Page 58 of Deadly Don's Baby Contract

"I know I don't have the right to make demands on either of you given how I've behaved, but when I saw the two of you a few moments ago -what Franco's been telling me for all these months finally became clear- you two were made for each other. There's something that happens between the two of you when you're together, and no amount of ego, hurt, pride, or need to control can make me ignore it."

Franco shifts and finally looks at his brother but doesn't speak.

"What's the demand or request?" he asks. From his tone, I know that he's softening.

"I want you two to have a proper wedding. On me. Your dream wedding. If you're going to do this, do it the right way. Before God and all the world." He looks down. "It's a request but also an apology."

I am stunned, and I look at Franco. I know that he needs to take the lead on this and not do it for me or his brother but for himself and his family - the one he comes from and the one he's creating with me.

He sits back and folds his arms across his chest. Marco rolls his eyes and Franco smiles just a little.

"What?" I ask.

"He used to do this when we were kids, and I pissed him off but then needed his help or forgiveness." Marco huffs and leans back, squeezing the tip of his nose and smiling. "Go on. Let me have it!"

Franco furrows his brow.

"On one condition?" he finally says.

"What? Anything! You name it," Marco answers.

"I'm going to need a best man. You available?" I love Franco so much in that moment.

Marco sits back and nods, trying not to let the tears that are making his eyes glisten fall.

"Yeah. I'm available."

***

The next few months pass in a haze of finishing the decorating and planning the wedding. Marco has been amazing and sent a wedding planner to help me. Giulia's been a gem, and we've grown close over the last few months. She's an astute businesswoman and always willing to help or jump in when she thinks someone's trying to gouge me on prices.

She isn't overbearing, nor does she try to impose her taste on me, but because this is way out of my comfort zone, she will offer advice when prompted. She's always right. Franco would love to get married in Italy. Tuscany is his favorite city, and as a surprise, I've arranged for the wedding to be there and for his nonna to come over from Sicily to attend. He hasn't seen her since he was a teenager. He is her favorite, and she was an absolute delight when I called to ask her in my rusty Italian.

My only condition was that I have the baby first and have a few months to, hopefully, get a bride body. I rub my hand across my belly protectively. I'm huge, and I love it. I get tired a lot more often and can't work as hard as I'm used to, but I am so happy. I love it. Well, mostly!

I find myself wanting to be with Franco more and more. It's almost a compulsion. It seems to calm the baby and me when he's close by, but that might just be my imagination.

He comes up behind me as I survey the dimensions of the nursery.

"Are you ready?" he asks. We have a doctor's appointment.

"Yes. Look at this!" I tell him, pointing to the antique crib his mom had sent over.

"It's beautiful, but is it safe?"

"It's fine," I say, dragging him by the hand.

***

The obstetrician, Dr Lowenstein, moves the sonar across my gel-covered belly. Pushing gently at certain places and furrows his brow.

"Is something wrong, doctor?" Franco asks.

"Well, no." He starts to laugh. "This happens sometimes."

"What?" I ask.

"Well, it seems you two are going to have twins." He smiles.

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