Page 139 of Merciless Monster

“His toes looked an awful mess last night. He had grapes under his toenails.”

Mia decided to bring Angelo along on the first week of our honeymoon. Mia chose to come to the vineyard where we’d enjoyed time before. I am happy that the sleaze I punched in the nose when we visited before is no longer working here. Not that I’d mind a second go at him. You can take the Don out of the mob…

“He’s had such a lovely few days. I feel a little guilty about sending him back to LA to be with my folks while you and I carry on honeymooning.”

“Don’t be. We have the rest of our lives to dote on him. I want to be able to do unspeakable things to my stunning bride without worrying about a stealthy child busting in on us,” I purr.

“Good point. Yesterday was far too close for comfort,” she giggles.

“You think he bought the nap explanation?”

“I hope so.”

“He’s on a tractor now, you know,” I whisper suggestively.

“We’re bound to hear that sucker approaching,” Mia grins.

“I’ll lock the door, just in case. I must say, I do like retirement.”

“Ditto.”

* * *

Eighteen Months Later

“Dad! Come see! They’re here!” Angelo yells from the den.

“Oh, my goodness,” I say when I bend down and look at Splash’s new puppies.

Angelo talked us into getting Splash awife.With all the wedding business last year, first Elio’s and then our, I think my son thought it only fair that his bestie, Splash, start a family of his own too.

“Aren’t they cute, Dad? Look how small this one is,” he coos and points to the runt of the litter. “I’m going to call this one Nugget.”

“That’s the perfect name, sweetheart,” Mia gushes.

“You’re a good girl, Lucy,” Mia says and strokes the tired new mommy.

Splash is strutting around like a proud father, his tail wagging wildly.

“Careful, Splash,” Angelo commands in a stern voice. “Babies are delicate. don't stand on one.”

Our son knows all about babies and how delicate they are. He handles his baby sister, Leila, with such skill and care that it makes my heart melt whenever I watch them together. It would seem that Angelo wasn’t the only child who joined us on our honeymoon.

Leila is my pride and joy. There’s something about a daughter that captures her daddy’s heart like no one can. Leila is a carbon copy of her beautiful mother. She has the same blue eyes. I can see that I’m going to be as powerless against my daughter’s charms as I am to her mother’s.

It’s only been a year, but my life has changed so dramatically, I can hardly believe it. I made the right decision in walking away from the life I knew in Rome. I wouldn’t change what I have now for the world.

My property development company is up, and running very successfully. I’ve even talked Elio into considering joining me in America. I’m happy to report that he’s thinking about it. It would be wonderful if the whole family were together again. I do miss my brother very much.

“Puppies are such a gift, aren’t they, son?” I smile.

“They sure are.”

“I have something for you too, my love,” Mia whispers to me.

“Oh? What’s that?”

She puts something into my jacket pocket.

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