Page 151 of Mafia Daddy's Christmas Bride
And after everything that's happened with Salvatore, the revelation that his brother and my mother were somehow connected in this web of betrayal, I wonder what he must think.
"Where is he?" I ask, needing to see him, to understand what happened after I lost consciousness.
"He's been by your side almost constantly," Dr. Montano says, packing instruments into his bag. "But he checks on his daughter as well. He should be back shortly."
My relief about the baby is momentarily overshadowed by another terrifying thought.
Angelica.
The memory crashes back, hiding her under the bed, telling her to stay quiet, praying Salvatore wouldn't find her.
"Angelica," I gasp, trying to sit up despite the room spinning. "Is she okay? Did they hurt her?"
Dr. Montano gently places a hand on my shoulder, urging me back against the pillows. "Mrs. Ginetti, please try to remain calm. As far as I know, Angelica is perfectly fine."
"You're sure?”
"Mr. Ginetti found her exactly where you told her to hide," he assures me, his voice steady. "She was frightened, naturally, but physically unharmed. She's the one who called her father when the intruders left with you."
I exhale shakily, tears of relief spilling down my cheeks.
That brave, smart little girl.
She did exactly what I told her and stayed hidden until it was safe.
"Thank God," I whisper, closing my eyes briefly. "She must have been so scared."
"Children are often more resilient than we give them credit for," Dr. Montano says, offering a small smile. "From what I understand, she's been asking about you."
The thought of Angelica worried about me brings fresh tears to my eyes.
In just these few weeks, despite my initial awkwardness and her understandable resistance, we've formed a bond I never expected.
The idea that she might have been hurt because of me, because of my connection to all this madness, is unbearable.
"Try to rest, Mrs. Ginetti. I'll check on you again in a few hours."
He moves toward the door, and as it opens, Roman's voice sounds through the quiet hallway, low and intense, but I can’t make out the words.
I lie in bed, trying to decide how I’m going to tell him about the baby. Will he be happy?
At one time, Roman promised to help me leave once this was over. He offered me the very thing I'd been desperate for since my mother died.
Freedom. A clean break. A new life away from the violence and control of La Corona.
But I don't want it anymore.
I want breakfasts with Angelica, teaching her to sew, watching her face light up when she masters a new stitch.
I want Roman's arms around me at night, his whispered conversations in the dark.
I want to be there when Angelica starts middle school, has her first heartbreak.
I want to see Roman's face when I tell him about our baby.
I'm in love with him. With both of them.
Somehow, in the midst of all this chaos and danger, I've found a family I never knew I wanted.
