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“Yo,” I say, narrowing my eyes at her. “What’s the deal?”
“What do you mean?” She makes a face.
“I know you like you know me, rabbit. The fuck’s up?” I nod at her, mock intimidating her. I slap the newspaper on the kitchen island, and she smirks.
“I think we might need to move the wedding up a bit.”
“Why, what’s wrong? I thought the two venues you had in mind had availability in June nex—”
“No, Donny.”
“No?”
She rubs her belly, and my whole body tenses.
“No,” I say in disbelief.
“No?” she says back, and I hardly register the frown pulling at her lips.
I run up and tear her off the stool and swing her in a circle. We lock eyes. “Don’t fuck with me, Ellie.”
When that frown melts into a wide smile, I swear my heart was about to explode. “I tested last night when you were punching Sal in the Jacuzzi. I’m pregnant, Donny.”
“This is fucking great!” I say, surprising myself with how excited I am. “My heir is in your belly. It’s definitely a boy.”
She shakes her head at me.
“N—no?” I get nervous.
“I got the results, it’s a girl.”
“What, really?” I say dumbly, my head still woozy.
“No, you idiot. It’s way too early to know anything. Hey! Don’t tell anyone. I’m only six weeks.”
I pace, my mind racing. “But, I’m fucking over the moon. Michael Valentino. Or, Carlo—”
“And if it’s a girl?” Ellie raises her eyebrows, mocking me.
I pucker my lips. “A daughter… That wouldn’t be so bad, I guess. I’ll have to kill a few more guys, but—”
Ellie punches my shoulder. “No negative energy around the baby.”
“Oh, Ellie.” I feel like I took a shot of adrenaline. I grab her again and hug her. “This is the best news. The best. I’ll protect the both of you with everything I got. You hear me?” I kiss her on both cheeks.
Chapter 24
Ellie
The following weeks are hectic. I scramble to find a venue that can house four hundred people on short notice, and take constant calls to finalize centerpieces, decorative flowers, and photography. Donny tells me there’s no budget, but I don’t want to be one of those women who takes everything for granted. A dollar is still worth a dollar.
As I map out the table settings, nerves start to take over. My hands are clammy as I write in the names. I haven’t been in touch with any of the people on the Rigiano side for years… ever since my brother took over the family. Dad says I have to invite all of them out of respect, but I don’t like how many acted when the power transferred. They disregarded the old way on a whim – because of my damn brother.
They’re snakes in my eyes now, like how I was raised to think of the Valentinos.
“Nah, they’re alright,” Donny assures me when he stops home. “Ben Pinchy was just being a good soldier. It’s not easy when power transfers, for the boss or the crew.”
He’s more logical than I expect him to be about it.
