"I had the kitchen prepare special hot chocolate," he tells them, nodding to Roberto who brings in a tray.
While the kids sip their drinks, Dom and I wrap the tree in lights.
Once we’re done, we let the kids go, and they eagerly load the lower branches they can reach with ornaments.
I watch Adalina carefully hang her ballerina ornament, her little face scrunched in concentration. Rocco and Elio argue about which superhero ornament deserves a better spot.
Dom goes to a small bar in the corner of the room and pours himself a drink and me a glass of wine.
Then we sit on the couch and watch the children transform the tree into a wonderfully chaotic display.
"How was your day?" I ask Dom.
He takes too long to answer. "Fine."
"That's convincing." I nudge his shoulder gently. "I heard this morning’s La Corona meeting ran long."
Dom swirls the amber liquid in his glass, his expression guarded. "Just business."
"The kind you can't talk about, or the kind you don't want to worry me with?" I've learned to read between his lines over the years.
He sighs, glancing to ensure the children are out of earshot. "Someone's been moving pieces around the board again."
My stomach tightens. "Again? You mean the person who’s been trying to manipulate the family? Like with Gabriella last year? Or Isabella before that?" First, Isabella was manipulated into believing the Calabresis killed her mother, then Gabriella was made to think Marco wanted to take over her father's territory.
Each time, families within La Corona could have turned against each other, but they didn’t.
Someone is underestimating the vow and bond between the families. But that’s not to say their bond is unbreakable.
My father’s arrest tested Dom’s father and Don Monti’s bond.
“It’s possible.” He glances at me. “If the FBI approaches you?—”
I wave his concern away. “I’ll let you know, but they won’t. Why would they? I know nothing.”
He shrugs. “But you have a complaint against a family member. A family member who is now back. It’s clear the FBI is targeting people who might want revenge within La Corona.”
I look down into my wine. “Have you told Gio that? Or others who worked with your father?”
“I have.”
I don’t doubt it.
The few people who ever challenged Dom’s leadership right after his father died are either dead or missing.
I know the old guard, like Gio, aren’t thrilled with Dom, but they keep their heads down.
Dom proved his power, and they bowed to it.
“To be clear, I’m not sure that it’s the same, but the others felt we need to be diligent. We need to stick together, not let someone try to divide us.”
I take another sip, larger this time. “I won’t cause any trouble. Luca has been back for a year. Mostly, we keep our distance.” God, I hope no one saw us kissing.
Lying to Dom would not be smart.
I love him and greatly appreciate all he’s done for me, but he can’t know the truth either.
My gaze drifts to my children, blissfully unaware as they argue over where to hang a glittering snowflake.
