The thought of Viviana afraid, dealing with this alone, makes something protective and violent surge through me. She shouldn't be scared. She shouldn't be dealing with any of this without me.
I should be there beside her.
Whatever Roberto has to say to me, it won’t change the fact I’m not leaving her to deal with a baby alone.
No matter the cost.
"A baby changes things," I say, though it feels like the understatement of the century.
"It changes everything. The question is whether you understand how. A pregnancy makes marriage not only honorable but necessary. This isn't about your reputation or hers anymore. This is about my grandchild and his or her place in our world."
Our child.
The baby who's going to call me Papa and depend on me for everything.
"Do you approve the marriage?" I ask, daring to hope.
"I'm requiring the marriage. The alternative of my grandchild being born a bastard is unacceptable."
Relief almost takes me to my knees, but I don’t dare show him that. Too much emotion is considered a weakness.
I can’t believe our good luck. We're getting married. Viviana will be my wife, and our child will be legitimate and loved by both families.
"Thank you, sir."
"Don't thank me yet. The pregnancy comes with conditions." Roberto's expression grows serious. "If this child is a son, he becomes what you described earlier, a bridge between our families. An unbreakable symbol of alliance."
"And if it's a daughter?"
"Then you try again. But regardless of gender, this child will be raised knowing both families, both traditions. They will not be forced to choose sides. This is the condition. "
"Agreed."
I can already picture teaching our child about both sides of their heritage, bringing them up with the knowledge they don't have to pick between the Lombardis and Bonaccis.
"The marriage must take place within the month,” he continues. “Before my daughter starts showing. I will not have her dishonored or gossiped about."
"Of course. I agree, the earlier the better."
"Regardless of your emotional attachment to each other, this is a business arrangement now, formalized by a baby. Youwill provide for my daughter and grandchild. You will treat her with respect. You will be a proper husband and father."
Husband and father.
The words carry more weight than I anticipated. I'm going to be responsible for Viviana and our child.
"Yes, sir. I give you my word."
Roberto stands and moves to the window. "There's one more thing."
"What's that?"
"If you ever hurt my daughter, if you ever make her regret this arrangement, if you ever give me reason to believe you're not the man you claim to be..." He turns back to face me. "Pregnancy won't protect you from my anger."
"I understand."
"Do you? Because a young, pregnant wife is vulnerable. She needs stability, security, peace. If you bring danger to her door, if your enemies become her enemies, if she suffers because of your choices..."
"She won't. I'll protect them both." The words come out fierce, certain. Nothing will touch Viviana or our baby. Nothing.
