Page 103 of Sins of Bliss

“Are we ready?” a man asks, approaching with another. He gestures to the coffin.

Luciano nods, his voice strained when he answers, “Yes.”

Sly and I walk to the side of the grave, standing with my brother as we watch the men lower my father in the ground.

Birds chirp around us, and a light breeze blows, reminding me that love still continues, even when it feels like it’s standing still.

I wish I had more time. I’m not ready to say goodbye.

Tears line my lashes, spilling over silently. Sly wraps his arm around my shoulders, rubbing the top of my arm, trying to bring me a sense of comfort.

But I realize at this moment, through all of his flaws, all I really want is one more hug from my father.

“I can’t believe this is it,” Luciano comments, his jaw clenched. I can see him forcing the emotions back, refusing to let them show. “I wasn’t prepared to say goodbye so soon.”

“Neither was I.”

When the coffin is completely lowered, the men give us privacy. The five of us just stare at the top of the mahogany box my father rests in, and I can’t help but wonder if I should have brought roses to place on top of it as well.

“I’m going to wait in the car with Mom,” Samuele tells us, guiding her past the grave. She glances in and stifles another sob, leaning into him for support.

“Be there soon,” Luciano confirms. Walking over to the mound of dirt next to the grave, he picks up a handful, then walks back over to stand beside me. “Until we meet again, Father. I’ll miss you,” he speaks quietly, then he lets the dirt fall from his hand and onto the casket.

Swallowing around the lump in my throat, I go pick up my own handful of dirt and hold it above where my father rests. Everything I want to say to him escapes me, so I simply whisper, “I love you, Daddy.” Then I let the dirt fall as I cry.

Lifting my sunglasses, I wipe the tears before resting them on top of my head.

Luciano stares blankly at where the dirt just landed, not looking at me as he says the thing that’s been haunting the back of my mind for the last several days. “Father is gone now, Vinnie, and so is Joseph. I’ve made it very clear I want nothing to dowith the businesses, which means they fall to you. What are you going to do with them?”

Sly reaches down and laces his fingers through mine, and I recognize it as a sign of solidarity. Whatever decision I make, he supports me.

I’ve been thinking about this moment all week, knowing the decision would have to be voiced. It’s weighed heavily on me, but I know in my heart it’s the right choice, and the only one I can imagine making.

A small smile upturns the corner of my lips as a sense of peace washes over me—perhaps, after everything that’s happened, Father would support this decision too.

The only thing the businesses have done in my life has been to destroy one of the relationships I valued most.

Looking at Luciano, I utter the two words that my intuition has been screaming at me for days, feeling ready to close the door on this chapter of our lives.

“Dismantle them.”

Epilogue

Sly

Two Years Later

“Dada! Duckie!” Emilia squeals as she chases after a plump white duck who’s trying to find its way back to the pond.

Deep brown ringlets bounce as she toddles her way down the path of Shakespeare's Garden in Central Park. The garden is in full bloom, and though it once held a memory of intense pain, it now is being replaced with happiness.

Long ago, I watched a family enjoy the grounds as my heart shattered. Now, being here with my family, it feels like it is coming full circle as Vincenza and I follow behind our daughter, hand in hand, enjoying the first warm day this spring.

Life with Emilia has been utterly blissful. Since the moment she entered the world and opened her bright blue eyes, I was forever changed. I’ve marveled at the joy of watching her grow and explore, all the while falling deeper in love with Vinnie as I’ve witnessed her settle into motherhood.

“Do you think it’s time to give Emilia a sibling?” I ask, sweeping my hand beneath Vinnie’s hair and gently rubbing the back of her neck.

“She’s not even two!” She laughs, shimmying out of my hold. “I didn’t realize barefoot and pregnant was something you’d be so fond of, Mr. Lucchetti.”

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