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“Please, eat!” She lifted the platter in front of her and offered it to me. As we served ourselves, she questioned Alessio about how he and his sister were doing. Once we were eating, her focus turned to me.

“Tell me, Millie. Is my son treating you well?” Her raised brow and stern expression meant business. If I said no, she’d deal with him personally.

“Yes, he takes great care of me.”

She relaxed and smiled at each of us. “Good. I raised him to be a great man and won’t tolerate anything less.”

“Mamá,” Alessio groaned.

“It’s true. If you’re not good to her, you’ll answer to me and your sister.”

I nearly laughed at the thought of the two of them ganging up on him on my behalf. That was certainly a scene I’d like to watch.

“He spoils me, Maria, I promise.”

She made a dismissive sound. “That’s not what I hear. I know he hasn’t been doing a very good job of keeping his men in line.”

Her disapproving glare would have melted glass, and Alessio ducked his head.

“Ama told you?”

“No, she didn’t, which is something she and I will discuss later. I get reports, you know that, but I shouldn’t have to find out through anyone but you.”

I pushed the food on my plate around with my fork. This didn’t feel like a conversation they should have in front of me.

“Mamá, please. You don’t need to concern yourself about that. Those are my problems now.”

So she was involved with the family business? At least when her husband was alive? Or maybe she liked to be informed. Was that the extent of her participation?

“I know, but a mother never stops worrying.”

He reached over and squeezed her hand on the table before pulling back and continuing to eat.

“He hasn’t told me much about what he does, at least not day to day, but you must be very pleased he’s able to continue your husband’s legacy.”

The light in her eyes dimmed a bit. “It wasn’t my first choice. I wanted him to find his own passion in life, but he only ever wanted to make his father proud.”

“I’m sure he is,” I grinned at Alessio.

“Enough about me.” He took the chance to change the subject. “Millie works with charities to build and maintain shelters and schools for women and children. If there’s anyone to be proud of, it’s her.”

Maria turned to me with a wide grin. “What a great purpose.”

“It’s been very fulfilling.” I hoped humility would deflect too many follow-up questions. I didn’t want to give out any specifics that could lead back to my true identity.

Thankfully, it worked.

They continued through lunch, catching up about family members and sharing stories about the people they promised I’d meet soon. Their banter and obvious love had me lowering my walls. I relaxed as we sat in the living room where Maria pulled out photo albums, much to Alessio’s horror. Ignoring his pleas and protests, she shared their lives through images of her two children and the correlated memories.

“At least skip the awkward puberty stage!” he begged, but she giggled and flipped through the pages. “I can’t sit through this. I’m going for a long walk. Into the ocean.”

He shook his head and left with a wink for me.

Meeting his mom and seeing his home makes him human, which is the worst possible thing to happen.

She closed the book on her lap and turned toward me.

“He must love you very much.”