T H E S H O C K

f i f t y - o n e

Flashback to a couple hours earlier

Leone's POV

"You can do it Leone, it's not like he's gonna say no." Alonzo said. I shake my head, "but what if he does?" I question. "Yeah zio Tonio is as scary as he seems, I mean he has lit a pile of bodies on fire and never got caught but hey!" Emilio says finishing his soup. Dear God. I sigh, "look, he's gonna say yes! He may not be our biological uncle, but he has been here for basically me and Emilio's whole life! We know him, he's gonna say yes ." Alonzo reassured.

I sigh, "Worst case scenario, he kills you!" Emilio says. We both look at him. "What?" He asks. "If all else fails, Zia Carmella will make sure he says yes. If she's there then everything should run smoothly!" Emilio reassured.

I work up the courage and thank them for helping me boost my confidence about this. Everything is already. I finally make my way to the backyard where I asked them to meet me. I see out the window Mr and Mrs Russo laughing and talking. Giving myself a little pep talk before, I open the patio door and walk out.

I sit down on the chair across from them and they stop their conversation. "So Leone dear, what can we do for you?" Mrs Russo said giving a warm smile.

I smile, "I never really thought that I'd be doing this, but here I am!" I say with a chuckle, "I'm gonna kind of beat around the bush here because I'm not really good at sweet talking-" I ramble but got cutoff.

"Yes Leone." Mr Russo said. I look at him confused. "You have my blessing." He says.

I'm kinda shocked, "h-how'd you know what I'd say?" I questioned. Mrs Russo laughed, "oh dear, your brother did the same thing! Except he didn't seem nervous at all! He made sure to ask us just Incase something ever happened to him. He showed us the ring, the note he left our Lauren, he even had a PowerPoint showing reasons why!" We all laughed.

"That sounds like something he would do." I chuckled.

"We already knew you two were perfect for each other because we were the same way! You're a great kid Leone and we see and hear the way you look and talk to our daughter. We can tell you really love and her and she really loves you too. This has been the hardest year ever for her, besides when Ethan got taken. She may seem tough on the outside but my little girl is fragile! " Mr Russo said.

I smiled as he talked about her. I thought about what Mrs Russo said at Aria's birthday party. She said he would beat her down with words, but then he talks about her in the sweetest way possible.

"So yes, you have our blessings dear!"Mrs Russo said.

"Now let's see the ring! " She leaned in forward.

I laughed, " I actually have a couple that I bought but I know which one she'll love the most." I showed them the pictures. "The last one!" They both said. I smiled at how well they were in sync. "That's the one!" I said excitedly.

I stayed out there a little longer and we talked some more.

It was starting to get late and we went sperate ways. I needed to get Diamond, Alonzo, Enzo, Lorenzo, Lauren and Gianna together so every will be perfect!

________

Present time - Aria's POV

"This one!" Gianna pulls up a bright orange dress. "No. I say bluntly. She rolls her eyes. "Aria's we've been through 20 dresses." Lauren says.

I nod my head, "yes and I have been trying to say my option!" I get up and pick up the long sleeve white dress with an open back that hugs my body perfectly!

"This one!" I hold up. I see Gia turn her head, "but it's so... white." She drags out.

"Yes and that's her style! You guys ever notice Aria either wears, black, white, cream, light brown, grey or white?" Diamond says.