Page 119 of Sins of the Son

CESARE

“She said yes!”

Everyone at the breakfast table cheered.

Despite the winter chill, in deference to Milana, Amara had the staff set up a small breakfast feast out on the private balcony overlooking the Cavalieri vineyard. Wrought iron braziers were placed in the corners to warm the place with bright, cheery fire. The natural edge wood table was covered with overlapping ivory lace tablecloths held in place with silver platters of sliced oranges, melon, and berries, baskets of sweetened ricotta cheese sfogliatelle, jelly-filled bombolone dusted with powdered sugar, focaccia dolce with honey and lemon zest, and cornetto alla cremas bursting with vanilla pastry cream.

Of course, Aunt Gabriella made sure there were crystal vases of white roses strategically placed among the platters and bowls down the length of the table for an extra bit of flare.

Matteo was manning the copper espresso machine, handing out espressos and cappuccinos while Papà poured Franciacorta Bellavista into crystal flutes for a toast.

After Amara hugged Milana, Aunt Gabriella immediately started chatting about what size diamond she should get that would be impressive but not garish.

I pulled away to step over to Enzo, who hung back. I took in the dark circles under his eyes and his bruised knuckles. He laid a hand on my shoulder. “I’m very happy for you, brother. You have made an excellent choice in a wife.” The inference hung between us.

I pulled him in for a hug. No one blamed him, but that didn’t mean he didn’t blame himself.

We were interrupted by Milana. “Am I allowed to hug my future brother-in-law?”

Enzo and I broke apart. Enzo looked from me to Milana. Although he had visited the hospital every day to check on us, he had stayed away from Milana’s room, not wanting to upset her with his presence.

Milana stepped forward and wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him close. She whispered something in his ear that I couldn’t hear. When they pulled apart, Enzo blinked several times and looked to the side before nodding. “Thank you for that.”

I placed a protective hand on her lower back and led her over to the breakfast table, but not before leaning down and asking, “What did you say to Enzo?”

She gave me a cheeky grin. “None of your business. That’s between me and my new big brother.”

I kissed the side of her head. “God, I love you.”

She leaned her head against my chest as she wrapped her arm around my waist.

We all sat around the table chasing away the lingering fears of the future and what it would hold—about our baby, about Renata—with laughter and love. Whatever the future held, we knew we were stronger when we faced it together as a family. That was the true Cavalieri legacy.

* * *

Our merriment was interrupted by Benito's arrival.

We could all tell by the solemn look on his face that it wasn’t a social call.

My father rose from the table and spoke to him. Their heads dipped low in conversation. At one point, they both looked up to stare at Enzo.

All of our gazes followed.

Enzo stood. “Tell me.”

My father pushed his shoulders back as he faced his eldest son, concern etched on his brow. “They’ve found Renata.”

EPILOGUE

ENZO

Cesare pulled on his collar, clearly uncomfortable. “This is fucking ridiculous.”

Father Luca cast us a dark look as he cleared his throat.

Cesare whispered, “Sorry, Father.”

I flexed my fingers, resisting the urge to clench them into a fist as I stared across the church from my position near the altar to the first pew, where Renata’s parents were glaring daggers at me. I then cast my gaze over the rest of the congregation, all dressed in somber black.

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