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Elio cleared his throat, and the children both stood still and smiled politely at our guests.
“Wow, they’re like little people now.” Wyatt pulled two stuffed animals from a bag and held them out. “I know you don’t remember me but I’m your Uncle Wyatt, and I thought you might like these.”
Their eyes widened with excitement, but they waited for their father to give them a nod before they took them.
“Canks u,” they both said, and I was relieved I didn’t have to prompt them. Then they raced off down the hallway to, no doubt, show Francesco. I knew he’d be joining us shortly.
“I’ve been gone far too long.” Wyatt sighed and shook his head as he sipped his drink, then took a seat.
“I won’t argue with that.” I reached for Elio’s hand. “Scott, this is my husband, Elio. Elio, this is Wyatt’s co-worker and boyfriend, Scott Hanes.”
“Nice to meet you, Scott,” Elio said in perfect English, taking his cue from me.
“You too, Mr. Capri.” Scott tested his Italian and didn’t do half bad. “Thank you for inviting us to stay at your home.” I thought Scott was going to pee himself, he looked so nervous.
“Please, use English.” Elio gave the poor guy a break and made sure he continued in English himself. “Wyatt’s family.” Elio poured me a drink as he spoke. “Anyone who’s important to him is welcome here.”
I smiled my thanks at Elio as I sipped the cool cucumber water. It was a hot day, and I suddenly understood why Filippo had been so drawn to the cool mud.
“So?” Wyatt lifted an eyebrow at me.
“So what?” I asked.
“Will you tell me now?”
“No.” I caught on immediately and crossed my legs as I thanked the staff member who had brought in some light snacks.
“What?” Scott looked between the two of us.
Elio stood back and watched the play-by-play. He also knew what Wyatt was asking.
“You see, Scott,” I explained, “in a mafia family, whoever has a son first became the next Don. Now, we had twins, a Don and a Donna, if you will.” I smiled at him, and he smiled back with interest. He was enjoying my story, so I drew it out. “Well, you can imagine the question. Our children have been born into a whole new syndicate now under Capri rule, so the question is, who came out first?” I winked at him. “Would it be the boy or the girl who will be the next head of the family? And here’s the kicker. Elio and I are the only ones who were in that delivery room. The birth team were sworn to secrecy, and we had them seal the birth documents so no one but Elio and I would know who came out first.”
“May I ask why you won’t share it?” Scott asked politely.
“There’s a lot of pressure on a child when growing up to be groomed for the position. When our twins turn eighteen,” Elio said as took a seat next to me and rested a hand on my thigh, “they can decide who will run the family business, or they both can. If they wish to know the truth, we’ll share it at that time.”
“But until then, they’ll be raised as equals to the Don or Donna title,” I added. “That way, they’ll both be prepared for the role, and gender won’t matter.”
“That’s incredibly forward thinking.” Scott beamed at our family’s choice.
“Thank you.” I nodded, liking him already.
Scott covered his mouth and looked over at Wyatt with excited eyes.
“I know!” Wyatt nodded, and Elio and I exchanged a quick glance. “They’re going to rock it.”
“Rock what?” Elio sipped his drink, making me laugh as he mimicked Wyatt’s words.
“Your story.” Wyatt leaned forward and filled us in on what would turn out to be an interesting opportunity.
We were called to dinner late that evening, and Andrea, who had been missing for most of the afternoon, came outside to greet us.
“Wyatt!” She wrapped him in a big hug. “It’s so good to see you! Vinni, dear, please call your brother.” She stopped when she realized she wasn’t speaking to Vinni.
I laughed out loud and nearly tripped as I followed the path that led down to the beautifully decorated table.
“I hate you so much,” Wyatt called to me, and it just made me laugh even harder. Then I heard him introducing them. “Andrea this is Scott.”
