Page 148 of Massimo

She closes the door behind her and waves her hand at me. “Just sit and relax.”

“I’m trying.” I place a hand on my belly again as another flutter dances through me. “I think I need to move—either from nerves or gas.”

Her laughter is warm and light. Her brown eyes—so much like Massimo’s—sparkle with affection. “You can feel him moving already?” she asks with a knowing smile. “I felt Massimo move early too, and the doctor said it was gas. I knew better.”

“So maybe Iamright—and he’ll be just like his father.”

Gina steps closer and takes my hand in hers. “And is that such a bad thing, my girl?”

Tears sting my eyes. “Not at all.”

She gently squeezes my hand. “What is it?” Her gaze searches mine. Then she understands that I'm missing my mother, especially today. “I can’t replace Miriana, Nova. Nor would I ever try to. But I'm here for you. As a mother and as a friend.”

“Thank you,” I whisper. “Thank you for accepting me, even though my father…”

"You are not him." She cups my cheek with a tenderness that nearly undoes me. “And us women in this family know all about the sins of the father. They shouldn't be reflected on the innocent daughter.”

I knew some of Sophie’s story. Eden’s too. But I’d never heard Gina’s.

Her eyes gleam with mischief. “That’s a tale for another time. Just know this—Massimo isverymuch like Tommaso. Not just in how he rules, but in how he made damn sure he got the woman he wanted for his queen.” She leans in with a conspiratorial smile. “The boys don’t know the whole story. But one day soon, I’ll tell you. It can be our little secret.”

I laugh, feeling lighter. “Deal.”

Gina sits on one of the cushioned stools and pats the one beside her. I adjust the short train of my dress—the simple yet stunning gown Massimo arranged for my favorite designer, Jiya Miko, to custom-design—and sit carefully to avoid wrinkling it.

Her eyes glisten as she looks at me. “I just wanted to say thank you.”

I blink, surprised. “For what?”

“For giving me another daughter-in-law. And a grandchild.” She pauses, then her voice is soft. “But most of all, for being the perfect match for Massimo. For loving him so fiercely. Being the wife of a Don… it’s not always easy."

I know the torment my mother endured, both at his hands but also with the angst that his heartless decisions and actions to rule his kingdom had caused her. But Massimo isnothinglike my father. Still, I understand what Gina means. A Don's life is filled with risk, threats, and dark decisions.

She smooths her hand over my loose, wavy hair resting on my shoulders. The gesture is so much like something my mother used to do, my heart fills with love and gratitude.

“You’re Massimo's queen, Nova. His equal. And you’ll do well by his side.”

My throat tightens. “I need to thank you, too. For accepting me. For raising incredible sons.”

“I've always wanted more children and can’t wait to have a brood of kids running through these halls again,” she says with a wistful smile. “And thank you for choosing to have the wedding here.”

We’re at her estate—the same place the other Santoro brothers got married.

“We can't buck tradition, right? Massimo is the most traditional and conventional of the brothers, after all.”

She snorts, loud and unladylike, which causes us both to burst into laughter. It quickly turns into full-on belly laughs that we can't stop. I’ve never laughed so hard or so freely.

The door opens and Jerome steps in, dapper in his tux. He looks at me the way he always does, like I’m his cherished granddaughter.

“I knocked,” he says with a mock scolding tone, “but you ladies didn’t hear me.”

“Is it time, Jerome?” Gina asks as we stand.

He nods in answer.

“I guess that’s my cue to go and take my place.” Gina kisses my cheek, then hurries out.

Jerome offers me his arm. “It’s my honor to walk you down the aisle to your husband.”

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