What kind of mother will I even be? My own mother ran off leaving me to be raised by a man who led a double life. What do I know about creating a stable, loving home?
Yet beneath the panic and confusion, something else stirs. A fierce protectiveness. A purpose. A feeling of connection in my lonely empty life.
Dom's face appears in my mind. Not the hard-edged Don who threatens and intimidates, but the man who saved me, who tended my wounds, who sweetly touched me in the darkness of night.
I remember how his expression softened when he spoke of Elena's children, especially Rocco. His feelings for the boy are pure love.
I know from his history that he helped Elena through her pregnancy and raising triplets.
Until Luca came back into her life, Dom was essentially their father figure and he took it seriously. Family is everything.
That's the father my child would have.
Dangerous to his enemies, perhaps, but unfailingly devoted to those he considers his own.
But what kind of life would that mean? Birthday parties with armed guards? School drop-offs in bulletproof cars? The constant fear of rival families or federal raids? Our child caught in a crossfire, literal or figurative, between Dom's world and mine.
My father chose this path for us, accepting Vitale money while wearing his badge. Was it worth it?
Did he lie awake at night, torn between duty and survival, between principles and practicality? Did he ever regret the choices that may have ultimately cost him his life?
This baby changes everything. Not just my career or relationship with Dom, but my priorities. My purpose. Family is everything, and this child is my family.
I stood up, suddenly energized. There must be a path forward. First, I need to deal with Blackwood.
If he's truly corrupt, exposing him isn't just about protecting La Corona anymore.
It’s about making the world better for my child.
And if I’m truly to keep this baby safe, it means protecting it from Dom’s world too.
Guilt tries to take root, but I’m only doing what Dom says is important.
Family is everything and I need to protect what’s mine.
DOM
I always liked the Winter Festival. La Corona has been a part of it since I was a kid.
I remember skating and drinking hot chocolate with Elena, Luca, and Gabriella. Marco and Roman were teenagers, too cool to be seen with us kids.
The novelty wore off until Elena’s kids got old enough to enjoy it. But last year Luca was back and it was revealed he was the triplets father.
I still get to see the kids, but not as much as I used to.
Not as much as I’d like to.
This year, as I dress for the outdoor holiday event, I’m trying to psych myself up for the kids sake.
Plus, I plan to have my eyes wide open in case Blackwood tries anything against the families again.
Hopefully, it will help keep Olivia out of my mind. Fat chance.
My phone buzzes. Another update on Olivia.
At home. Still.
She hasn’t returned to work and I can’t figure out what that means. A report yesterday said she went to the doctor, which nearly had me out the door to go to her.
