“Sharp as a tack,” Rosalie replied, watching me. “I see why he likes you. He’ll risk the wrath of his father, but that’s a risk he’s willing to take for you and his child.”
Her vague answers were beginning to drive me crazy. The wrath of a don? What did that mean? “How much danger will he be in?” I asked.
“You let me take care of that,” she said. “My grandbaby doesn’t need the stress. But before I intervene, you have a decision to make. Do you want Dom enough to become a Mariani?”
Of course I did. I opened my mouth to tell her as much, but she stopped me.
“It’s not as simple as it sounds. This is not an easy road to travel, and most people regret choosing it. You’ll be lonely. Sure, you’ll have your kids, friends, the family, knitting groups, book clubs, spa days, guard dogs you have to ditch in order to talk to your son’s girlfriend, but none of them can ever truly know you. You can’t show them weakness, can’t talk about the family business, all relationships you have will be on the surface.”
I frowned, letting her words sink in.
“Dom will buy you cars, clothes, jewelry, whatever you want. The only thing you won’t have, is his time. He’ll try to be there, but trust me… he’ll miss birthdays, anniversaries, ball games, ballet recitals. Your children won’t understand why he has to work all the time. Sometimes, even you will forget. One day, you’ll get so frustrated and angry with him you’ll be tempted to leave him. But make no mistake, Annetta, once you join this family, there is no walking away.”
The cold, calculating Rosalie was back. She stared at me like she was waiting for something, but I had no idea what. Questions maybe? I had none. Everything she said, I’d already suspected. Did I love Dom enough to join him in his world? Did I love him enough to put him at risk so I could become a Mariani? I needed to think about it.
Her expression softened again. “You don’t have to make any decisions today, dear. You have options. Should you decide you want out… that you want a normal marriage with a husband who can be there for you, Dom will survive. I will set you and the baby up somewhere safe, somewhere far away from here. You won’t have any contact with my son, but you and the baby will be taken care of. You’ll never have to worry about a thing.”
“But I’ll never see Dom again,” I said, understanding what she meant. “And the baby will grow up without knowing him.”
“It’s unfortunate, but yes. If you decide this life isn’t for you, Dom will have to move on. He still has duties, expectations, you understand.”
I did understand. Dominico’s mafia boss father would force him to marry that little tramp in the pink dress and I’d never see him again. “Yes ma’am.”
She let out a breath, straightening her dress. “Good. Now let’s put this unpleasantness behind us and enjoy the rest of our afternoon together. My grandchild needs a sweet, and the desserts here are to die for.” She grabbed a menu from the table beside her and handed it to me. “I promise you will not be disappointed with anything, but the tiramisu is exquisite.”
My appetite was gone, but Rosalie ordered us dessert anyway. As I nibbled, she spoke of a trip she’d recently taken to Italy, prattling on about scenic vineyards while my mind and heart churned about the problem at hand. Could I be in a relationship where I couldn’t count on my other half to be home at night? The wives of truck drivers and undercover police officers did it all the time. I didn’t need Dominico coddling me, and I knew not even the most attentive man would ever be responsible for my happiness. That was on me. And so far, I’d handled Dominico’s absence pretty well. Soon I’d have the baby, and from what I’d read, my hands would be more than full. Especially if I planned to keep working. Which I did.
After dessert, Rosalie took me home. Before I exited her car, she grabbed my hand. “Think about your options, Annetta,” she said. “Whatever you decide, I will help you. For the safety of you, Dom, and the baby, you will need to decide soon.”
I nodded.
“Who have you told about the baby?”
“My best friend, Adona. That’s it.”
“Can you trust her not to tell anyone else?” she asked.
“Absolutely. I swore her to secrecy. She won’t blab.”
“You haven’t told your father?”
Shame heated my cheeks. “No. I wanted to tell Dom first, and Papa got home late last night and left early this morning. I haven’t had time.” Also, I was a big chicken and didn’t want to tell Papa I’d gotten knocked up.
“Good.” She nodded to herself. “Tell no one. Not your father, your employer, no one. In fact, you need to quit your job.”
Stunned, I stared at her, a protest forming on my lips.
“You must,” Rosalie said, giving my hand a little squeeze. “I know you’ve worked hard and you love what you do, but you’re beginning to show, and people will start asking questions. Dom has been careless in picking you up from work. The restaurant is connected. If they find out you’re pregnant and suspect it’s Dom’s child, they’ll tell Gio, which would be disastrous for all of us. Trust me on this, dear, hewillkill you if he finds out before you’re protected.”
Strangely enough, I did trust her, but I was still devastated. Hand on my belly, I whispered, “I have to quit my job.” Saying it aloud made it feel so final, so awful.
She nodded. “I know it will be difficult, but you can do it. Never underestimate what you can and will do for your child, Annetta.Amor di madre, amore senza limiti.”
A mother’s love has no limits. Yes, I was beginning to see that. No doubt Rosalie was putting herself in danger by being here.
“Thank you for everything,” I said, meaning it. “I just have one last question.”
“Yes?”
