Page 106 of Captured Innocence

“If my sister and that sweet baby don’t survive, D’Artagnan will go on a killing spree.”

“Neither Enzo nor I will allow him to, but put more faith in your brother-in-law and in the doctors. I have a good feeling everything is going to work out.” He brushed his fingers through my strands of filthy hair, offering a sweet smile. The stench of smoke remained, every muscle in my body aching, but I’d refused to leave the hospital like every other member of the family and several soldiers. While Vincenzo and the other Capos had spent time rounding up what was left of Tommaso’s soldiers, Vincenzo had recently arrived at the hospital to be by Mattia’s side.

The fact the brusque man was so dedicated to the family was amazing. He was definitely on our Christmas card list.

I almost laughed. What a ridiculous thought.

“I’m trying.”

He cupped my face, lowering his head. “Baby. I will walk the ends of the earth to make you happy. If I could take away this pain, I would do so even if it meant spending all eternity in hell. Just know I’ll be here.”

“I know you will. I love you more than the sun, moon, and stars.”

His smile brought tears to my eyes, the boyish grin on his face creating a series of tingles all though my body. “And I love you more than I believed possible. I know now isn’t the time, but I want you to know that I will ask for your hand in marriage. When the time is right.”

“Maybe, just maybe I’ll accept.”

He captured my mouth, pulling me onto my toes. There was such a sweetness about his actions, as if we were locked in time away from all the destruction and heartache, able to bask in the glory of our love. The kiss was tender, so loving that I felt myself swooning even in the face of our continued crisis. Guilt followed, but the way he was holding me brought the comfort I needed.

When he finally pulled away, he rubbed his knuckles on my cheek. “We’re going to be a family, my beautiful kitten.”

“What if I can’t have children?” I was shocked the words slipped out, hating myself for being selfish all over again. My sister could be dying and I was worried about what he’d think.

He studied my eyes for a few seconds then shook his head. “I don’t need a child to consider us a family. But we have options if and when we decide. A furry creature would be nice.”

“A dog?” I almost burst into laughter. “You?”

“What’s wrong with adopting a dog? I love animals.”

I was so dumbfounded that all I could do was laugh.

He acted as if he was insulted then picked me up, turning me around in a full circle. “We’ll have several.”

“God, I love you.” I realized my mother had turned her head and was watching us intently. There was a knowing smile on her face, her eyes as bright as I remembered from the Christmas I’d been thinking about. I pressed my hand against his chest, no longer grimacing as the earth rumbled from thunder.

“Entrambe le mie bellissime figlie saranno benedette con almeno due figli. Molto presto avrai un figlio perfetto, mia dolce Sophia.”

Both my beautiful daughters will be blessed with at least two children. You will have a perfect son very soon, my sweet Sophia.

I could swear that my mother had the ability to see into the future. My heart raced, the ache subsiding. After glancing into his eyes, I moved toward her, crouching down by her knees. “You sound like you’re certain, Mama.”

She smiled and I was thrilled to see she was completely lucid, as if the veil of fear and the past had been lifted permanently. God, I hoped so. “I do, my daughter. You are already pregnant. I can tell.”

“That’s not possible. It’s too soon.”

Her smile widened. “I can tell you have a lot to learn.” When she laughed, I couldn’t help myself, able to do so as well.

A few seconds later, I could tell my entire face had fallen by the sadness returning to her eyes. “You have a good man, my daughter. Love him with all your heart.”

“I already do, Mama. He is my everything.”

“I loved that way once,” she half whispered. “He was my everything as well.”

“I know, Mama.” I took her hand, bringing her fingers to my lips and kissing them. “And I know Franco loved you as well.” Now her eyes opened in surprise. Then she nodded.

“My beautiful, intelligent daughter. I wouldn’t change anything in the world. I was lucky to have three incredible children, soon to have several grandchildren.”

She was so certain of the fact that I refused to burst her bubble. If only I could believe. I rose to my feet, sucking in my breath as I heard little feet hitting the ugly tile floor. After a quick look toward the man of my heart, I braced myself for what was coming.

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