Hers To Love (complete) Cover By @army_ss841

Chapter 65

Luca just got off the phone with his father, Antonio.  They're on their way.  He walked back into the kitchen where Victoria and Luc were.  "My parents are almost here and they are looking forward to meeting you Victoria and seeing you again Luc".  Just then Ari and Natalie walked in, followed by Paulo.  Ari walked over to Luca and wrapped her arms around him.  She looked up at him resting her chin on his chest.  "Hey lover" she said playfully.  "Hey back" he said smiling.  " I just talked to my dad and they are almost here".  I got a little apprehensive and Luca picked up on it.  "Baby don't worry.  They are going to love you, just like I do!"  "Do I look alright?" I asked concerned.  "You look perfect" he answered.  Ari looked at the clock on the kitchen wall...quarter to three.  They are punctual.  I excused myself to upstairs to freshen up.  I stood in front of the mirror and put a little more mascara on and reapplied my lip gloss, then took my hair down and brushed it smooth before putting it back in a ponytail.  Spritzed on some perfume, smoothed my sweater down and headed back to the kitchen.  By the time I got down there I heard voices.  The Constantis' had arrived!
Luca held out his hand as I descended the last couple of stairs.  "Mother, this is Arienne.  Ari, my mother, Arabella."  She pulled me in for a hug and said "bellissimo!"  Ari smiled and said "Grazie!"  Next the elder Constanti, Antonio.  I could tell he was sizing me up.  I hope he didn't find me lacking.  "Sono felice di incontrarti! (I'm happy to meet you!)" Ari said holding her hand out.  Antonio didn't accept her hand but instead pulled her in for a hug, just like his wife did and said "Mi piace questa ragazza! (I like this girl!)".  Thank God I could breath now!  "See!  I told you they would love you!" Luca said smiling.  

After Luca's parents arrived all the men disappeared into Luca's office and the kitchen was a flurry of activity.  Arabella had brought three women with her to help with the rest of the preparations on the dinner and to help serving.  I had gone over and introduced myself to them and showed them their table.  They seemed a bit shocked but very grateful as they shook my hand and told me 'grazie' over and over.  It really put a smile on my face doing this for them.  Arabella pulled me aside.  "Luca was right about you my dear" she started.  "You treat everyone the same and you have a big heart!  Thank you for including my helpers.  I try to do little things for them as well." And with that she gave me a light peck on my cheek and went back to talking with my mother.  Everything was coming together and the whole house smelled wonderful.  It was hard to belief that a hour had flown by already.  I asked Arabella if she would like to come and see the table and the rest of the house.  We walked hand-in-hand down the stairs into the living area and once there Arabella gasped.  "You did all of this?" she asked.  I nodded.  She turned and put her hands on my shoulders and said "you are exactly what this house needed.  You have made it feel like a home.  I have also seen the change in my son.  I know I don't have to tell you the burden he carries every day but he seems to handle it better since he met you.  Thank you for giving a mother this peace of mind."  She kissed both of my cheeks and I continued to show her the table and the place cards.

Luca, his father Antonio, Luc, Paulo, Fabio and Luigi were behind closed doors, filling Antonio in on the recent events.  "Luca" he said his voice full of concern "do not let your mother know about the attempt on your life.  It would break her."  Luca assured him that all involved knew not to say anything.  Paulo spoke up "Antonio and Luc, you would have been so proud of Arienne and the way she handle the situation."  Luca concurred and told both men how she had taken control of the situation once he'd been brought home.  "Papa" Luca started "I know you gave me your blessing over the phone but as I told Luciano earlier out of respect for the history of our families, I would like your blessing to blend the Constanti and Lucchese families" he paused holding out the ring for his father to inspect.  "It is beautiful Luca as is your intended.  You do have my blessing my son!".  He kissed Luca on both cheeks.  The men continued to talk business for a while but then decided they'd better go join the rest of the family.  

Ari had brought out two bottles of Ruffino Prosecco and some gorgeous glasses.  She had 10 glasses ready, took her's and raised it saying "Salute!" everyone followed with toast and tinkling glasses could be heard all around the kitchen.  "Ah delicious mi Bella!" said Luc.  Tiny group conversations had begun again and Ari went to talk to the kitchen helpers and check on the meal.  She showed the ladies to the smaller oven and told them that once the main meal had been served and we were all sitting down to eat, that meal in the other oven was their's to enjoy.  They beamed at Ari and then continued on with the finishing touches.  There was a knock at the door and Roberto, Z and Dr. Banks came in.  Everyone was hear, drinks were served up with appetizers galore.  The mood was light and festive.  Ari excused herself to go and light the candles on the table and to prepare to serve the food.  All was going as planned and Ari was so happy to be surrounded by those she loved dearly.

The helpers had started to bring in the side dishes and then arrived with the turkey and the ham.  Everything was arranged beautifully and then Luca stood and lightly tapped on his glass to get everyone's attention.  "Thank you for spending your Thanksgiving with us.  I look around this table and realize just how truly grateful I am.  Some of you I have known for a long time and some of you not so long."  There were some chuckles.  "But I digress.  To my parents, thank you for being supportive and for always being there for me.  To Luc and Victoria, for sharing your beautiful daughter with me.  To Ari, for just being who you are.  You compliment me in every way.  To my friends, thank you for putting up with me!  Salute!"  Before sitting down Luca took Ari by her hand and pulled her to her feet.  She wasn't sure what was going on and she hoped she didn't have to speak.  She searched his face for some kind of sign but nothing.  "Arienne you were a complete and total surprise to me.  The day I met you at the cafe I had a feeling about that day.  I couldn't put my finger on it but I knew something was going to happen that day that would change the rest of my life.  I watched you for quite a while that day, your interaction with the older couple and then with me.  I had honestly never enjoyed talking with someone as much as I did that day.  I know things have moved quickly with us but I'm taking a page from your book and using your quote 'no regrets'" at this point Luca pulled the box out of his pocket and dropped to his knee.  "Arienne Kristine Lucchese, I have already gotten your parents and my parents blessing, now I need your answer...will you make me the happiest man in the world and agree to marry me?"  Tears coursing down my face I held my shaking left hand out to his and nodding said 'yes' over and over as he slid the ring on my finger.  He pulled her to her feet and kissed her while cheers erupted from everyone.  I stared at my finger and felt like I was dreaming.  This would be the best Thanksgiving ever.