“I’ll pull Morgan aside and tell him to drop whatever scheme he’s cooking up,” Race says like it’s going to be easy, but I know nothing with Gallo men ever is.
Izzy bursts out laughing. “Oh, I want to watch that. Can you do it now so we can enjoy the show?”
Race’s eyes narrow and her lip curls. “I can be very convincing, darling.”
“I’m sure you can, babe. I’m sure you have your way with him, but with that look in his eye and the way he has the guys all in on it, there’s no stopping them now.”
“Oh no,” Bianca announces, pushing back from the table. “Vinnie is not participating. No way. No how.”
I cover my mouth, hiding my laughter. I haven’t been part of this family long, but the thing I know about all the Gallo men is there’s no stopping them once they put a plan in motion. That’s how it’s been with the three of them here in Chicago, but now with the entire tribe together, I’m pretty sure it’s the same.
“You’re going to tell him no?” Delilah asks with a smile pulling on her lips.
Bianca nods as she stands. “Fuck yeah, I am.” Her hand moves to her stomach, and the gesture isn’t lost on me. “He’s not going to do anything stupid. Not now. There’s too much happening for him to get himself hurt.”
“Is there anything you want to tell us?” Daphne asks, clearly noticing the placement of Bianca’s hand.
“He has a football contract, and we’re getting married,” Bianca says, forcing her shoulders back and straightening. “There’s no time for dumb shit.”
“Uh-huh,” Daphne mutters. “Go tell him that. We’ll wait.”
“Fine, I will,” Bianca tells us before she starts to march across the lawn toward the men.
“Anyone else catch that?” Daphne asks, pointing her long skinny index finger at Bianca’s behind. “She’s knocked up, right?”
“She hasn’t touched alcohol, so I’d say there’s a pretty good chance she’s pregnant,” Mia says casually. “Add in the hand over the stomach, and I’d say it’s almost certain.”
“It’s your turn now,” someone says, but I’m too busy watching Bianca to realize they’re talking to me until I feel a pointy elbow in my side. “Are you listening to me?”
I turn to Delilah in confusion. “Pardon?”
“It’s your turn. You and Angelo better get busy making another grandkid for Betty.”
“We have Tate and Brax,” I reply.
“Point?” Delilah shoots back.
“No point. We have two, and besides, I think I’m too old to have a baby.”
“You’re not too old, Tilly,” Mia interrupts, and I slice my eyes to hers because I’m no spring chicken either.
Daphne eyes me for a moment before she speaks. “Angelo’s going to want a little piece of you and him walking this earth long after you’re both gone. So, you better be ready, babe. That man is going to have you barefoot and pregnant in no time flat.”
“Maybe. We’ve barely discussed it, and I don’t think we’re ready.”
“Keep telling yourself that,” Suzy says to me. “I thought we were done having kids and then surprise!”
My hand moves to my throat, a slow burn rising inside my body. “I don’t think…”
I don’t get the words out because Bianca’s voice stops my words and all movement and chatter at our table. She’s grabbing Vinnie by the arm, pulling him away from the huddle, and cursing like I’ve never heard anyone curse before.
“Uh oh. Looks like trouble in paradise,” Delilah says with a chuckle. “I put five bucks on Bianca.”
“What in the fuck is she saying?” Izzy says, but I only shrug because I don’t know a lick of Spanish. “She’s really laying into him.”
“I’ve never seen Vinnie so tongue-tied.” Daphne giggles as we stare at them in shock.
Vinnie runs his hand through his hair, trying to get a word in, but every time he opens his mouth, Bianca puts her hand in front of his face.
