Page 101 of The Bonventi War
During all this, I've tried to be a good little mafia fiancée—still can't believe that—and in addition to growing a strong relationship with Enzo and Marco's wives, Livia and Alina, I've been learning how things work.
I even had Gio quiz me on a map about territories. My strategy is always starting with Greektown because I know that's Kastaris’s control, obviously.
Speaking of the Greeks, I've also learned how deep of a bond Gio has with Ares. They've been causing mayhem since they were kids, so he's been over here a lot, especially after what happened to his father.
It was a whirlwind of events and tragedy, but Ares became the newly minted don of the Greek mafia, and now the Bonventi and Kastaris families control Chicago, though Gio said the Bonventis have a little more control. Either way, there seems to be peace in the city now, and everyone seems happy.
Today, however, is a very emotional day for me. I'm taking Gio to my mom's grave. I've never taken anyone there before, so it's a big step for me, and we've got some news to share—two things, actually. I'm a bit nervous, which is weird, even if Gio says otherwise. I also feel a little guilty since I haven't been here since Gio rocketed into my life.
The car stops on the corner of the small street where my mom is buried, and Gio helps me out.
"Easy," he says, his hand steady under my elbow. "Don't hurt yourself."
I roll my eyes. "Oh gosh, I'm fine. Can you grab the flowers, please."
He smiles but still helps me, ignoring what I said. He does grab the flowers, though.
As we approach, I notice my mom's gravestone is pristine. The area has been trimmed, the marble looking beautiful in the sunlight. Fresh flowers are placed in all the holders—not just the one I usually fill, but all of them.
"What the—" I ask, puzzled, looking around at the immaculate condition of her resting place.
Gio smiles, that rare, gentle smile few people ever get to see. "Well, when you told me about your mom, I started having someone come and take care of her every week. She deserves it."
"Oh, Gio," I say, tears welling in my eyes. I throw my arms around his neck, burying my face against his chest. "Damn, do I love you."
His arms wrap around me, careful but firm. "I love you too, and hey," he says, pulling back to look down at me, "she gave me you, so nothing is too much."
We walk up to the grave, and I kneel down, placing my bouquet next to the others. I run my fingers over the engraving of her name—ELEANOR CARVELLO—feeling the stone beneath my fingertips.
"Hi, Mom," I say softly. "I brought someone special today." My voice catches, and I feel Gio's hand squeeze my shoulder. "This is Giovanni. Gio. He's… well, he's everything to me now."
Gio kneels beside me, silent and respectful. His presence here makes me feel whole in a way I can't explain—like two worlds colliding, past and future merging into one moment.
"You would have been hesitant at first, Mom," I say, wiping away a tear and turning to Gio, "but you would have seen how he makes me feel and loved him."
Gio smiles and squeezes my hand.
I then talk to my mother the way I always have—telling her about the gallery fire, about Gio's family accepting me. I tell her about Livia and Alina, how they've become the sisters I never had. About Enzo and Marco and everything in between. Well, almost everything. I don't mention my father. The deal he made with me or how his life ended. There's no need.
"Anyway, today is a big day for me. For us," I correct, glancing at Gio. "We've got some news. Two things, actually, to share withyou, and I'm a bit nervous, which is weird." I laugh, shaking my head.
"It's not weird," Gio says softly. "She's your mother."
I nod, swallowing hard. "First thing, Mom, I'm pregnant!" My voice breaks. "With twins. Can you believe that, Mom? Twins!" I laugh through my tears. "The doctor says they're perfectly healthy, just about ten weeks along now."
I can almost feel her joy—or maybe it's just the breeze caressing my face, or the sunlight warming my skin. But it feels like she's here, listening.
"And secondly," I continue, "we're boarding a plane today and flying to Europe for our wedding! Florence, Italy. Where I spent all those years studying. Gio insisted." I look at him, still amazed by his consideration. "He said it would be like having a piece of my mother there with us since I always felt close to you when I was restoring art there."
"Well, it's not completely unselfish," Gio says with a smile. "I want to see where you became the woman who drives me crazy."
I laugh, leaning against him. "See what I have to deal with, Mom?"
We both laugh and let some silence fall over us.
"Gosh, I wish you could be there, Mom. To see me get married. To meet your grandchildren when they're born," I say, the tears coming fast now.
"Hey, now," Gio says, holding me. "She'll be there. Maybe not the way you want, but she'll be there."
