“I’m Nunzio. We didn’t get a chance to chat yesterday.”
An uneasy chuckle escaped me. “My fault, I’m sure.”
His smile widened before he looked between Ettore and I. “Seeing as you’re both standing upright and breathing, I take it you have reached an understanding. Yes?”
The silence spoke volumes. Then Ettore uttered an unfeeling, “We’re working on it.”
Nunzio patted my hand. “That’s good. Very mature of the both of you. I’m impressed.” I wasn’t sure what to say when the older man said, “I hope my son is treating you well.”
I don’t know why it irked me, but it did. The protective need to stick up for my husband burned low in my gut. “He’s been the perfect gentleman.”
Nunzio snuffled out a laugh before reaching up to gently touch the bruises at my throat. He lost his smile, turned to his son and drew out the words long and slow. “Yes. I can see that.”
Well, hell.
Nunzio released my hand. “I’m so glad things have worked out. I know the rest of the family is simply dying to meet you.”
That statement came out sounding far too foreboding for my liking. “I’m eager to meet them too.”
“I’m sure you are. Welcome to the family, sweetheart.”
With that, Ettore placed his hand to my hip and guided me out. The closer we got to the opposite end of the hall, the louder the voices became and the tighter my chest got. Ettore didn’t hesitate when he walked us out into the fray of people. Once we were noticed, as one, they all stopped talking and turned to stare. I recognized a few of them. Ettore’s groomsmen were there, as was the middle-aged woman who walked me through the smashing of the vase. At least she looked happy to see us. She smiled happily and moved to greet us when two lightning-fast blurs hit Ettore at full force.
“Daddy!”
He groaned loudly before kneeling down to scoop the two miniature version of himself and for the first time since our official meeting yesterday, I saw what a genuine smile on Ettore Scala looked like.
Envy ate me whole. What I would have given to have him smile at me like that.
He kissed both of their heads then hugged them close. They hugged him right back and I did not miss the way his jaw flexed in pain when they squeezed him tight. It had to be agony and yet, he didn’t even flinch.
One boy spoke, “Dad, we got to stay up.”
Then the other, “And watch a movie.”
“We fell asleep on the floor.”
“And nonno said we didn’t have to shower if we didn’t want.”
And then, they talked at the same time. “Because we’re gonna end up stinking anyways.”
Ettore laughed softly. “Really? That was nice of him to make sure you two would smell like an old pair of gym socks when your dad got back.” He tickled them and they giggled loudly.
The whole scene made my heart flutter. I thought he must be a good father. He had to be when they were so excited to see him.
“I want you guys to meet somebody, okay?” He placed them down and held their hands, turning them to face me. They recognized me, of course, and both watched me warily, as one would a snake. “Vittoria, these are my boys.”
I was determined to get off on the right foot this time.
I crouched down to their level, keeping my ankles and knees pressed tightly together then smiled gently. “Hello. I’m Vittoria.”
They took their time, but I maintained my harmless stance and smile. As Ettore had warned, they did not warm to me. And just when the silence spanned long enough to become awkward, Ettore let out a firm, “Boys, don’t be rude.”
It was the first boy who spoke carefully. “I’m Adrian.”
The other boy murmured, “I’m Domenic.”
They seemed sweet. “It’s lovely to meet you,” was all I managed before someone swooped in front of them, blocking me from their view. My smile faltered when the young girl – the one who I’d last seen screaming for her papa – glared holes through my head. I cleared my throat and tried to mend what I’d broken. “Oh, hello. I’m Vi-”