Page 65 of Hidden Rocco

Mica ushered him in the other direction to a man, woman and baby girl about Jacob’s size as Mica said, “And this is Gabriel and his wife, Erica.”

Gabriel shook his hand. “My sister says you make her happy.”

Mica picked up the girl and made "aww" sounds about being an aunt.

Rocco took his hand back and stared into the man's brown eyes. “I hope so.”

Gabriel nodded, put his arm around the woman beside him and said, “Good, because Mica will always be my baby sister.”

Mica held up her finger to show the ring as she said, “Gabriel…”

It was clear Mica was working on her mom voice in how she inflected her brother’s name.

“Beautiful.” Erica hugged her.

Gabriel and Erica took their daughter back and they agreed to talk more later.

Mica motioned toward the bar where Jacob was with her parents like she wanted their boy back. He walked with her as he asked, “So your other brother is more protective of you?”

Mica whispered, “Gabriel’s first wife tried to have him killed. We had a chance to bond again now that he found love and a second opportunity to be happy with his new wife.”

Murder. It seemed all the Murphys had their run-ins. His hair stood on end as he relived the moment those men had kicked open the hotel door and threatened Jacob and Mica. “I see.”

They made it halfway to the bar when a wrinkled hand pressed against his side. He let Mica go and immediately hugged the small woman who weighed eighty pounds when soaking wet. “Mom!”

He put her down and saw she still had her gray hair despite the chemotherapy. Mica said, “It’s nice to see you again, Ms. Hellsworth. You look healthier.”

“Thank you.” Treatment must be working. His mother fixed her crucifix around her neck and stared into Mica’s brown eyes. “Your parents are lovely. This is a beautiful hotel.”

Later he’d take her to the park where they might talk, one on one. Tonight was for Mica though so he patted her on the back as Mica said, “I’m happy you’re here to celebrate with us.”

He reached down and hugged her one more time and then said, “Talk to you soon, Mom. Tomorrow morning, it’s a date for just the two of us.”

His mother wiped her eyes, crying happy tears as she nodded.

Jacob smacked his gums which was the boy’s tell to pay him attention. Rocco guided Mica forward, and she immediately reached for her son. He shook the couple’s hands. “Mr. and Mrs. Murphy.”

Her father folded his arms like he was still King of Wall Street as he said, “Well, my daughter is getting married again. I hope you work out better than the last one.”

He hugged Mica’s waist. “I’ll do everything in my power to keep her and Jacob safe.”

“Then you already win. Come, dear.” Her mother pulled her father away to order drinks.

Now he’d seen all the Murphys in one room. He could say Mica fit in, but didn’t bother. This was their world which was fine by him.

She bounced their boy in her arms. “See, it wasn’t that bad. Now everyone knows how much we love each other and that we intend to marry.”

Rocco kissed her on the mouth, not caring who saw. They were going to live happily-ever-after. And he’d show Mica for the rest of their lives how amazing she was.