Page 143 of Fix You

He flicked his gaze from Edoardo to mine. “I’m trying to find a way for you to be happy.”

“While that’s commendable, what aboutyourhappiness?”

“Better the devil you know than the one you don’t, right? I mean, I was always going to have an arranged marriage. At least I know Drea. It’s to go without saying I’d be getting a stunner of a bride who can knock a man on his ass.” When he threw a glance over his shoulder at Drea, she gave him a shy smile.

Edoardo slowly lowered his gun. “You’reoffering to marry Andrea?”

“I am.”

“And you would allow this?” Edoardo asked me.

Would I? The question truly didn’t have an easy answer. I could only imagine what the other families would think of my leadership if I allowed Leo to take my place. I’m sure most would view me as weak to refuse a proper alliance to be controlled by my feelings for a woman.

At the same time, I was ready to weather the storm. Regardless of what it was going to do to my reputation, I couldn’t bear a lifetime without Maeve.

Staring intently at Leo, I said, “As long as he’s okay with it.”

Without a moment of indecision, Leo replied, “I am.”

Turning back to Drea, I asked, “What about you?”

Biting down on her bottom lip, she tore her gaze from me to look at Leo. “Will you have me?” Leo asked her.

For the first time, I realized how differently she looked at Leo than she did me. And in turn, howhelooked at her differently than I did. At another time and place I would have to ask him what it all meant.

“Yes, I will,” she replied.

Leo smiled at her before turning back to Edoardo. “So are we good?”

With a scowl, he replied, “I don’t know.”

“You’re getting a Neretti.”

“Andrea has always been intended for a capo. You are the second son.”

Leo glared at Edoardo. “I’m still the fucking second in command. Not to mention I have a fucking law degree from Columbia!” he countered with a snarl.

It was more than apparent there would be no love lost between Leandro and his father-in-law. With a more diplomatic approach, I said, “Edoardo, despite the fact you just shot me and threatened to kill me, you’ll still have the full support of the Neretti empire with Drea’s marriage to Leandro. With my brother-in-laws, the Kavanaughs, and with us, you’ll be adding territory from Boston through New York. Truthfully, you’re getting the same thing with Leandro as you would with me.”

It was then I remembered the fractured nature of my relationship with Callum. Turning my attention to him, I said, “I do have your support, right?”

As Callum clenched his jaw, Caterina stared expectantly at her husband. I took a tentative step towards him on the front pew. “If you don’t do this for me, think of Maeve. She’s suffered enough in this life, hasn’t she? She deserves all the happiness in the world,” I pleaded.

“And I suppose you’re the key to her happiness?” he spat.

“I am,” I replied as Caterina said, “He is.”

Dare leaned over Caterina to smack Callum’s shoulder. “Come on, Callum. Stop being such a stubborn arse. You know he’s what Maeve needs and wants. We haven’t seen her so happy in years.”

“All right,” he finally relented.

“Thank you. I truly mean that.” I nodded at Caruso. “Do we have a deal?”

He pursed his lips. “Fine. But I also want five million dollars”

While I should’ve fought at his outrageous demand, a relieved breath whooshed from my chest, and I fought to keep my knees from buckling. While five million dollars was an enormous sum, it was worth it to divert a war. It would also be worth every penny if it meant I got to be with Maeve.

“Done.”

---