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Miguel chuckles. “You’re definitely my child. That’s exactly what I would say.”
The rest of the afternoon is spent with Miguel asking Raphael questions about his life and where he grew up, and I sit back quietly and appreciate the moment. They are perfect together, just like Miguel and I were perfect together. I don’t know what’s in the future for Miguel and me, but I hope there is something.
Chapter 28 - Miguel
I’ve been enjoying the few times I’ve seen Raphael. He’s a great kid, and he’s definitely mine. There can be no question about that. I waited until today, at Sunday lunch, to make the official announcement. As everyone starts eating, I tap my knife against my glass for everyone to look at me.
There are a lot of smiling faces, and I wonder if this is a good idea. I’d spoken to my father about it, and he thought it was best to get it out in the open since I’ve decided to be a part of my son's life.
“Everyone, family. I wanted to make an announcement.” Everyone pays close attention, and I keep a straight face. “For those of you who haven’t heard, I had a love interest in college that was from another family. The Sorvino family, to be exact.” There are a few worried looks. “And she was sent away when they found out she was pregnant with my son. They’re back now, and I intend to bring Raphael into our family to unite the Sorvino and Rossi families for a brighter future.”
There’s absolute silence, and my father stands. “Salute, Don Rossi, congratulations on your son, and may he make the Rossi family proud.”
Everyone raises their glasses and excitedly starts talking over each other to ask questions. I smile and begin to answer them one at a time. The biggest one is when they could meet Raphael. I hadn’t thought about that, but it is a good idea.
I would have to speak to Kira and Alessandro about bringing him over for a Sunday lunch, as I know they have their own.
The rest of the day goes off great, and when I’m back in my office, I text Alessandro.
Don Sorvino,
Are you available to meet me at my family’s bar this afternoon for a private drink? There are matters I wish to discuss.
Don Rossi.
I wait patiently, and my phone sounds off.
Don Rossi,
Yes, I will be there in an hour.
Don Sorvino.
An efficient man, I prefer things that way. I wonder if he’ll agree to what I’m about to propose or if he’ll hate the idea. I hope he accepts because it would strengthen both our families and bring Raphael into the fold.
I get Lyle and Jarred and head for the bar. I’ve moved back to my apartment now that it’s been repaired, but we had Sunday lunch at my estate in Long Beach, so the bar is close by.
I walk into The Little Man, my quiet little bar on the corner of the street, and go to the back section, which is reserved for our family. I order two whiskeys just as Alessandro is led over.
“Don Sorvino,” I stand and shake his hand, “thank you for meeting me so quickly.”
“Don Rossi,” he says, “I am always happy to meet with people tied to our family.”
We both sit, and the whiskeys are brought and placed in front of us.
“What did you want to speak of? My wife will nag if I don’t get back soon,” Alessandro says with a chuckle, sipping on his whiskey.
“The unity of our families,” I say. “We agreed that I could see Raphael, but I thought that united, our families could conquer more territories and do more business together. It would benefit both of our families.”
“The best way to unite a family is through marriage,” he points out, raising an eyebrow. “Are you asking me if you can marry my cousin?”
I smile. “That would be Kira’s choice, not mine or yours. She never liked people making decisions for her, but I want Raphael to spend time with our family.”
“And you want to be close to Kira,” Alessandro says. “I’m not a fool, Don Rossi. I’ve seen the way you look at my cousin. She’s like a little sister to me, and you crossed a line kidnapping her, a line I would kill for. If you hadn’t treated her well, I probably would kill you. I’m not really for mercy.”
“Nor am I, but what are you going to decide to do, Don Sorvino? Have me murdered?”
“No.” He looks me dead in the eyes. He has the same eyes as Kira. “Kira thinks highly of you, and I know not to cross the women in my family. Everyone thinks men hold all the power, but God, what we would do for the women we love.” He downs his whiskey. “If Kira agrees to the unity, I am happy to draw up papers about where we can have joint business ventures. I respect you as a Don, and I respect the Rossi family. We can both benefit and have territories at the same time. Thank you for the drink.”
