Page 143 of Secret Baby for the Mafia Don

“You’re probably right.”

“I’m sure I am. Marco acts like he doesn’t give a shit about anyone or anything, but he cares deeper than most, poor bastard.”

I don’t know why, but that makes me smile a little.

“I don’t understand Frank, though.”

“I don’t either. He blamed the attacks on Marco but admitted to meeting with Blackwood and arranging the attack on Marco and Roman. So why is he denying the attacks on your business?”

My father's expression darkens. "It suggests that we still have a problem."

He brings my hand to his lips. “I’ll forever be in Marco’s debt for saving you. If he lives, maybe he’ll finally admit that he loves you.”

I want to believe my father’s words so badly it hurts. "If that were true, he wouldn't have let me leave."

"Fear makes fools of us all, Gabriella. Marco fears becoming his father more than he fears death."

The idea of that breaks my heart for him.

"People show love in different ways," my father continues. "Some with words, some with grand gestures." He squeezes my hand. "And some by taking bullets."

"I need to go back.” I worry Marco will die not knowing how I feel.

Dad shakes his head firmly. "No, Gabriella. Roman will make sure Marco gets the best care. You know how this works.”

I do.

Our own doctors in hidden places that have all the modern medical equipment.

A place where criminals can get the care they need without any questions asked.

"But what if…" What if he dies thinking I believed the worst of him?

What if our last conversation is the one where I called him an old man afraid of life? "I need to tell him I'm sorry. I need to tell him…"

"You will," Dad promises. "He'll survive this. Marco Calabresi is too stubborn to die before he's ready."

I pray he's right.

Because I'm not ready to live in a world without Marco in it.

Not when I've only just realized how much I need him.

Of course, he may still decide he doesn’t want me and the baby.

I guess I’ll deal with that when the time comes… if the time comes.

Once home, my father guides me to my room, treating me like I'm a little girl.

"You need to rest,Tesoro," he says. "It's been a difficult night."

I sit on the edge of my bed, unable to calm the storm inside me.

Marco's blood is still on my clothes. Every time I close my eyes, I see him falling.

"Dad. There's something I need to tell you."

He sits beside me, taking my hand.