a

e as she walked away with Nonna, at

mily and sole leader of the family business; Vincenzo Morano, my Dad and loyal pup

like that Ava wasn't Italian. Not like I gave

dn't mean you should pick just anyone

her, that was the usual. Grandfather would tell Dad what to do or say, th

as long behind me. Their eyes, their expressions,

t happened? I have a

woman? What hap

ut. The only reason I allowed her comment earlie

o support his wife. "We were all expecting you to marry Valerie since y

to get married, I'm married. My wife's background or the

" Dad said. "We're not the only ones who are aware of your relationship with V

I said flatly, very sure that it

because Grandfa

ir doesn't mean you get to do whatever y

randfather." I replie

rfully as she came into the living ro

the maids were arranging the dishes on the table. I no

, turning her face to look at. T

her, keeping my voice so

smile again, but it didn't rea

for you? Do you

No..

inner." Dad said sternly as h

roduce your wife to the rest of the family." Non

va's back and faced the others who

even one of them bothered to be poli

ugh of that

said to no one in particular, taking Ava's

us at the front door. "Why are you leaving

a. We'll come back

here. Freda and Bella aren'

penly refuse her, but I also didn't

ipote. I'll let you go, but keep in mind that

house." I gave her a side hug

silent Ava and squeezed her

back home. That sour look was still on her fa

s okay when she left with Nonna. Unless Nonna said s

was about to go into my room when I remembered t

g right behind me, hugging her

sked, not sure what

ome in w

d

und and opened my bedroom

ll hugging herself. Why wouldn't she just say what she

t came t

Do you need help

.. bu

wh

r a chance to say w

dy for our we

the

ve mentioned the

mfortable, then we don

he first time I was seeing a

ot uncom

ar herself? Her

ave to do anything now. We're

again, rubbing

t you be i

t was she goin

ed make babies or you'll have

econd, lifting her chin so that

hould care about yourself a little more. Last night, you were so scared to be in the same s

She tra

t he

." I said and left the ro

with no destination in mind. I needed to clear

ross. It wasn't really quiet since i

to see Valerie, drunk and

and led her out to my car. She was so drunk, s

house and leave her in her bed. It

ot there and I gently got her out of the ca

e murmured ag

me. Where'

ckled d

re it is, will you

al

circling her arms aroun