Page 76 of Captive Mafia Wife

“This wee beauty was probably born sometime in late December. And I DON’T want Happy feeling displaced.” I kiss her wee head. “I christen thee Merry Christmas.”

“Perfect,” he laughs. “We are a pair, aren’t we? Me with my midnight black cat Joyeux Halloween and you with your little white dog, Merry Christmas.”

“The very best pair.” I stretch up on the toes of my boots, kissing his cheek. “I’m in love with her already.”

His voice dips. “I know it doesn’t replace Pearl. Nothing can. But I hope the puppy brings you some joy.”

“Aye! She does. How can Merry not bring joy!” I joke.

I laugh as the puppy squirms down from my arms, eager to explore more of our estate. Together, we follow her, walking toward the garden. It’s lovely, quiet, cold, and overcast.

Finally, I say, “I miss Pearl, but I know she’s where she should be.” I stare up at him, begging for a kiss. “As am I.”

His cold hands envelop my face, giving me the kiss I crave. “I love to hear those words on your pretty lips. You make me so happy, ma chérie.”

Merry’s headed on the path, off toward the garden gates. There’s no time like the present. I look up at him, suddenly shy. “I have something for you as well. Come this way.”

Now that the moment of presentation is closing in on me, I begin to worry. Will he love it? Will he hate it? Will it bring him peace and healing, as I thought, or have I done something terrible?

I’m trembling by the time we reach the green garden gates.

“Are you alright, ma chérie? Are you cold? Should we go in?”

I almost wimp out and tell him I’m cold, to take me inside.

Instead, I press on. “It’s barren now, but Fiona will come to plant flowers in the spring. Now, I have something in the garden for you. Something I hope brings you healing and peace.”

I open the gate. Merry takes off, exploring the best pee spots along the stone wall while I lead Fredrick to the garden's center.

Finally finished and recently delivered, here stands a life-sized bronze statue of his mother, a smile resting on her beautiful face, relaxed wings on her back as she holds a basket in one hand, a flower in her other, gathering everlasting blooms from the garden.

I watch his face, hoping I’ve gotten it right. Tears well in his eyes. My breath hitches in my chest as I wait for his response.

Finally, a slow smile comes over him. “She’s free,” he says. “She’s finally free.”

I speak with trembling words. “As you said, it doesn’t replace her, nothing can, nothing will, but I hope it brings you some quiet, peaceful moments.”

“You have no idea what this means to me.” His words warm me; I’m so happy I’ve finally done something beautiful for him. Wrapping his arms around me, he holds me tight. “Thank you, Freya.”

“It was my honor.” We stare at the statue quietly, the air filled withemotion.

It’s getting cold. I imagine the warm fire in the living room, Happy curled up along the top pillow of the couch. I suggest, “Let’s take Merry Christmas to meet Happy Halloween.”

“Yes, let’s,” he agrees.

Taking his hand, I guide us back to the gates. Already a part of the family, Merry follows along, her tail wagging to the right as she prances. I feel so much joy that my wee heart could burst out of my chest.

I give his hand a tight squeeze. Something wells up inside me, demanding to be released. For the first time ever, I tell him, “I love you.”

He returns the squeeze, smiling down at me.

He doesn’t say it back.

Chapter Twenty-Two

Fredrick

She said she loves me.I didn’t say it back. She deserves to hear those words from the man she loves. To be told she is loved.

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