“The ring my father gave her when she had me,” Annika says softly. “I’ve always admired that ring.”
“That’s what she said. The sapphires are from your Aunt Katya. They were earrings gifted to her by Igor.”
“Rafe, this is amazing.”
“One more thing,” I reply. “The gold is from Ivie. It was her mother’s wedding band.”
Annika gasps and starts to cry again. “Rafe.”
“The ring is all of us, Annika. Because family is important, and they’re all a part of us. They support us. They love us. And it’s with huge relief that I say I asked your father and Igor if I could ask for your hand, and they both gave me their blessing.”
She laughs as she turns her face up to me. “Well, I would have been surprised if they’d said no.”
“Still, I was nervous as hell.”
She sighs and settles in next to me on the bench as we quietly watch the water for a long moment. Ducks splash, but the leaves have long fallen, and winter is on the way.
“I have something else to discuss with you,” I say.
“You’re full of news today.”
I shrug and tighten the arm I have slung around her shoulders.
“Yeah, well, I’ve been doing a lot of thinking. And I had a long talk with my father last night after you went to bed. I know you like it here in Seattle, but what do you think about this specific place?”
“Your grandmother’s house?”
“Yes. We need a house. More space. The condo just won’t do forever. And last night, while talking with Pop, I brought up the idea of you and I living here. It’s been sitting empty since Gram died. We’ve used it as a home base these past few weeks, but for the most part, it’s just sat. This house needs a family in it. And Pop agrees that, if you don’t hate the idea, we would be good here.”
“I have so many questions,” she whispers.
“You hate the idea.”
“No. Not at all. But, Rafe, this is a huge house for just us.”
“It’s big,” I agree. “I can’t change the size of it. We have caretakers for the grounds, and housekeepers for inside. Also, Pop’s fine with us changing anything we want. He just asked that if we want to rehome some of the art, that we give it to him to see to.”
“I’d like to change a few things, but it’s really beautiful the way it is.”
I look down at her. “Is that a yes?”
“Your brothers and Elena are okay with it?”
“Yes. I’ve spoken with them, as well. It’s not leaving the family. And they’re always welcome here. The thing is, I like the idea of our home being the anchor, you know? A place where the family can always come to gather together. Holidays, special events, that sort of thing. Gram would love that.”
“I love that, too. I’ve been so at home here. I think making this our place is a good idea. Because I have something to tell you, too.”
I raise a brow, waiting.
“We’re going to start filling those extra bedrooms upstairs sooner than we expected.”
“Are you telling me—?”
“I’m pregnant.” She grins, and when I let out a whoop and spin her in the air, she laughs loudly. “Put me down before you make me throw up.”
“Are you okay? Do you feel all right? Do you need anything?”
“I’m great.” She cradles my face in her hands. “And I have everything I need right here.”
“Let’s go tell everyone all the things.”
I take her hand and lead her back to the house.
“You mean they don’t already know?”
“They don’t know everything. Let’s go share this with them.”
“Good idea.”
Epilogue
~Carlo Martinelli~
One Month Later
“We did it.” I light my cigar and smile over at my friend as we survey the room. We’re in the ballroom of my mother’s home, Rocco’s home now, watching the party unfold around us, celebrating the wedding of my youngest son and his darling Annika. “We managed to match them all together.”
Igor grins and sips his whiskey. Our table is on the edge of the room where we can keep watch over our two families. Our wives are huddled together. And the kids are dancing, laughing, and enjoying each other.
“A good-looking bunch, our young ones,” Igor says with a salute of his glass. “Smart. Strong.”
“And powerful.”
We share a pleased look.
We achieved what my sister longed for all along. We managed to build the strongest organized crime family in the country.
I feel the familiar pang in my chest that always comes when I think of my sister. I wish things had been different.
But they aren’t. And that chapter is closed.
The new one ahead looks like the beginning of a bright future for our children and our grandchildren.
“They take after us,” Igor says and clinks his glass to mine. “Do you think they have any idea that we put their matches into motion?”
“Of course, not.” I sip my whiskey and then puff the cigar. “They’re smart, but we were cunning. Had some surprises and bumps along the way.”
“But we got here all the same,” Igor replies. “And that’s the important thing. My firefly is happy with your Rocco.”
I gaze across the room where Rocco lifts Annika into his arms and kisses her soundly. There is nothing I love more than my family.
“It’s been a long time coming.”
“Unfortunate, but necessary,” he says. “And I believe they’ll be all the stronger because of it.”
“Agreed. They’ll give us beautiful babies.”
“Indeed, they will. Thank you for offering them this home.”
“I was surprised when Rocco asked me for it, but it made sense. He’s always been more rooted here than my other children. It’s the right thing to do. And I know that he and Annika will always open their doors to you and your family, just as they will to me and mine.”
“We are one family now,” Igor says. “Twenty years ago, I would have thought it impossible.”
“And now?”
“I’m grateful.”
“As am I, my friend.”
We puff our cigars and watch our brood, and I know, without a doubt, that our family is safe, ready for future generations of Martinellis and Tarenkovs to rule.
Our families will go on.
And that, is the ultimate goal.
I hope you enjoyed my mafia family! If you haven’t read the book where it all began, You Belong With Me, you can get it now! Elena and Archer’s story is here:
https://www.kristenprobyauthor.com/you-belong-with-me
And, keep reading for a look at You Belong With Me!
You Belong With Me
A With Me In Seattle Novel
You Belong With Me
A With Me In Seattle Novel