Page 88 of Damon

"I think you already have feelings for him. That's more than many arranged marriages start with."

"It's not arranged if we’re the ones choosing it."

"Isn't it? When the alternative is exile or death?"

"Does it matter? If the result is the same?"

"It matters if you can find happiness in it. And from what I saw in your face when you came home, you've already found something with this man."

"I love him, Mama."

"I know, sweetheart. The question is whether love is enough to build a marriage on when that marriage carries so much political weight."

"What do you think Papa will decide?"

"Your father will do what he always does, what's best for the family. But now that family includes a grandchild which might change his decision."

"When should I tell him?"

"Soon. This information needs to be part of his decision-making process."

"Will you be there when I tell him?"

"If you want me to be."

"I do."

Mama stands and smooths her skirt. "We'll tell him tonight, after dinner. And Viviana?"

"Yes?"

"Whatever happens, whatever your father decides, you're not facing this alone. You have family, and you have the father of your child. That's more support than many women have."

After she leaves, I sit alone with my hand pressed to my still-flat stomach. There's a life growing inside me. A baby who could be the bridge between our families or the cause of even more conflict.

Either way, everything has changed now.

This isn't about me and Damon anymore. It's about the next generation, about the future we're creating, about the possibility of something better than the hatred that's defined our families for decades.

I think about Damon, probably waiting by his phone for word from Papa, not knowing that the decision became much more complicated.

And much more hopeful.

Because a baby changes everything, especially when that baby could be the key to peace.

Now I have to find the courage to tell Papa that his first grandchild is on the way.

And the father is Damon Lombardi.

Chapter 28: Damon

I've been back at my villa for five days, and I'm going out of my mind.

With Viviana back at her parent’s house, I’m alone now and waiting to hear if I’m going to live or die based on Roberto Bonacci’s decision.

My father gave me space after the meeting, understanding that this waiting period is its own kind of torture. Every hour that passes without word could mean Roberto is leaning toward refusal. Every phone call could be the one that seals my fate.

I’m going nuts and know Viviana must be feeling the same way.