Page 85 of Christmas with the Mafia
Forty-Three
NICO
It’sas if nothing just happened. We head to the library and, as we huddle in groups, one of the staff hands out canapés on a silver tray along with glasses of champagne. Christmas music plays softly in the background, and to anybody observing, it could be any other family gathering on Christmas day.
The trees are sparkling, candles flickering along with the fire in the grate. Soft carols are playing through hidden speakers, and I wouldn’t put it past my mother to have a snow machine outside, the manufactured flakes pressing against the window.
“What just happened?”
Regina’s voice shakes as her hand grips mine, the other one holding an empty glass of champagne that she gulped down in one.
“It appears that Desiree decided to take matters into her own hands.”
Julius overhears our conversation and rolls his eyes. “She was always easily led. Flavio used her to get to Dad andchose the one day of the year it would be possible. With Nico no longer available it turns out setting up Regina to take the blame for murdering the enemy was Plan B.”
I’m angry on Regina’s behalf but relieved nobody was hurt except for Desiree, who is about to discover exactly what happens when you go against a mafia family.
My eyes flicker to Vito, whose expression is sullen, then Katrina, who is chattering away as if anybody is listening.
Julius says softly, “Thanks to Regina, it ended well. We owe you a huge debt.”
Regina nods, the situation sinking in by the second, and she whispers, “I could have killed her, or your father. I’ve never shot a revolver before.”
My heart swells with pride, and I pull her tightly beside me and whisper, “You were fearless, baby girl. That took balls and you are braver than you realize. Julius is right, we owe you a great debt.”
Our father catches my eye and motions for us to join him and mom, who is holding this gathering together as expertly as she always does. Few people realize that Mom is the driving force behind this family and that years of living in this world has sharpened her soul. She takes no shit; she never has, and her appearance deflects the true nature of the woman who is deserving of her position in this family.
As we approach, she smiles warmly at Regina, and my father nods his approval.
“I owe you my thanks, Regina.” He says in his usual deep, commanding tone.
“I–” She makes to speak, but he holds up his hand to silence her.
“You showed courage and quick thinking and didn’thesitate. You brought the enemy down and did what you had to do. You will make a fine wife for Nico, the son who will replace me as the head of the family in the new year.”
Her mouth drops as Mom nods. “It’s true, Regina. When you marry, this home will be yours.”
Her hand slips into my fathers and they share a look that years of memories, love and experience has forged.
“We will be retiring to our home in Sicily but will visit often, especially to be with our grandchildren, but it’s time to step aside and let the younger generation make their mark.”
She gazes up at my father and smiles. “We are confident that you are the perfect woman for the job.”
Before Regina can answer, she raises her voice.
“Come, dinner is served. Let’s celebrate it as one family.”
She smiles at Vito who nods, his Christmas spirit seriously lacking right now and as we all head into the dining room, my hand grips Regina’s and I whisper, “We are celebrating the birth of a king today, as it turns out, this year we are also celebrating the birth of a queen.”
There is no doubt in my mind that Regina and I will marry in the new year. It doesn’t even cross my mind that she will say no. Our souls are entwined as tightly as our hands right now, and as she gazes into my eyes, her beautiful eyes flash as she whispers, “I like the sound of that. Merry Christmas, Nico.”
I smile. “Merry Christmas, Regina.”
Then we turn and walk hand in hand into dinner with the family—our family that will soon expand if I have anything to do with it.
Epilogue
REGINA
