnic time." Max wrapped an arm around Ella, and held his daughter's hand with his other arm. Max and his girls walked towards the picnic blanket and got comfy just as the rest of the Bonardi family arrived. Everyone said their helloes and began eating on the many snacks Vittoria had brought.

"So, when will we see you next after you abandon us tomorrow?" Salvatore laughed dryly, Max smiled knowingly at Ella. "Hopefully soon, maybe we'll be able to pop down after Imola?"

"Actually," Max interrupted his girlfriend, "I thought you guys could come to Imola. I'll book a place for us all to stay near the track."

"Max, that's too much. We can't accept that!" Vittoria insisted, Max shook his head. "It'd be a pleasure to have you all there, I insist, really."

"We're going to Imola!" Angelo celebrated, Max and Ella laughed, Ella gently squeezed Max's hand. He made her so happy, not because of everything he did for her and gave her, but because he always made sure that the most important thing to her was included - her family.

"So Max how is the 2024 Redbull looking this year? Just as unbeatable as last year?" Alessandro teased, Max continued talking about F1 with Ella's brothers and father while Millie, Ella and Vittoria played with Millie's dolls.

"Max I wish you all the success, but I hope we get some new winners. And hopefully more than just 3!" Alfonzo prayed, Max nodded along to his words. "I agree. Last season got quite boring, being so far ahead." Max teased, receiving a booing from the 4 boys.

"Hey! Don't bully my boyfriend," Ella defended, playfully wrapping her arms around Max and kissing his cheek. Max couldn't help but blush. "Ooo, boyfriend." Adriano practically sung.

Ella tried to hide her laugh, but it didn't go unnoticed by Max. He rolled his eyes with a smirk and continued to watch Ella, she was so perfect. "Dad, do you want the rest of my soup?"

"Of course, Princess, thank you." He smiled, she was perfect too. Max couldn't believe how lucky he had gotten, he had won the lottery in the family department. He couldn't wait to have Ella's family as his neighbours, he was so excited for their future, together, as a family.