When Mom finally calms down, I wait for her to wipe the tears from her face and blow her nose before I catch her eyes. “I’m going to be fine. Out of all your children, I’m the last one you should worry about.”
She shakes her head, her chin trembling again. “You’re the one I worry most about. You have so much responsibility resting on your shoulders, and you’re constantly in dangerous situations.” Her tears begin to flow again. “Damn this menopause. I can’t stop crying.”
“Mamma,” I murmur lovingly while pulling her back into my arms. “Dad trained me well, and I’m not easy to kill. The responsibility of being the head of the family is an honor, and I’m happy. Okay?”
She nods, her cheek rubbing against my chest. “No matter how badass you are, you’ll always be one of my babies.”
“I know.” I press a kiss to her soft blonde hair that’s turning white in places. “I love you.”
“I love you so much.”
I hold Mom, offering her the comfort she needs until her emotions settle.
“Will you help me make Yuki feel at home once she’s here?” I ask, my tone hopeful.
“Of course. I’ll clear my calendar.”
Letting out a chuckle, I say, “Just don’t smother her.”
Mom shoots me a playful glare before she asks, “Do you have a wedding ring? What about the arrangements?” Her eyes widen. “Oh my God! You’re getting married in four days.”
“Don’t panic. It’s going to be a small ceremony. I don’t want any family there. Things are still too volatile with the Yakuza, and I don’t want to put any of you in danger.”
Mom’s eyebrows draw together, a flash of sadness tightening her features. “So, we don’t get to celebrate with you?”
Yeah, it was stupid of me to think I’d get away with it.
Letting out a sigh, I say, “Will you arrange–”
“Yes!” Mom cuts me off. “I’ll get all the women together tomorrow. We can have the reception at our house.”
Shit. It’s going to overwhelm the hell out of her meeting the entire family all at once. Not being able to deny Mom this one thing, I keep my worry to myself.
We head back to the veranda, and the instant I sit down, Bianca asks, “What can we do to make things easier for you?”
I give her a grateful smile. “Once Yuki’s had time to settle, maybe spend some time with her and make her feel welcome.”
Sienna’s head bobs up and down. “We can do that. We’ll include her in lunch dates and shopping trips.”
Out of the corner of my eye, I see Mom giving Dad a hug.
“With the bomb dropped and all of us surviving the aftermath, Gianna and I are heading home,” Riccardo says as he gets up. “I’ll see you first thing tomorrow at the office.”
I nod and smile at them as they leave.
“We’re going to head home as well. I have a lot to plan for the reception.” Mom comes to press a kiss to my forehead.
I give Mom a loving look. “Thanks for understanding.”
She pats my cheek like I’m a five-year-old. “Sorry for overreacting and all the crying.”
Dad shakes my hand, and after they head into the house to leave via the front door, it’s just my sisters and me.
Sienna’s eyes drift over my face. “How are you holding up?”
I shrug and rub my fingertips over the scruff on my jaw. “I’m just tired. It’s been a crazy few months.”
“Are you going to take some time off to get some rest?”
