I could have lived a happy life never knowing those details. Now I can’t help cringing at the thought. Emilio was once in love with my mother. Eww.
“Ah, yes. Emilio blindsided us all. If I had known he was planning to come, I would have advised against it.
“Not that he would have listened. He never does when it comes to your mother. I warned him she wasn’t going to go for his plan.”
“You knew about them?”
“Oh, yes. Brenda was the love of Emilio’s life. He was devastated when his father arranged for him to marry Patrica.
“For months, he tried to figure out a way to get out of it. The man was obsessed with your mom. He treated her like a queen,” she answers.
I think I could see that. Emilio has been spoiling me since I saved Emilia’s life. Not to mention Emilia wants for nothing.
“What happened? He doesn’t seem like the type to fold because his father tells him to.”
“Back then, he was a different man, but he hadn’t planned to give in. He was going to allow Fred to take it all over. In those days, there was Emilio, Jack, Fredrico, and Gino.
“Gino and Jack were Emilio’s right hands. They did everything together. I think you know Mario, yes?”
I nod.
“Emilio was so proud when Gino asked him to be Mario’s godfather. Isabella and I were pregnant at the same time with Rico and Mario. We were all happy.
“Then one night, Gino was found slaughtered in the Irish territory. I’ve never heard or seen Emilio sob like that. The two were made together; they came up through the ranks together.
“Emilio wanted revenge. The only way to get that was to stay in the family. Finn Sullivan became his new obsession.
“I’ve always believed your father didn’t betray Emilio when he went to work for Sullivan; he gave his life for Emilio’s same obsession—their revenge for their friend. However, something along the line went wrong.”
I work my jaw. Nowadays, when I hear the name Sullivan, I see red. Why does that name keep coming up alongside the pain suffered by the people I love?
“You know a lot, don’t you?”
“We women learn to listen and not speak. Your role is unique. Not only are you honoring soldiers like your father, who were loyal and should have been made, but never could be.
“You’re honoring us women who have whispered in the shadows to keep our men happy, safe, and rising. My son is a lucky man. This change is good, and I think the two of you are perfect for it.”
“I’m the lucky one. I know Rico loves me no matter what. In this world and the next, he will always have my back.” I smile.
Carlotta’s eyes light up. “And the grandbabies, they’re going to be so cute. You were adorable when you were born.”
“You knew me as a baby?”
“I did. Brenda and I met up a few times before she fully pulled away. Want to know a secret?”
“Yes.”
“Rico was obsessed with you then. He would sit and just stare. ‘Pretty baby.’ That’s what he kept calling you.”
“Does he know this?”
She shakes her head sadly. “I had been forbidden from going to see your mother. Emilio was so angry and didn’t allow any of us to communicate with her or your father.
“I bribed Rico with ice cream not to tell where we had been,” she chortles. “He asked after you maybe once when he was five. I think after that he forgot.”
“Oh, wow,” I breathe.
“You see it too? You and Rico were destined to be together. Promise me you won’t let the past get in the way.”
