l

half-opened eyes adjusted to the room's light. I stood up from my bed and walked toward the window. The merry cheers from neighbours singing alon

ou and want to share. So pathetic. I had officially nicknamed myself the Grinch, but

roughout the day," Gianna, my cousin said as s

h I co

king for you everywhere. Nera is with her, and they are doing the bak

it's necessary to

Nera is happ

ing the baking thin

"Yes yes. Now go and b

g when it comes to celebrations. The Bianchi's-my family-are Italians. Growing up, parties were the norm. You see, Italia

she ran to me with flour filled hands

nner," I said,

id I didn't get the gingerbread man right and I'd

Don't tell me my little Ne

promised you'd ba

l. Come on,

in, chopped spinach for what I guessed was spinach sauce. Zina, my cousin, helped

s bake!" Nera said and rush

e witch final

h. We lost my grandfather years ago and you'd think she would mourn him forever, but she's

yfriend num

s a quiet woman. She was American and fell in love with an Italian

e were born in the States unlike my cousins, Gianna, Rosa, Zina, and the rest of the family. When I got married, I left Jacksons

always hav

nt. Your Uncle's have

t it was respected. I suspected a marriage of some sort. A husband for Rosa since everyone has

getting engaged," I teased

best today and sm

always

what I mea

be left alone. I was unhappy and mom knew it. After what happened with my ex-husband, everyday felt more li

rse I'

ial at times, but I'm fine, and

table while everyone else took their respective seats. The air around was stoic and heavy; knowing my family-I sensed there was s

Francesco. I had seen him before, m

told me you work. What do you

in an anima

lexibility and peace of mind. I love animals and

offed. Uncle Francesco was a prude; he never smil

e time now, and the family is

one needs to w

ely, no friends of the family want a divorcee-so your only reasonab

'll get married again-especially no

re you

n." He gestured towards the man beside him. " This is

pinning as I processed what

ith blue eyes so cold. A scar ran from his lip to his chin-slightly covered by his goatee. He looked old

o be arranged to marry someone-a perfect Cosa

e snapped me out

s arrangement-you will be getting married to him. Besid