The Thrill Of Your Love

Epilogue

The sun was setting over the crystal blue waters of the Amalfi Coast, casting a warm orange glow across the terrace of their private villa that they had spent the last four weeks living in on their prolonged honeymoon and celebration of Terzo's retirement. The air was filled with the scent of saltwater from the sea whilst the sound of waves gently lapping against the shore filled the air.

Terzo was at the small bar in their open-plan kitchen, pouring two glasses of champagne. He glanced over at Alice, who was curled up on the outdoor sofa on the balcony with a book, looking radiant and relaxed in a light, flowing dress that fluttered in the evening breeze. He smiled to himself, feeling a rush of love as he walked out to be at his favourite place, right beside her.

"Perfect end to a perfect day." Terzo smiled as he approached her, holding out one of the glasses. "To us, cara Mia." Terzo slumped onto the sofa beside her, watching as Alice smiled up to him. But to his surprise, she shook her head slightly and waved the glass away, placing it on the table in front of them.

"You know what, I think I'll pass on the champagne tonight actually."

"Pass?" Terzo blinked, momentarily taken aback. "On champagne?" He raised an eyebrow, leaning closer and tilting her chin back pretending to inspect her. "Who are you and what have you done with my wife?"

"Terzo." Alice laughed, her eyes sparkling as she pushed him away. "I'm still me. I just...have a different kind of toast in mind tonight."

"Different, you say?" Terzo's curiosity was piqued, and he set the glass down, narrowing his eyes playfully. "Now you've got me intrigued. What are you up to amore?"

She grinned, sitting up and reaching behind her to retrieve a small, neatly wrapped box that had been hidden beneath a pillow. She held it out to him, her smile softening with a hint of nervousness. 

"I have a little gift for you. Open it."

"A gift? For me? On our honeymoon?" Terzo's eyes lit up with excitement, and he took the box from her, his fingers brushing hers. "You spoil me darling." He pouted, looking utterly deflated that he never had anything for her. "You shouldn't have done this, I-"

"Terzo!" She laughed, pressing her finger to his lips. "Just open it." Alice urged, biting her lip as she watched him with anticipation.

Terzo didn't need to be told twice. He carefully untied the ribbon and opened the lid, his playful expression turning into one of shock as he saw what was inside. The first thing he noticed was a tiny, perfectly folded onesie nestled beneath the tissue paper. He held up the black fabric with a bold black print that read Papa's Little Ghoul. For a moment, he was speechless, his mind racing to catch up with what his eyes were seeing.

"Alice..." He whispered, his eyes wide with disbelief as he saw another thing inside the box. A pregnancy test that had two bold lines, clearly indicating it was positive. He looked back up at her, his lips agape, his hands with a slight tremble to them. "Are you...? We're...?"

She nodded, her smile widening as she reached out to touch his cheek, her hand gently cupping it gently. Her eyes glistened with tears as she gazed at his bewildered expression. 

"Terzo." She nodded, letting her tears spill over. "We're going to be parents."

"I'm going to be a papa." He whispered, his eyes filling with tears. "Oh Alice."

He dived at her, embracing her in a tight hug, his head nestled into the crook of her neck as he let his tears soak her shoulder. She soothed him, laughing as she rubbed his back, holding his tightly. He eventually pulled back, looking at her with the biggest smile he could muster, laughing to himself as he looked at her. His hand gently pressed against her stomach, looking at her with a gentle expression.