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“Always,” I reply, standing a little taller. “And I will care for my little sister too,” I tell her, rubbing her big belly.
That puts a beautiful smile on her face. “I’m so proud of you, caro. Mateo looks up to you. No matter what, always be there for him, help him, guide him, sì?”
“I promise.”
I wake up with a jolt, mama’s word still echoing in my mind. The same dream has been plaguing me for the last few nights.
Mateo is on my mind whenever I close my eyes.
I failed him.
And I failed mama, breaking my promise to her.
I left my brother to fight on his own. It’s weighing heavily on my soul.
I’ve been keeping an eye on him as much as it’s possible from here. As expected, he’s taken over as the Don, but it’s not something he’s ever wanted. I pray he’ll find a way out.
I feel guilty for forcing him into this position with my supposed death.
But would I change the abrupt change of direction my life took all those weeks ago?
I stare at my angel who peacefully sleeps tucked against my side.
To think I only met her in August… yet it feels like she’s been part of my life forever.
If Claudette is to be believed, she has been, and it was only a matter of time before we met. I wish it had been years ago.
But it is what it is. Ella is here now. That’s what matters.
And today is the day she’s becoming my wife.
There are still a few obstacles, but I will let nothing stand in my way.
I’ll ignore not having a marriage license if I have to. Amending a date is child’s play for a good hacker. But Ella wants everything done right.
Unfortunately, the blizzard is still raging outside, and all our plans for Ella’s dream winter wedding are up in the air… literally.
But we can always get married here… right in the spot where we’ve been given our second chance at a life together.
I lift my angel’s hand to my mouth and kiss the spot on her finger where my wedding band will find its permanent home. I want to see it there more than I could have ever thought possible. It will tell the world she’s mine and mine alone.
My wife… that thought settles something deep inside me.
So would I change anything of what happened to get us here?
No, I wouldn’t.
It’s selfish, I know.
But Ella is my entire world. Fuck, my whole universe. And this is the only way we can be together.
No sacrifice is too big.
But I need to know Teo is alright.
I stare at the watch on my wrist. It was a present from him for my thirtieth birthday. I take it off and run my fingers over the engraving—two interlocking circles. It was the symbol mama always drew for us.
I let out a long breath. Watch still in hand, I close my eyes.
