Page 56 of Surprise Twins for the Mafia Heir

“Please, I was just talking shit,” he stammers. Judge Sanders motions for the police officer.

“Well, I sure do hope it was worth it,” Judge Sanders replies without any mercy. “The sentencing is final without the option for parole.”

My dad freezes, his eyes glazing over. “No, no, no, no. Wait a minute—” The officers come to place my dad in handcuffs andescort him out of the courtroom. I’m also frozen as the man I used to call father is permanently removed.

Nick rises, taking my hand. “It’s over, Rosa. Now we have to let him go,” he whispers.

“What are you talking about? What about Vinny?” I ask, as I watch Judge Sanders walk out.

“Didn’t you hear what dad said? These lawmakers are just as guilty. He broke a code saying that aloud. So, we’re automatically free to go,” Nick explains. Vinny walks back towards us and gives me a tight hug.

“Close call, huh?” he mutters.

As people begin to walk out of the small room, I feel like I’ve cheated the system. Everyone else present is quiet, almost like they’re also confused on how twisted the laws are.

“So, that’s it?” I ask. “My dad goes down and everyone keeps quiet?”

Vinny kisses me. “Think of it as a warning. Anyone else connected to him will back down.”

It feels like there’s still unfinished business. “What about the rest of your family?”

He looks away. “You’re my family now, Rosa,” he answers.

Nick guides us outside where there are several reporters lined down the street. “Jesus, have they ever heard of privacy?” I brace myself and slide my sunglasses on as reporters rush over to us. Nick and Vinny place me, the babies and Jodie in the middle of them as we wade through the crowd of flashing lights and clamoring voices.

“What do you have to say for yourself?”

“How does it feel to put your own father in prison?”

“Can you confirm the mafia rules the State?”

We make it through the crowd and retreat into a black escalade pulling up out front. Once the doors close, I can take a deep breath.

“Is that what we have to look forward to?” I groan. The driver pulls out of the parking lot, speeding us out of dodge.

“We won’t be staying in the States,” Nick adds.

Vinny nods quietly. “There’s no way we can live comfortably with cameras staring us down, watching our every move,” he says with a shrug. “We finished our business here anyway.”

I would protest. New York has been my life. I have memories, both good and bad, and I know I’ll miss it.

“Will we ever come back?” I ask as I stare out of the window.

Nick laughs. “Do you want to be flagged down by TMZ?” I draw in a quick breath. This is it. My life will be outside of the States and I have to get over it.

“I think you’ll enjoy the life I’ve been setting up for you,” Vinny adds sheepishly as he strokes Fernando’s hair. He brings my hand to his lips and kisses my palm. I suppose it’ll have to work.

I don’t ask any more questions. Once we get back to the rental, our bags are packed and we’re on the next flight out. The good thing about Vinny’s end game is that he didn’t lose his money. So, we fly on the last private plane his dad had which is under Vinny’s name. The only thing that eases me up is holding onto my babies and kissing the tops of their heads. After grueling hours, we eventually land somewhere new. I spot tropical trees, lots of water, and thick heat. It’s not Mexico, though. As soon as we step off the plane, we’re greeted by two familiar faces. Vinny’s grandfather and Marisol. I run to them like a child seeing their parents at daycare.

“Look what the cat dragged in,” Vinny’s grandfather chirps as he gives us both a huge bear hug.

“I can’t believe this!” I squeal. Before I can ask what the next stop is, Marisol and Vinny’s grandfather escort us into the car. It takes just a few minutes for me to figure out the location of our new home. Brazil.

“How did you figure this one out?” I ask. The truck is silent for a few moments until Marisol chimes in.

“It just seemed like the right next step,” she says with a smile. “Here we can all start over and not have to look over our shoulders.”

“ I have a second home here. The babies will be safe to grow up and choose their own path,” Vinny’s grandfather adds with a smile. I can tell from the glint in his eyes that it’s all he’s ever wanted. We don’t mention the death of Vinny’s father. Or mine being in prison. We simply drive to the next destination. Our home. The forever place we plan on staying for as long as we want.

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