Charity

Three Years Later

“Do not even think about it.”

Romeo’s voice is lowered, hushed enough for only me to hear. He’s caught me eyeing some boxes, seeing the itch to help written all over my face.

“I wasn’t going to do anything,” I assure him with nothing but an innocent smile. Going as far as taking a few steps to the side, I graze the curve of my stomach.

Ever since we found out we were having a girl, Romeo has done nothing but breathe down my neck. Lifting restrictions aside, if I even lift my finger, the guy will have a heart attack.

I raise my hands in defense when Romeo sends me a knowing look. Am I to be blamed for feeling useless? I’m only a couple of months away from giving birth, so I know he’s right.

Doesn’t make me like it any more than I have to.

Dante doesn’t pay us any mind, clearly used to his overbearing brother. He’s too busy taking in what we have left to do.

We’re all distracted the moment the sound of light footwork comes running in our direction.

Little Antonio comes waltzing inside the room, ready to help his uncle carry another box. Dante entertains him, that hardened expression melting away every single time.

He’s got a soft spot, always spouting how he wants a kid of his own. When his nephew tries to pick up a box that’s too heavy for his little arms, Dante does nothing but encourage him.

Vivo returns after a minute after Antonio, looking outright exhausted. Instead of picking up another box, he takes a seat next to it. Swiping away the sweat on his brow, he squints at my husband. “Is all of this really necessary?”

“We’re going to do this the right way.” Romeo sends me a glance, a smile teasing his lips. “No more dirty money. The Franzolli family is going to do things right.”

“But a casino ?” Vivo clicks his tongue. “I suppose a gambling addiction is better than a cocaine addiction.”

“It’s taken far longer than I’d hoped to get this move on the way. With a family of our size, getting everyone on board took more effort than I’d hoped.” Romeo steps toward Antonio and scoops him up in his arms. “I’m thinking about the next generation.”

He’d hoped to do this move a year ago, but life is always hectic. Hell, life isn’t going to be any easier these next few months.

Romeo warned me beforehand about what it’s like to take over someone’s turf. There will be more fighting, that’s impossible to avoid. However, strength triumphs all. He’s confident that the strength behind the Franzolli name will be enough to get us through this.

Even if I don’t like it, Antonio is going to grow up in this life. The best Romeo can do is raise him better than what he’d gone through himself.

He didn’t have to change anything at all. When I suggested it years ago, I assumed he could only do so much about my wishes. I didn’t know he’d held onto my words after all this time until he was making me go through realtor sights in hopes of finding not only a mansion for close family members, but an apartment complex for those who will be tagging along.

With an entire list of reasons why I love this man, his heart and soft spots are only one.

Romeo is the one to call an end to this small break, clapping his hands together once to signal everyone’s attention.

“Come on, there’s still the kitchen to move.” Romeo urges his brothers to get a move on. There are already so many bodies moving about.

The whole family is moving to New York. Wives and kids as well. While it might be a stressful move, it’s going to be a good one. Even if it takes an entire week to drive, I’m left hoping everything will go smoothly.

With a hand on my stomach, I hide my smile from the grumbling from Vivo.

The future generation. Antonio and his soon-to-be sister Ramona will be a force to be reckoned with.

With the rest of the boxes in this room disappearing, I follow behind in hopes of finding something light enough for me to help out.