“That’s next up on my list. I wanted to ask you first.”
“Do you want me to come with you for moral support?”
“I’ll be fine. You keep practicing so you can walk down the aisle.”
I walked out. Kiara was still in front of the door. “I’m glad you two found each other even if the way to be together was painful.”
I dipped my head in thanks. “Where can I find Remo?”
“I’ll take you to him,” Nino said, appearing out of nowhere.
I gave him a smirk. “I guess I’m not allowed to roam the mansion on my own yet?”
“You just talked to my wife alone. That’s a great show of trust.”
“You were close by.”
Nino gave me a cold smile but he didn’t look particularly unfriendly. “Some habits are difficult to lose.”
“Trust must be earned, I agree. But none of your women will ever be in danger around me.”
Nino didn’t comment but he led me into the common area of the house where most of the Falcone clan had gathered. It was a chaotic assembly. To top it off, Gemma was trying to stop her little daughter, who was laughing hysterically, from tearing at her hair.
I tore my gaze away and turned my attention to Remo.
“Can I have a word with you?”
Serafina came in from another room in that moment. “And you too?”
Serafina immediately came toward me and Remo followed. “Where can we talk in private?”
Serafina gave me a smile as if she knew exactly what I was going to say. Remo’s enthusiasm was nonexistent.
“There are no secrets in this house. You might as well pop the question right here and spare us the less accurate retellings later,” Savio said. Gemma shoved the toddler toward Savio so he could bounce her on his leg and calm her.
I shrugged. “I asked Greta for her hand and she said yes.”
“Some might consider it disrespectful not to ask me as her father first.”
“That’s a rule we follow in the Famiglia but I know you’re more progressive in the Camorra so I tried to adapt to your local customs.”
Remo gave me a sharp smile. “Ahh, already being rude when the ink on our truce hasn’t even dried yet.”
Serafina touched my arm and gave me a warm smile. “I’m happy for you and Greta. Now you better make her happy.”
“This isn’t the Christmas present I was hoping for,” Remo muttered.
Nevio sauntered over to me, and I couldn’t help but be wary. I remembered how he’d separated Greta and me last time.
“You heard my mother. Be good to her or I’ll be very unpleasant.” He didn’t mention his actions on stage again, and he didn’t have to. I’d remember that meeting all my life, for various reasons.
“No knife in my side this time?”
Nevio shook his head. “Not from me this time.” He clucked his tongue.
“I’m sure there are enough people out there who would love to stab him,” Massimo said dryly.
“He’ll be family. I’ll have to protect him, I guess.”