Page 43 of Reign of Commotion

I whip around and look at my father.“Dad?—”

“It’s time, son.When Alessio came to me with this plan after finding out how ill Angelo was, I agreed immediately.I was looking to step down next year, but as our capo needs me, I’ll extend this as long as is necessary for Tomasso and you to be ready.This is what I want,” my father says with a smile.

“You’ll work directly under me.We’ll get to the details later.”Alessio focuses his attention on Tomasso.“Your father was a fine soldier and dedicated to the family.He will be taken care of until he breathes his last breath.I suggest you speak to your mother to prepare her for what’s to come.Know that we will all be there to support your family.I spoke with Marco this morning.Anton is dead.We’ll move on from here.”

* * *

The weight of my new position inIl Destinoweighs heavily upon me.I’ve known for quite some time that I would eventually be taking over my father’s territory, but in my mind, that was years away.I’ve been involved in my father’s business even before college, and I’ve been absorbing everything I can like a sponge, but there’s no better underboss than my father.

On Alessio’s orders, I now run the transportation logistics for our shipments and the truck transports for all the products coming from our international partners.Alessio will meet me at the main warehouse to introduce me properly to the men in two weeks’ time.In the meantime, I’m to find a proper replacement to guard Josie and Nico.I’m thinking of my brother Fausto.He’s smart and quick, and he’s been looking for more responsibility.I’ll speak to Alessio about it tomorrow.

“Why the long face, boss?”Niccolo says as he walks with me to my car.“You just got the promotion of a lifetime.You should be thrilled.”

“I am,” I say, but not convincingly.

“But—” he prompts, and when I don’t bite, he says, “If he thought you weren’t ready, you wouldn’t be here.”

I sigh and meet his gaze.“This is huge.”

“It is, and you’re the guy to do it.”

“What if I fuck up or worse?I don’t want to let my father down?”I confide.

“You’re kidding, right?Your father and Alessio have been working on you taking over for your father for over a year.It was going to happen soon anyway.Joe is delaying his retirement on Alessio’s request to help with Tomasso.He’s a good man, but he doesn’t know shit about what needs to be done.He needs to toughen up.He’s the one I’m worried about.Angelo loves his son, but he hasn’t prepared him for what’s to come.We’re at war every day we hit the streets.Whether it be the Russian, Chinese, or whatever mob or a new gang that wants to thwart their authority,Il Destinois ready for it.Tomasso has the shock of his life coming his way.Your father has his work cut out for him.On the other hand, you’re gonna help Alessio breathe easier knowing you got shit handled.”Niccolo clasps a hand on my back, giving it a brotherly pat.“Go home and celebrate.Spend some time with your wife and enjoy the lull, because we all know that the waters will rock the boat yet again and most likely sooner than we would like.”

On my drive home, I stop in town at a local florist.On my first stop, I go to Mom’s place and find her in the kitchen making tomato sauce for the pasta she’s cooking for dinner.I hand her a bouquet of purple orchids.The woman in the shop said that the flowers represent a sign of grace, dignity, and love.I think they’re perfect for my mom.She cries and hugs me.

“Thanks, Ma.You take care of all of us, and thanks for making Milana feel like she has a mom too.You don’t know what this means to her, but I do,” I tell her.I’ve seen my wife around my mother, and although my mom can be a little much, Milana adores her.

She cries some more, but these are happy tears.Eventually, she lets go of me and kisses me goodbye.“My love to Milana,” she says.

As I drive up to the house, I see Milana sitting on a chair outside Barry’s place.From where I’m standing, I see Barry laughing.Not just a chuckle, a full-blown laugh, with the man grabbing his gut and his head thrown back.That’s the first time I’ve seen the man laugh.That’s the magic that Milana holds.I take a walk over to them.When Milana sees me, she jumps to her feet and runs over to me.

“Hi, honey.”She comes up on her tiptoes to kiss me.

“Hey, baby.Good day?”

“Very good.”She smiles brilliantly.“You?”

“I’ll fill you in later,” I whisper and hand her the bunch of flowers I’ve chosen for her.They’re a mix of tulips and jasmine.Tulips are a symbol of renewal and a fresh start, and jasmine represents purity of love.I think they represent our love story.Milana and I are starting a new chapter of our lives together, and the love we share for one another runs deep.

“These are so beautiful.”Her eyes never leave the flowers in her hands.

“Hey, Barry, do you mind if I steal my wife away for a while?”

Barry gives me a wink and a chuckle.“Sure, sure.I’ll still be here.”

I walk back, holding my wife’s hand, her face radiant as she smells the flowers and looks up at me adoringly.I lift her hand to my lips and kiss it gently.

“Is this our happily ever after?”she asks, her eyes filled with hope and wonder.

“This is just our beginning.I’m never letting you go,” I tell her.

* * *

Several weeks later…

Milana and I settled into a routine.Milana decided to take an online course because she always dreamt of going to college and I wanted to make that dream come true for her.She also decided to dedicate some time to a local shelter.I fought her on this, not because I don’t think it’s a worthy cause, but because I’m more worried about her safety.I assigned Milo to be her bodyguard.He takes his job seriously, and this gives me some solace.

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