Antonio chuckled. “You have a live one, Son. You know I like to tease, and when someone can dish it back, I like it even better.” He winked at her. “Congratulations, by the way.”
“So you heard the whole conversation?” Mallory asked.
“Yes. Probably the only one who didn’t was Gabriella. She’s completely human, but we won’t hold that against her.”
“Gee, thanks.” Gabriella sidled up next to him and slipped her arm around his waist, giving him a squeeze. He kissed the top of her head.
“How does that work?” Mallory asked.
Gabriella gave her husband another side squeeze.
“If you’re the only human among a whole family of shape-shifters, it must be kind of strange,” Mallory prompted.
“I’ve had a few years to get used to it.”
“Mallory? I…uh…I was hoping to talk to my dad for a few minutes,” Dante said.
She nodded, then bit her lip. He hadn’t said anything about talking to his father before now. Had he avoided telling her so she wouldn’t ask why?Stop it, Mallory. It’s not always about you.
“Why don’t you take over for Dante, so he and his dad can talk downstairs? I have some stories I can tell you.” Gabriella smiled evilly at her son.
“Oh no, you don’t. At least don’t take out the baby pictures, Mom.”
“Only the one of three boys in the bathtub.”
“No, not that one!”
“Rub-a-dub-dub,” Antonio said and winked. Then the men disappeared downstairs.
* * *
“So, what did you want to talk to me about, Son?”
Dante leaned forward and clasped his hands. “I don’t want you to get the wrong idea. I’m not asking your permission as head of the family. I just want your wisdom. Okay? I’m thinking of moving in with Mallory.”
His father leaned back on the couch and studied him for a moment. “Haven’t you only known her for a little while?”
“Yes and no. I’ve known her since high school, but back then, I was only an admirer. I’ve gotten to know her well over the past couple of months or so.”
“And you’re ready to move in with her already?”
“I don’t know. It feels right, but I don’t want to leave Noah in the lurch.”
“Have you talked to Noah yet?”
“I mentioned it. We haven’t really gotten around to the details yet.”
“I can tell you’re in love with her. But is it the kind of love that will last?”
Dante mulled that over. Yeah, he loved her. No question. And yes, he was probably a little starry-eyed at the moment. Colors were brighter. His step was lighter. Whenever they were apart, he couldn’t stop thinking about her. “How do you know—how doesanyoneknow if it will last?”
His father shrugged. “You feel like you can trust them completely, and you would forgive anything they could ever do.”
Dante thought about that. Did he trust Mallory totally and unreservedly? Could he forgive her for any mistake she might ever make?
“Probably. Maybe I should wait before making it permanent. Just test the waters by living together. In fact, that might help answer my questions.”
“What questions?”
