“I’m Nunzio. We didn’t get a chance to chat yesterday.”

An uneasy chuckle escaped me. “My fault, I’m sure.”

His smile widened before he looked between Ettore and I. “Seeing as you’re both standing upright and breathing, I take it you have reached an understanding. Yes?”

The silence spoke volumes. Then Ettore uttered an unfeeling, “We’re working on it.”

Nunzio patted my hand. “That’s good. Very mature of the both of you. I’m impressed.” I wasn’t sure what to say when the older man said, “I hope my son is treating you well.”

I don’t know why it irked me, but it did. The protective need to stick up for my husband burned low in my gut. “He’s been the perfect gentleman.”

Nunzio snuffled out a laugh before reaching up to gently touch the bruises at my throat. He lost his smile, turned to his son and drew out the words long and slow. “Yes. I can see that.”

Well, hell.

Nunzio released my hand. “I’m so glad things have worked out. I know the rest of the family is simply dying to meet you.”

That statement came out sounding far too foreboding for my liking. “I’m eager to meet them too.”

“I’m sure you are. Welcome to the family, sweetheart.”

With that, Ettore placed his hand to my hip and guided me out. The closer we got to the opposite end of the hall, the louder the voices became and the tighter my chest got. Ettore didn’t hesitate when he walked us out into the fray of people. Once we were noticed, as one, they all stopped talking and turned to stare. I recognized a few of them. Ettore’s groomsmen were there, as was the middle-aged woman who walked me through the smashing of the vase. At least she looked happy to see us. She smiled happily and moved to greet us when two lightning-fast blurs hit Ettore at full force.

“Daddy!”

He groaned loudly before kneeling down to scoop the two miniature version of himself and for the first time since our official meeting yesterday, I saw what a genuine smile on Ettore Scala looked like.

Envy ate me whole. What I would have given to have him smile at me like that.

He kissed both of their heads then hugged them close. They hugged him right back and I did not miss the way his jaw flexed in pain when they squeezed him tight. It had to be agony and yet, he didn’t even flinch.

One boy spoke, “Dad, we got to stay up.”

Then the other, “And watch a movie.”

“We fell asleep on the floor.”

“And nonno said we didn’t have to shower if we didn’t want.”

And then, they talked at the same time. “Because we’re gonna end up stinking anyways.”