Page 172 of His Juliet

“I just wish I knew what I did wrong to make him pull away.” She cleared her throat. “Don’t listen to me. This day is all about you two and your happiness.”

Juliet’s brow furrowed. “I don’t think you did anything wrong,” she said sweetly.

Mamma patted Juliet on the cheek. “That’s what all parents wish to be true, but so often isn’t. Do you know about what happened to my husband?”

Juliet nodded. “It must have been devastating.”

“This life can be so cruel,” Mamma said. “When I was newly married, I was so worried about bringing a child into our world, but Romeo was always the sweetest boy. I was best friends with Matteo’s mom and we got pregnant just six months apart. Raising our babies together and seeing our sons become best friends was the greatest gift. Those were the happiest years in my life. Matteo was always so serious, even as a child, and my Romeo brought out the playfulness in him.” Her voice grew tighter as she continued speaking. “That day ruined everything. When Romeo finally got to us, I had been tortured and his father was already gone. I’ve never seen such despair, such anger in my sweet boy.” She sniffled, and my heart broke. I had done this to her, caused her this grief and suffering.

“But you did nothing wrong,” Juliet insisted.

“I must have,” Mamma responded. “Romeo pulled away from me all these years, and I don’t know why. I thought it was because seeing me brought up bad memories, but now I think it must be something I did.”

Wait, what? That’s what she thought?

I strode over to meet them. Juliet saw me first and held out her hand. I pulled her into my side instead, needing to feel her.

“How could you think that? You never did anything wrong, Mamma.”

Her wide eyes met mine. “Then why did you stay away?” she asked, her voice almost a whisper.

I clenched my jaw and held on tighter to Juliet. My perfect wife. She saw me as a hero, a good man.

Now, she would know the truth.

“Because of what I did when I killed those men.” That was a nice way to put it. I had brutalized them in a massacre, and Mamma had witnessed it all. “I saw it in your eyes. You were scared of me and horrified at the monster I’d become. I stayed away so I wouldn’t cause you pain.”

Her brow furrowed in confusion before she smiled softly. “Oh, my silly boy. I was never scared of you. I was just scared. The love of my life had just been killed in front of me, and I was terrified of what the usurper’s men would do to you. And…” She hesitated, glancing away. “I was scaredforyou. I didn’t want the darkness to consume you, for you to lose all your brightness.” Her eyes returned to mine, shining with tears. “But you haven’t. You are the beautiful son you’ve always been, and now you have your stunning bride by your side. It’s all I’ve ever wanted for you—to know love like I’ve known. First with your father, and now with Francesca. Life is nothing without love.”

I stood there, stunned. I’d been so convinced all these years that my mother was horrified by me, that she secretly despised me.

“Oh, mio caro.” She reached out to me and I almost fell into her arms. For a moment, I felt like a little boy again, being hugged by my mamma.

“Ti voglio bene, Mamma. I’m sorry I stayed away.”

She pulled back and patted my face. “You found your way back home again. And brought me a daughter.” Now it was Juliet’s turn. Mamma drew her into her arms, holding tight. “I would love to be your mom.”

Juliet just nodded through her tears, but I knew Mamma understood.

Both women wiped their tears once they pulled away.

“I would love for you to visit me,” Mamma said shyly. “I have so many baby pictures of Romeo I can show you.”

Juliet fidgeted with her dress, and I pulled her to my side again. “Juliet struggles to travel. But you’re always welcome here. You and Francesca.”

Mamma looked like she was going to pry, and I was ready to cut her off if she said anything to upset Juliet. But my bride surprised me with her response.

“I have agoraphobia,” she said. It was rare for her to share openly about herself.

Mamma’s eyes softened. “Poor piccola.”

“Maybe one day.” Juliet shrugged. “You never know. I always thought Italy looked beautiful.”

I squeezed her. My girl. So fucking brave.

“Definitely one day, when you’re ready,” Mamma said.

A bark and an angrymeowwas our only warning before chaos descended. Queenie ran between my legs, something large in her mouth, with Noodle hot on her heels.

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