Page 134 of Merciless Monster

But, we grew to love Lisa like she was one of us, and I’m so happy to be here today to wish the two of them the very best life together. And, Lisa, one more word of encouragement as you take on the great responsibility of keeping my brother out of trouble. Remember, the woman cries before the wedding, the man afterwards.

Saluti!”

“Saluti!” the crowd echoes as one.

Dante bends down and kisses Elio on both cheeks. The two are laughing and lovingly slapping each other's backs. It’s been a good day.

* * *

Dante carries Angelo into his bedroom and lays him down gently on the bed. Our son is fast asleep.

“Let me take off his clothes first,” I whisper.

“Leave it, my love. It’s so dirty we’ll have to throw it away anyway,” he smiles. “A few more hours in these soiled clothes won’t hurt.”

“Okay,” I whisper, kiss my son’s sticky forehead, and close the bedroom door quietly.

“I’m shattered,” I say, slipping off my pumps and rubbing my toes.

“How about a nightcap before bed?”

“I’d love one, thanks.”

We walk hand in hand to the living room.

“It was a great day.”

“Yes, it was. Elio and Lisa looked so happy. So did your mom.”

“She is. Both her boys have found the love of their lives. How can she be anything but joyous?”

“Love of your life, am I?” I coo.

“You are, my sweet.”

“Does that mean you’ll rub my toes for me?”

“Sure, but I can’t guarantee that it will end there.”

“You bad boy,” I giggle.

“Where did you disappear to for so long after the speeches?”

“I had a meeting with the four families.”

“Who?”

“The Dons of the other families.”

“Oh.”

“I told them that I am stepping down and that Elio is the new Don. I wanted to make sure everyone knows before we leave Italy.”

“I still can’t believe it’s real.”

“Oh, it is now.”

“Thank you, Dante. I can’t tell you what this means to me.”

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