Page 131 of Gin & Trouble

Rather than spend the night and risk dealing with more mob politics, I offered an alternative solution. “Why not come back to Comiso with us? All of you. There’s a wedding on New Year’s Eve. I’m sure we can find room for everyone.”

Sophia glanced between Frankie and me. “You’re getting married?”

“Not yet. It’s Leo’s turn.” I slid my arm around Frankie’s shoulders. “But you should know, I fully intend to marry your sister one day.”

Her expression went from surprised to amused and settled on resigned. “That’s wonderful news. I’ll see you both when you return to New Orleans.”

Enzo made his way over. “Sophia, please come with us tonight. I’d like to introduce all of my new sisters to my wife.”

She winced. “Shanna and I have met before. I don’t think she’ll be happy to see me.”

“Then we will share the doghouse together.” He chuckled, winced, and pressed his hand to his side. “Come. Spend the rest of the holiday season with your family.”

Sophia didn’t seem convinced. “Are you sure? I did try to poison—”

“I believe Romeo and Juliet over there have put an end to the Abruzzo-Marchionni feud.” He nodded to Frankie and I. “Besides, I’m sure somewhere along the line a Marchionni ancestor knocked off an Abruzzo or two. It’s time we stopped keeping score.”

A slow smile crossed her face. “I agree.”

And just like that, I added more items to my list of things I was thankful for—five new sisters.

39

Frankie

It turnedout we missed Christmas with the Marchionnis, but no one seemed to mind we were a day off. Evelyn had created a second feast and had somehow managed to have gifts under the tree for me and my sisters. Even Giancarlo had a small package to open.

I don’t know how he pulled it off, but Dante had given me exactly what I wanted—a family. And not just his. We’d somehow managed to blend ours together—even Sophia.

Dante and I walked to the guest house after dinner, and I was ready for some alone time with my man. We’d just settled in to watch a holiday movie when Mia walked into the living room.

“Sorry to interrupt, but can we talk for a moment?” Between her fidgeting and tight smile, she made me nervous.

He motioned to the chair beside us. “Don’t take it personally if I fall asleep. I’m suffering from turkey coma.”

“He ate twice as much to make up for Thanksgiving,” I explained, but I was sure Mia had no idea what I was talking about.

She plopped down. “Your mother outdid herself. I can’t thank you and your family enough for welcoming us into your home.”

“Anything for Frankie.” He kissed the top of my head.

I half expected her to make a snarky comment or roll her eyes, but she didn’t. In fact, her smile wilted.

Mia drew a deep breath. “I owe you both an apology. I was rude when we met on Giancarlo’s yacht.”

Sitting up straighter, I nodded for her to continue.

A month ago I would have let her off the hook, told her not to worry about it, and changed the subject. But I wasn’t the same anxious girl I was before. Dante had taught me that the best relationships involved give and take, and I wanted that with all of my sisters.

“I was so angry at Tommaso.” She sighed. “And myself. It was easier to blame you for failing us than to admit I’d done nothing to help our situation.”

I reached forward and squeezed her hand. “You kept Ari and Valentina sane for months. That’s more than I could have done.”

Her cheeks reddened. “And I was mad at you for falling for the enemy.”

Dante coughed to cover a laugh.

“In my defense, I didn’t know you.” She bit her lower lip. “I was raised to believe that your family were self-centered, back-stabbing assh—”

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