Page 162 of Mafia Daddy's Christmas Bride

"Since Emilia," I finish. "I know."

“I worried you’d resent me for arranging the marriage.”

I arch a brow. “I know you’ll do anything to avoid marriage. But it’s good, Marco. You should consider it.”

He shudders. “Be nice.”

Don Monti raises his glass to me from across the room. I return the gesture with a respectful nod. Even Don Ferraza, Isabella's father, seems at ease tonight, watching his daughter with something like pride.

"Look at them," I murmur, gesturing toward the children.

Angelica sits cross-legged on the floor with Elena's triplets, helping little Adalina arrange a tower of blocks while the boys chatter excitedly about trucks. My daughter's face glows with happiness.

"She'll be a good big sister," Marco observes.

"She already is," I say, watching her patiently show Adalina how to balance the blocks. "Isabella's been good for her too."

It strikes me suddenly how much has changed.

Six weeks ago, I was a widower going through the motions, devoted to my daughter and my work but hollow inside.

Now I have a wife who challenges me, a baby on the way, and a future I never imagined I'd have.

I never thought I'd love again, much less this fiercely.

“Looks like Luca and Gabriella are finally here,” Marco says of Don Monti’s grown children. Luca I rarely see as he works his father’s business in Italy. Gabriella is a surprisingly sunny woman with a zest for life her father has never been able to keep her from living.

“Excuse me, Roman.” I watch as Marco goes to welcome them.

I move to join Isabella near the towering Christmas tree. I watch as I do so, but today not so much to assess risk and potential danger. Today, I’m just observing the closest people in my life.

"Notice something?" I murmur to Isabella, keeping my voice low. "Elena hasn't gone within twenty feet of Luca all evening."

Isabella follows my gaze. "You think there's something there?"

“I don’t know. I thought once, maybe, years ago.” I sip my scotch. "Before she had the triplets. Before he went to Italy."

The triplets are shouting now, Rocco and Elio arguing over a toy while Adalina mediates with the authority of a tiny dictator. Elena kneels between them as she negotiates peace.

"Maybe she's just busy with the children," Isabella suggests, leaning into my side. "Three four-year-olds don't leave much room for social niceties."

I consider this, watching Elena smooth Adalina's hair back from her face. "You’re probably right. Being a parent changes your priorities," I say, my arm tightening around Isabella's waist. "Everything else becomes background noise."

"Even La Corona business?" she asks with a small smile.

"Even that." I kiss her temple. "Don't tell Marco."

She laughs. “Your secret is safe with me.”

My attention moves to Marco, standing off on his own, his attention fixed on Gabriella Monti.Interesting. Dangerous, but interesting.

"Is Marco paying extra attention to Gabriella tonight?" I ask, keeping my voice low.

“Since when are you so interested in the love lives of your friends?”

I shrug. “Just being observant.”

“Yes, well, Marco is nearly twenty years older than her.”