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I stood at the head of everyone with Luka by my side. All of my men were in a circle surrounding us. A table stood in the middle with a lit candle, cards with Saint Francis, and needles on top. Luka squeezed my hand, and I took a step forward.
Nick took a step forward, Lucio at his side. “Lucio Greco wishes to become part of the family.”
I walked to the table. “Lucio.” I gestured with my hand. He walked over and stood next to me. “Do you promise to put your new family above all others? To keep our secrets, to accept the code put forth by our ancestors, and to do whatever I ask of you without a second thought?”
“Yes,” Lucio answered.
“Seal this oath in blood.”
Lucio held out his pointer finger, I pricked it with one of the needles, squeezing blood onto the card of Saint Francis. “Repeat after me.” I lifted the card and lit it on fire. Laying it in his hands. “If I betray my family, our ways, or my oath.”
Lucio looked down at the paper, burning in his hands. “If I betray my family, our ways, or my oath.”
I continued. “May my soul be taken from my body, and may it burn in hell like the saint burning before me.”
“May my soul be taken from my body, and may it burn in hell like the saint burning before me.” He repeated as the card burned. Leaving only ash in his hands.
“Omertà La Famiglia."
Lucio looked at me and nodded. “Omertà La Famiglia."
He turned and walked to Nick first who placed his palm over the ashes in his hand. The two of them nodded and said in unison. “Omertà La Famiglia."
Lucio continued around until he had been welcomed into the family by all and took his place amongst them.
We repeated the initiation with three more men. Then made our way back to the house for a celebration dinner in the big hall.
I smiled as the men ate and danced with their wives and girlfriends. I glanced at the door and saw Luka standing there talking with one of the men. He handed Luka a black duffel bag. Luka patted his shoulder and then scanned the room until our eyes met. He walked over, pulling me into a kiss. He pulled away and cupped my face. “I love you.”
I smiled and leaned up kissing his lips. I pulled away and rested my hand on the side of his face.
“Let's call it a night huh?”
“Oh, wanting to hit the bedroom?”
“Fuck yes.” He gripped my chin in his fingers tightly, “but I have something to give you I thought I had lost.”
He had a worried look on his face. He reached down and grabbed my hand, leading me out and up the stairs to our room. He sat down on the bed pulling me down next to him.
“What’s wrong you’re scaring me?”
He reached into a bag, pulling out a letter. “I had this in my bag the day I left when Michael picked me up. My mom gave it to me the day before our wedding and told me I was only to give it to you when I learned to love you.”
I looked down at the letter as he placed it in my hands. Alora was written on the front. “Is it from your mom?”
Luka shook his head. “No, that is not her handwriting.”
I looked down at the letter. Then at Luka. “Who?”
“My best guess is your mom.”
I looked down at the letter, shocked. I turned it over and slowly opened it, taking out the folded pieces of notebook paper. My hands started shaking as I unfolded it, and something fell out. Luka picked it up and chuckled. “Wow, dang we were young when your mom stayed with us.” He handed me a picture of him and Arturo with my mom. She was sitting in a chair, her hands draped over her very pregnant belly. Arturo was on her left side, standing next to the chair, while Luka was squeezed into the chair with her, his head leaning on her shoulder. All three looked as if they had been laughing. I put the picture on my chest and looked down at the letter.
My dearest Alora, if you are reading this then that means the worst thing and the best thing has happened. The worst is you grew up without me and I am so sorry for that. That was never part of my plan but means Gabriele found out and he has taken me from you. I am so sorry you had to grow up without me. I know Elena will do everything she can to raise you, I only hope Gabriele lets her. I don’t know if the letter finds you with the truth yet or not, but if not, I want you to know Marco is your father. We fell in love far before your father ever arranged for me to marry him. This world is cruel to us women and I hope you don't grow up feeling that cruelty too harshly. We both tried to fight our feelings but were unable to. He is a good man but lets Gabriele push him around far more than he should. I hope someday he will find someone else to love since we could never be together. You tell him how much I loved him and that it is now his job to take care of you.
You were born just five hours ago, and it has been the happiest day of my life. You are in my arms now, and baby you have your father's beautiful green eyes. I have a feeling someday your eyes are going to leave men weak at your feet. But if you are reading this letter then that means you have found one who loves you. Three weeks ago, while Gabriele was away on business, I went to see my friend Voralie Rossi. She and I were inseparable until she married Stefano. Gabriele and Stefano are enemies over some stupid claim they both felt they had over me. And my father let the one who gave him the best offer my hand. Their feud began the day I married Gabriele and I think in some sick way Stefano married Voralie to get back at me. The week I spent there was the best week I've had in a very long time. Her two boys Arturo and Luka both have such a light in them. I hope and pray this world doesn't crush their sweet spirits. One day Luka had picked some wildflowers for me and snuck out to the cottage I was staying in to bring them to me. He found me crying in the garden and wiped my face asking me why I cried. I kissed his sweet little cheek and told him I was worried about my baby being ok when she was born. He stood up as tall as his little four year old frame would allow, puffed out his chest, and said to me. ‘You not worry I am a big strong boy, and I will protect her.’ He put his hand on my belly, ‘and Arturo more strong. I know he help her safe too.’ I pulled that sweet boy into a hug and laughed as tears streamed down my face. Voralie showed up just a few minutes later and I told her why I was crying. She promised me that day she would keep tabs on you, and if she was able, she would keep you safe. She is here with me now. She took you and is walking around the room with you know singing lullabies as I finish this letter. The nurses distracted the guards long enough for her to sneak in.
I am scared my life is in danger and so this is my, just in case. I hope you never read this letter. But alas if you are then he won over me. I want you to promise me something. I want you to be strong, but kind. I hope this man that loves you makes you feel so much love, makes you feel safe and cared for. And baby you hold onto that love and never let it go. No matter what, you fight for it. If this letter has found you, then I know Voralie is trying to keep her promise to me.
