Page 21 of Memento Mori
“Then go get your girl.” My brother slapped me on the back again. “And officially welcome her into the family.”
The excitement moving through me quickened my steps to my lovely fiancée. Ignoring the calls from my mother to come and meet another one of the Families’ daughters, I found Aaliyah laughing with Alessandro’s date, Cassidy.
“Excuse me, Cassidy can I borrow Aaliyah for one minute?” The woman nodded, and I grasped Aaliyah’s hand. “Let’s get this done.”
I took her engagement ring off the necklace and put it back where it belonged. She intertwined our fingers together and the smile on her face instantly melted my heart. This was how it should be. We should be happy together.
“Wait. Have you seen Abasi?” she asked, searching the packed reception hall. “We need to tell him first.”
What Aaliyah didn’t know was I had already spoken to Abasi. He was more hurt than upset that we hadn’t come clean to him beforehand, but after a long tense conversation he gave me his blessing along with a stark warning that if I hurt her, no matter the power my father wielded, no one would ever find my body. And that he had no problem going to war with the mafia. It was a sobering reminder of the man Abasi was, but I understood his need to protect Aaliyah, and I expected nothing less from a man like him.
I pointed to Abasi who was looking at us from across the room. When I raised my glass, he returned the gesture, before his focus landed on Aaliyah, who was barely keeping it together. She understood in that moment Abasi was giving his blessing for us to marry. While he wasn’t her biological father, he was her father in every way imaginable. She yearned for his approval in all that she did, including finding her husband. He gave her a slight nod, placed his hand over his heart, and she did the same.
“When?” she asked.
“Not too long after the start of the reception. There was no way I could not ask for your hand in marriage, and not get his blessing. He’s your father, and I would never disrespect him like that.”
“Thank you, Antonio. That means the world to me.”
As we walked towards my parents, I kissed the top of her head and held her close. Everyone’s eyes were on us and that was what I wanted. We needed to make a statement, especially in front of the other Families. Aaliyah would be the new Donna of the RizzoFamily once my father stepped aside. My parents, especially my father, needed to know our relationship was solid, and I had chosen my wife. I had chosen the mother of my children and future heir to our empire.
“What is the meaning of this, Antonio?”
Of course, my mother would be the first one to ask. Her face showed disdain as she glanced back and forth between Aaliyah and me.
“Who is this... this woman?”
Aaliyah tensed next to me, so I pulled her closer to reassure her that I was by her side, regardless of who disapproved. She let herself relax in my presence, leaning against me.
“Papa, you remember Aaliyah, Abasi’s analyst?”
“How could I forget such a beautiful, intelligent woman?” My father smiled and kissed Aaliyah on each cheek. “It’s nice to see you again, dear.”
“It’s nice to see you again, Mr. Rizzo. Mrs. Rizzo, it’s nice to meet you as well.”
My mother ignored Aaliyah and turned her fury to me. “I asked you a question Tony. Who is this woman?”
As she glanced at our clasped hands, her attention was momentarily drawn to Aaliyah’s ring, and then she looked back at me.
I glanced at Aaliyah and gave her a smile. I couldn’t help it. No matter my mother’s bitchy attitude Aaliyah wiped away all the negativities.
“Aaliyah is my fiancée.”
The gasps from my mother and some of the other members of the different organizations eavesdropping on our conversation were expected. I would be marrying someone who was not a full-blooded Sicilian, and I expected everyone to accept her as the new Donna.
The anger and disgust in my mother’s eyes didn’t escape the attention of either me or Aaliyah. I clasped her hand, reassuring her that I would always be by her side.
“You will not marry this woman, Tony!” my mother yelled, causing some of the other guests to look our way. “I forbid it.”
Although I expected her to be upset, I never anticipated her causing a scene, especially in front of the other Families. My father gripped her by her arm and whispered something in her ear only she could hear. Her face reddened when she looked at him before she snatched away and stormed out of the reception hall.
“Aaliyah, you will have to excuse my wife. She’s been a little under the weather lately.” My father embraced me then Aaliyah. “You two come to the house tomorrow, so we can discuss your upcoming nuptials.”
“Thanks Papa.” He nodded and headed towards my sister most likely to say his goodbyes before heading home to deal with my mother and her outburst. No matter how much hate she had for my decision, such disrespect to a Don was inexcusable, even if it was by his Donna. “That went better than expected.”
“She hates me.”
When she glanced up at me, my heart felt heavy with pain. I knew she wanted my mother to accept her, although she already knew that she wouldn’t.
