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Gabriel made sure that backup was in place to take care of everything and handle any contingencies that may come up.
Massimo and Giuseppe had just wrapped a very successful business meeting that would expand their family reach even to the United States. It was a deal they had been working on for months that finally came to fruition. They were pleased with the outcome.
“We did a good thing,” Giuseppe said as they stood in front of the building where they had held their meeting.
“Yes, it was a good day,” Massimo nodded. He felt good about it. The successful execution of that business deal was another feather in his business accouterment.
“But there is another matter I want to discuss with you.”
As the brothers started to walk to the parking lot, an unexpected movement drew their attention. They heard the distinct click of male heels as the men moved into view. When they saw who stood in their way, they realized what the situation was and what it meant.
Two men stood squarely in their way. It took a moment for Massimo and Giuseppe to recognize who they were, but when they did, they realized the depth of the risk they actually faced.
“My son intended to kill you,” Carmine said. “He was unsuccessful. Sadly, my precious son is dead, and you’re still alive,” Carmine added, reaching into the waist of his pants. “We are here to finish what he couldn’t.”
Giuseppe was more nervous than his brother. It’s not that he hadn’t been in that kind of confrontational action before; he had, but Massimo had more experience. He wasn’t visibly phased, not in the least. All he could think about was the family he’d left at home, getting back to his baby, getting back to his wife. That is what was most important to Massimo.
He reached into his waistband.
“Gentlemen. You indicated we have unfinished business.”
Massimo took a decided step forward. Giuseppe pulled his gun from his waistband and stood flatfooted. He refused to show any weakness, any sign of trepidation or fear.
“I agree.”
Massimo folded his hands in front of himself with the beretta he carried.
“I’m going to give you gentlemen a choice. Either I can execute the father, or I can execute the brother.”
Massimo leveled his gaze between both men. Without words, he gave them a chance to decide who would die.
Gabriel turned to face his father. Carmine looked at his son. Gabriel could read his father’s intention. He didn’t like what his father’s eyes said. Armine looked stern. He didn’t want his silent answer questioned. Gabriel shook his head no. He was willing to lay down his life for his brother. Gabriel would certainly lay down his life for his father without question. He would, without question.
Within an instant, one Esposito was dead.
Chapter Thirty-two
They were nesting in their respective places.
Time seemed to get away from them. They had so much to do.
With help or without it, getting ready for the baby seemed never-ending.
They rested when they were exhausted.
The next morning, they would wake up and do it all over again, forgetting about the time or how heavy the baby that she carried was.
Some things had been handled for them, of course, a selection of baby essentials, including furniture, clothes, and decorations, but there were things they wanted to do themselves. She wanted to be a parent, to raise their offspring with honor, intellect, fortitude, and respect, and to show their baby unconditional love. The baby would be raised with an understanding of what family meant and how important it was. She wanted full control over her baby.
It was their baby.
It was her baby.
He kept himself busy, kept his mind occupied. He felt that sense of nesting, too, the need to make sure everything was taken care of at home and her, too. He made sure that her every need and want were attended to. She desired nothing. And when she was done nesting and his day had come to an end, he spent time with her, bonding, making sure that they were on the same page, solidifying the love and concern they had for each other. When she was ready and willing, he would make sweet love to her, reminding her of the love that created the precious child she would soon bear.
Valentina moved around the house as quickly as her swollen belly would allow. Giordano had secured a comfortable residence for them, and she finished preparing the baby’s room, at least she thought. Valentina sat down slowly in the rocking chair in the baby’s room. She had just finished washing the final load of the baby’s clothes, and she wanted to fold the clothes and put them away. The diaper bag was already packed with clean clothes for the baby, but Valentina didn’t want anything out of order when she and the baby returned home. Giuseppe had just recently gotten home and immediately went to work finalizing his husband's duties. He understood Valentina’s need to have the whole house together for the baby’s arrival, and Giuseppe certainly wanted to do his part.
“You checked everything? The safety plugs? The bassinet? Stroller?” Valentina inquired as she folded the clothes.
