Page 159 of Mafia Daddy's Christmas Bride

For a moment, I watch him, the careful way he handles the presents with the same hands he used to kill Sal.

These contradictions still surprise me.

The fierce protector who reads bedtime stories.

The ruthless enforcer who bakes Christmas cookies.

"What?" Roman catches me staring.

"Nothing." I smile, arranging a smaller package beside his. "Just… this feels nice. Normal. I never thought I’d have something like this." Emotion wells, catching me off guard.

He reaches for my hand, his wedding band catching the light. "I never thought I'd have this again."

I feel so blessed that this man who’d lost a wonderful love would be able to open his heart again for me. For us.

We work in silence to fit all the packages under the tree.

When we’re done, he stands behind me, his arms pulling me close as we admire our work. “Listen, Isabella. I… ah… I’ve been thinking that maybe you might adopt Angelica.”

My eyes widen in shock and I turn in his arms.

“I don’t ever want Angelica to forget Emilia?—”

“Of course, not. She’s her mother.”

“But I feel like she’d want Angelica to have you as her second mother, not just in love but legally. If something happens to me, she needs to be with you.”

“Absolutely, Roman. I’ll protect her with my life.”

“You already have.” His eyes fill with gratitude. “I've also been thinking. This place is getting cramped."

"What do you mean?"

"I mean we should move. Get a house. Something with a yard for Angelica and Baby Ginetti." He pauses, his eyes finding mine. "And a proper studio for you."

My heart skips. "A studio?"

"For your designs." He gestures toward our bedroom where my sewing table sits. "You need real space to work, especially if you’re going to start your own line."

"You'd want that?" I ask, unable to hide my surprise.

"Isabella." He takes my hands in his. "I want you to have everything you couldn't before. Your designs. More children, if you want them. A real life. I mean, of course, there are limitations for safety reasons, but you can pursue your dreams."

The future stretches before me, suddenly vast with possibility. It terrifies and thrills me.

"There's one more present I'd like to unwrap tonight." The playful hunger in his gaze sends heat rushing through me.

"Is that so, Mr. Ginetti?"

He pulls me toward him until we’re sitting at the base of the Christmas tree. A few ornaments jingle softly with the movement.

"Careful," I whisper, laughing quietly. "You'll wake Angelica."

"Then you'll have to be very quiet, won't you?" His lips find my neck, trailing kisses up to my ear.

I bite my lip as his hands slide beneath my sweater, warm against my skin. "Here?" I breathe, half-scandalized, half-thrilled by his boldness.

“Here." He tugs at the button of my pants. "Under our first Christmas tree."