Page 17 of A Mafia Christmas

“Goddammit,” Graham said as he stood. He placed the papers down on the desk. “I’m sorry, I can’t … just read the papers. They’re self-explanatory. I can’t look at you right now.”

His brother had left, and he knew Graham thought less of him now. Everyone was turning against him. Didn’t anyone understand how he felt? He thought they’d be sad that Beth was gone, but not the hostility and disappointment he’d seen on everyone’s face. His whole world was imploding, and he didn’t know what to do.

Chapter Eight

Faith held Beth’s hand. “He’s going crazy.”

The sisters—Aria, Rebecca, and Sara—sat around the dining room table. They were all there to support her, and she’d never be able to repay them.

God, she didn’t want that. “Is anyone helping him?” Beth asked.

“They’ve tried. He finally came out of his office after four days. God, he looked so bad. He hid in the bedroom across from his own for another six days, but Graham told me he was planning on going into his office.”

Beth started crying. “I hate that he’s hurting so bad.”

Hope snorted. “After what he’s done, he deserves every bit of it.”

Beth was so sad that everything was out of control, and there was nothing she could do to fix it besides having an abortion. She’d rather die than do that.

“I have a female doctor coming in to give you a check-up,” Aria said. “I’ve had one of the lower rooms turned into a medical center.”

“Oh my God. You didn’t have to do that,” Beth said. She was affecting so many people’s lives, and it made her incredibly sad.

Aria reached over her daughter to touch Beth’s arm. “Oh, baby. I think I should have done it a long time ago. I’m thankful you reminded me of it, and now it’s done.”

Beth wiped her eyes. “I love each and every one of you, and I’ll never be able to repay your kindness.”

“That sucks,” Angel growled.

Beth’s eyes widened. “What?”

“I thought we were family,” Angel said.

“Oh, but we are. I’ll always consider you my family.”

“Then stop saying you’ll repay us, sis. This is what family does, and we are honored that you trust us enough to help you through this.”

Beth smiled for the first time in days. It wasn’t large, but her lips did turn up at the corners.

“Yeah, what she said,” Sara said and then crossed her arms.

Everyone laughed, but Beth couldn’t make herself go that far yet.

“You looked tired again,” Aria said. “How about a nap before lunch? Then you’ll see the doctor after that.”

Hope tapped her shoulder. “You better do what your mother says. She’s quite mean when she wants to be.”

Aria gasped, and the others laughed.

Aria huffed. “Well, you have to be a bit mean with this group I have. All my girls could drive me crazy very easily.”

Faith snorted. “Did you ever think you would have seven daughters now, including Nala?”

Aria smiled. “I think God is blessing me because of your father. I need and want all the family I can get.” She looked at Beth. “And I never let one go once I have my claws in them. Just remember that, darling daughter.”

“Uh-oh, Beth’s in trouble,” Sara said.

Beth tried to smile again, and her eyes filled with tears.

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