Page 110 of Delivered in White

He’s getting used to it.

I give him his space and turn my eyes back to the photo. He’s right, after all. Stanzo looks like he wants to collapse here. Maybe I shouldn’t have…

Bzzzt!

The security system goes off to alert us of a visitor outside, provoking Trino to pull out a huge silver pistol as he checks the cameras. His brow furrows as he stuffs the gun back into his pants.

Bzzzt!

Bzzzt!

Bzzzt!

More cars roll up.

“The hell? Snaps, Mikey, Bruno… here comes Castor. Wait, why are your cousins here? Capri, what the fuck is going on?I’m not in the mood for this,” Trino growls.

“It wasn’t me.Oh God!I left some of our handcuffs and ties in the office!” I panic.

“Relax, I cleaned them.” Trino keeps staring at the camera display, shaking his head.

“They’re all smiling, at least.” I rub my belly, enjoying the kicks of our soon-to-be son baking in the oven. “Oh look, my dad’s here too.”

Trino eyes me again, and I throw my hands up.

“I swear, Trino. I have no idea what’s going on.”

He grunts and starts for the front door, so I run up to clasp my hand in his. I’m not being cute or anything. I really have no idea what this is about, but it’s brightening my spirits anyway.

He opens the front door to my dad at the foot of the stairs, with a crowd of people chattering behind him. “If you told me you were coming, I would’ve bought burgers or something.”

“Yo, that’s not how a capo should treat his guests.” Bruno holds up two containers of marinated steaks.

“Shh. Shh.” Rocco waves him down.

“Alright, guys, you got me. What the hell’s going on?” Trino spreads his arms.

My dad walks up the steps holding something under his arm. The others quiet. “Today is a special anniversary. And even though I told them you should leave the damn kids alone so they could enjoy their day… he insisted.”

“Who insisted? Insisted what?” Trino shrugs.

“Stanzo’s last wish was for all your closest to come together on your first anniversary and have a small celebration to rekindle that amazing night. And… to give you two this gift, to be opened when you’re alone.”

Trino accepts it with the most confused look on his face.

“That’s adorable,” I say, holding my heart.

“The old bastard had his moments.” Rocco slaps Trino’s arm. “He saved my life, after all. And got you to save my daughter’s. The least I can do is honor him.” He looks over his shoulder. “To Stanzo.”

“To Stanzo!”the others cheer.

“C’mon, let us in already, boss. We’re starving over here.” Mikey pats his big belly.

“You guys are a bunch of freeloading pricks, you know that?” Trino groans, and the crowd laughs.

We step inside and beckon everyone in. It feels like a surprise party, even though it’s neither of our birthdays. Once the shock wears off, I’m thrilled to see them all.

Jacky walks arm-in-arm with Gil, which warms my belly to see. I love that they’re still together. She hugs and kisses me a hundred times. “Why.” Another kiss. “Won’t.” Another. “You come. Back to. The firm?”

---