Vendetta: A DeLuca Family Novel (The DeLuca Family Book 2) (16 page)

“
A
re
you sure you're up for this?” Enzo asked.

“I’m fine,” I said, taking his hand.

“I'm serious, if you don't feel comfortable, we don't have to do this.”

“It’s a baby, not a rabid dog. I’ll be fine, really.”

“If you're sure,” he said slowly.

“Jesus Christ,” I snapped. “Can you please stop?”

“I’m done,” he said, giving my hand a squeeze.

I appreciated his concern but if he didn’t stop pestering me about my ‘feelings’ I was going to knee him in the balls. The past few months had been rough, but I was dealing with it. I’d even gone as far as weekly appointments with a therapist.

At first I wanted to rip my fucking hair out at the way she would just sit quietly and watch me, waiting for me to answer some arbitrary question. After a few weeks though, it got easier. I felt less like she was judging me and more like she was actually helping.

I was careful with what I told her, not giving any indication to my involvement with the DeLuca family, instead focusing on the loss of the baby and my mom’s death. We talked about what I went through when Eddie had kidnapped me as well, but surprisingly enough, that wasn’t the most traumatic part of everything that had happened. The knowledge that he’d violated my privacy and dug through my life like he had was more disturbing to me than the physical attack. It was a long road ahead, but I was confident I’d make it out on the other side, not unscathed but still whole, with a few battle wounds to show for it.

It had been a week since Mia gave birth to a healthy baby girl and we were on our way to see them for the first time. They’d only been home from the hospital for a few days, so we decided to wait it out a bit and let them settle in. Besides, between Pauline and Elena, I think Mia had more help than she could ever need. She’d sent me a text yesterday begging us to come for a visit so she could get some peace. Apparently having two mother hens doting on you wasn’t all it was cracked up to be.

I’d had to build up the courage to actually see the baby. It was one thing to watch Mia grow throughout the pregnancy. It was an entirely different thing actually see her baby alive and well. I knew I would still feel that pang of sadness, but I’d made peace with the past and facing my fears was the first step to moving on. I’d talked about the possibility of having kids with my therapist. While I didn’t think I was ready yet, I was confident that I’d get there someday soon. 

Enzo and I had decided not to renew our vows. We didn't need a reminder of our commitment to each other. Even though the intentions were different now, the promises we made to each other all those years ago still held true and that was perfect for us.

“You ready?” Enzo asked as he parked the car.

I took a deep breath and smiled at him. “Yeah, I think I am.”

We made our way up the stairs, and before we even reached the landing, Mia had the door flung open.

“Thank God you’re here. I swear to fuck I was going to start shooting people just to get your asses out here,” she complained.

“Good to see you too, Mama,” I said, giving her an affectionate backhanded smack on the arm. Mia and I were not huggers.

“Where’s the baby?” Enzo asked.

I laughed. He was way more excited to see the baby than he’d let on before.

“She’s napping,” Mia said, leading us into the kitchen.

“Oh,” Enzo said trying not to sound disappointed, but it was written all over his face.

“Don’t worry, she’ll be up in a few minutes. I swear to God the kid has a personal vendetta against sleep. Besides, Carlo and I have something we want to talk to you about.”

“What’s up?” I asked as we all saddled up at the kitchen island. Carlo was already there, sipping on a glass of wine.

“Mia and I want you to be her godparents,” Carlo said abruptly, earning a smack from Mia.

“Seriously? You couldn’t have eased into it?” Mia accused.

“What?” Carlo asked, a bewildered look on his face. Subtlety was not Carlo DeLuca’s strong suit.

“What my dear husband meant to say,” Mia clarified, “is that we would be honored if you’d be Lucy’s godparents.”

“Lucy?” Enzo asked.

“Shit,” Mia cursed. She hadn’t told us the baby’s name yet; instead, she demanded we meet her so we could be properly introduced.

The soft cries of a newborn pierced the air through the baby monitor that was set up on the counter.

Mia moved to get up, but Carlo placed a hand on her shoulder, keeping her in place.

“I got it,” he said and left the room.

When he returned, he was holding a small bundle wrapped in a green blanket. He passed the little baby burrito over to Mia, who gazed adoringly at her daughter. She moved the blanket out of her face and turned so we could see.

“I’d like you to meet your goddaughter, Luciana Regina DeLuca,” Mia said, her smile huge.

I couldn’t help the smile that pulled on my lips; she was gorgeous. Her head was covered in dark fuzz and a little dimple poked out in one cheek when she yawned.

“I get Regina, after Gina, but where did you get Luciana? I asked.

“Carlo’s mother,” Mia smiled softly, her eyes sad.

“It’s beautiful,” I said quietly, still gazing at the little angel.

“Here, hold your goddaughter,” Mia insisted, placing the blanket wrapped bundle in my arms despite my silent protests.

“Wait,” I said, straightening. “We didn’t say yes.”

“Oh well, too late now,” Mia said with a wink and we all laughed.

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