Page 6 of Savage Hearts

“It’s going to be okay, sweet girl.” I leaned against her swollen belly. “I know what you’re feeling right now, and I know deep down, things will work out as they’re supposed to.”

“How do you know, Cat? Your man came after you… mine ran.” I leaned back and pressed my palm against her baby bump. “You got your happily ever after.”

“Sure, but at what cost? It’s my fault you were taken. If I hadn’t run off like a spoiled brat, Manuel Costa’s brother wouldn’t be dead, and you wouldn’t have been taken. The blame lies solely on me, and for that, I’m sorry.”

“It isn’t your fault.” Shaking my head, I stepped back. “It’s that bastard and his brother’s fault. Donny did the world a favor when he ended that fucker’s life.”

“Yeah…” Catarina sighed. “But in doing so, he started a war. One I fueled with my own fears. If I had just faced my feelings a long time ago, maybe you wouldn’t be in the women’s room crying because your heart is breaking.”

“How about we just agree to disagree? The result doesn’t change by throwing blame around.”

“Alright.” Catarina tilted her head and looked at me. “But I need you to promise me something.” Catarina pressed her palm against her own swollen belly. “Don’t let the sadness pull you under. You’re pregnant, which means you must take care of yourself.”

The door opened, and Carmela stepped inside.

“You good, Cee? Donny and Massimo are out there, ready to tear down this door. I know you’re hurt and scared, but you have us… your family. You won’t be alone, and I promise this baby is going to be loved, no matter what.”

“You’re right.” Nodding my head, I blew out a breath and stood taller. “Wallowing in heartbreak isn’t going to change a damn thing. Okay. Let’s get out of here. I love you two.”

Catarina and Carmel wrapped me in a group hug. “We love you too, Cee.”

Of course, by the time we stepped out of my room, everyone but Michael and Rachel were there. Madison rushed to my side and tugged me into an embrace.

“Congratulations, Celestina. This family is growing like wildfire.”

I felt bad for her and Massimo. They had been together the longest, yet still hadn’t gotten married. It was, in part, because of the issues that had happened over the course of their relationship. Madison had promised my Nonna they’d get married in Sicily, and time hadn’t presented itself with all the shit we were constantly battling. Now, two years later, they still hadn’t tied the knot.

“I feel bad. Every time things calm down, one of us is stealing your chance to have your moment. Maybe it’s time we focused on you and Massimo’s union. Nonna would understand if you got married here.”

Madison’s eyes glazed over briefly, an odd expression passing over her features before she shook it off and smiled.

“Nope. I made a promise to her, and I intend to keep it. Besides, I don’t need a wedding band to know Massimo is mine. That’s just a formality. When the time is right, it’ll happen.”

“Alright, but just so you know, I was hoping to use you to keep my mind off things. Planning a wedding would be a great way to do that.”

“Well, why didn’t you say so? We can totally set a tentative date and plan it. Would you like to do that for me, Celestina? Would you be my wedding planner?”

Closing my eyes, I blew out my breath. This was exactly what I needed, and I knew Madison was making it happen for me. That’s who she was. She was the most selfless person I’d ever known and a perfect partner to my brooding brother.

“Yes. I would love that.”

“Love what?” Massimo wrapped his arms around his fiancée’s waist and pressed a kiss to her head.

“I’m going to plan your wedding.”

I didn’t miss the odd look my brother shot Madison before he schooled his expression and grinned.

“Excellent. We’ll come to Antonio’s for dinner and discuss things tonight.”

“Hey, now… not without me.” Antonio slung his arm over my shoulder. “Madison is my best friend, and I am most definitely going to help.”

“Actually,” Madison smiled. “I was hoping you’d be my man of honor.”

My breath hitched as I watched Antonio’s eyes well with tears.

“Are you serious?”

“Of course, silly.” Madison grinned as she nodded. “You’re not just my brother-to-be, you’re my best friend.”

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