“Thank you so much. I won’t be long. He sleeps pretty well once his belly is full. I just fed him. I’ll whip something up quickly. Can I make you something?”
“I’ll take whatever you leave down there for me.”
“Gotcha.”
I stand and head out of the room as she enters and sits in the rocker Dario had brought in for me. I’m going to miss this place.
I get to the main floor and turn for the hall that leads to the kitchen. I freeze in my tracks as Nonno and Nyla step out of Nonno’s study.
I’m stunned because in the last four weeks everyone has been here, I haven’t seen her once. The last time I saw her was during that sensual fight slash dance between her, Jace, and Gio. When I asked Jace about her, he said she had work to do and couldn’t join us.
She turns to Nonno and he pulls her into a hug. I tilt my head as I study their embrace. There’s a fondness about it on both sides.
Like a father embracing his daughter. When Ny pulls away, Nonno cups her cheek and says something I can’t hear. I think I see moister on her face from here.
Then Ny turns and heads out of the house without a backward glance. Nonno turns to me and gives me a strained smile. I give a small wave and turn to head to the kitchen and mind my business.
However, the melancholy look on Nonno’s face sticks with me. It haunts me if I’m honest. Hours later, it still plays in my mind.
Dario
“Is everything all right?” I say against Car’s forehead as we sit on the plane to head home.
“I was expecting Nonno to join us. Is everything okay?”
“Yeah, he felt he needed to stay behind. I’m sure he’ll come in for the wedding. Are you ready for this? Your mother sounds like she started planning without you.”
“I’m excited. It looks like we’ll have two weddings in one year. I’m so happy for Dante. Lizzy fits him.”
“You can say that again. He looks a hell of a lot happier.”
Matteo stirs in this car seat, bringing a smile to my lips. Carleen places a hand on his chest and coos at him. Once he’s settled, I can’t help but to pinch her chin and turn her face to mine. I kiss her passionately.
“Thank you,” I say when I break the kiss.
“For?”
“Making my life complete. For the first time, I feel whole.”
“Even without the answers you were looking for?”
I think back to the trip I took with my brothers. I felt like we were being watched the entire time. As we were leaving the old church, I said a prayer for the family I do have.
I think it’s time I let go of the hopes of a little boy. I have grown-man responsibilities right here with me. My wife and my son are what’s important.
Besides, Gio is up to something. If I focus, I might be able to see what it is before it bites me in the ass. If he doesn’t take over as Don, it will fall right back into my lap.
I need to watch for his endgame, so it doesn’t disrupt my little family.
“It’s time I stop chasing ghosts,” I say and kiss my wife.
Chapter 49
Clap Backs
Carleen
We sit in my parents’ living room with all my uncles and some other family who wanted to see Matteo for the first time. The place smells good. My aunts are cooking in the kitchen and my father has the grill going outside.
I’m sitting next to Dario in the living room with my uncles and Toni. Mom walks in with a tray of drinks for everyone. I love the smile on her face. She’s in love with Matteo. This is the first time he hasn’t been in her arms. The spoiling has started.
“Eh, the boy cute,” Uncle Kurt croons.
“You say that as if my son was going to be ugly.” I pout.
“Oopies, you had a big head when you were a baby,” he says.
“But half of them babies you got look like aliens,” Toni says and sucks her teeth.
I can’t help bursting out into laughter. Uncle Kurt’s face turns salty looking, but she’s not lying. His kids have some big ass heads. Especially the ones outside his marriage.
“Didn’t get that from our family,” Uncle Rick says. “You have to be careful who you out here mixing with. Look at Lefty, the boy never seen anything on his right side just like his ugly mama.”
“Oh my God, good one, Daddy,” Toni gasps.
Uncle Kurt sucks his teeth. “I told you that boy not mine, eh. I was drunk and she’s been trying to pin him on me since.”
“But he has the same amber-honey-colored eyes and silky black hair as you and all your brothers,” Toni tosses at him.