Page 130 of Cassio

Our family and friends.

It felt like a long and winding road, but it was all worth it. Something perfect and wonderful came from something ugly and evil, and I thanked God and all the Saints forhimevery day.

Everyone watched me take my steps towards the future head of DiMauro mafia. None of their eyes mattered to me. Only his.

The sunlight came through the stained glass windows, throwing a multitude of colors against the thousand year old stone and throwing lights against the tiny crystals weaved into my dress.

“I’m happy you found this,” Dad murmured right before we made it to the altar.

“Love you, Dad,” I whispered. Emotions flickered across his face and his eyes shimmered. It was the first time I called him Dad. It was long overdue. He lifted my veil and placed a soft kiss on my cheek before handing me to my future.

Two of us together.

Whatever the future brought.

EPILOGUE

Cassio

The Vitales’ backyard was draped in silence, the only thing breaking it were the words of the priest and soft cooing of babies. Luciano’s baby girl. Nico’s baby twin boys.

Every so often the little mischievous sounds traveled over the soft breeze. It belonged to my twin nieces and Matteo. No doubt scheming to rob a jewelry store or plan a wedding. We’d have our hands full when our children grow up.

Our children.

My eyes sought out the familiar ember flamed mane. Áine held Margaret’s little one in her arms, cooing and whispering soft words. The little one was literally fresh out of the oven, a tad bit too early. But nothing could hold Margaret back from attending a party - even an innocent party like the christening. Margaret hovered over her newborn too. Luca eyed all three of them.

My wife was a lioness when it came to protecting those she loved. My friends and I were vicious in protecting our family, but Áine, my sister, and Grace weren’t any less brutal when it came to protecting it too. All of us, together, made a good team.

My wife’s gaze met mine and the entire world faded into the background, leaving me alone with the woman I loved. She wore a light blue dress that made her eyes even more stunning. Each time the breeze swept over the backyard, her dress hugged her body, displaying her little bump.

We were barely into the second trimester. We’d be starting our own family very soon now. The thought of anything happening to her or our unborn child terrified me. I’d already started re-evaluating security and protection. My lovely wife chuckled and warned me I was going overboard. Maybe, though it didn’t stop me. I wanted to preserve this… this family we all worked so hard for.

The fear of losing any of it was real.

Nonno and Mr. Vitale assured me that was a good feeling. It meant we all had a lot to lose and would remain vigilant in protecting it.

“Godfather, may you please approach,” the priest’s voice echoed through the backyard of Luciano’s house and pulled me back to the task at hand.

Grace smiled as she handed me her daughter, the little, three-month-old bundle of joy too small in my arms. Little Francesca never even opened her eyes. Fuck, I hoped she remained sleeping. Probably safest so I wouldn’t risk breaking her if she wiggled. Luciano would beat the shit out of me.

“Protect my baby,” Grace teased softly.

Goddamn it. My wife’s hormones skipped her and went to me. I swallowed hard.

“With my life,” I promised.

Minutes ticked and the baby remained sleeping as the priest recited the final verses of the blessing. Grace’s eyes remained on her baby girl, while Luciano watched his wife.

“May almighty God, the Father, The Son, and the Holy Spirit bless you Francesca Aria Vitale.”

The cheers followed, but I couldn’t peel my eyes from little Francesca’s tiny body, cuddled into my chest. Whoever thought all those years ago, we’d all end up here. With the women we loved. Our children. The future smiling at us, finally promising light and happiness.

A snap of the camera had me lifting my head. “Don’t wake up the baby,” I whispered the warning in a hushed tone. It was Luciano’s father who grinned, making him look younger than I remembered seeing him in a very long time.

“You’ll be a good father, Cassio,” he patted me gently on the shoulder and carried on. It was the only downfall of having a big family - nothing ever remained a secret. We tried to keep it to ourselves for another few weeks.

Luca must have blabbed his big mouth and told everyone, I mused but a smile still played on my lips.