“Are you my uncle?” Marlena asks, folding herself into the embrace with enthusiasm.
Carmine squints, considering the family tree in his head. “I think we’re cousins. Maybe twice removed.”
Marlena laughs. “Cousins then.”
“Welcome back to the family,” Carmine says. “Tell me all about America.”
“I can tell you about America,” I offer, picking up a menu.
“Nonsense,” Carmine objects, taking the menu from my hand before I have a chance to read it. “You have to try the Ricotta.”
“America is big and dirty,” Marlena says, sliding into a booth by the window. “And people are arguing all the time.”
“Sounds horrible,” Carmine grunts, taking a seat opposite her.
I sit down beside my fiancée, pleased that this introduction is going so well.
“You should move to Italy permanently,” Carmine suggests.
“I have a brother at home,” Marlena says.
“Another cousin?” Carmine asks, intrigued.
“He’s missing,” Marlena replies sadly.
Carmine looks to me for clarification. “Andretti,” I respond. “I think he kidnapped Marlena’s brother to get back at their father.”
“But their father is dead,” Carmine says, glancing over at Marlena to make sure he’s got his facts straight.
“Yes,” Marlena whispers uncomfortably.
“It doesn’t matter,” I say. “Andretti will stop at nothing for revenge. That’s why our marriage needs to happen. With both of our families behind her, Andretti wouldn’t dare attack Marlena.”
“And maybe you can get her brother back unharmed?” Carmine guesses.
“That’s right,” I confirm. “That’s what we’re hoping.”
“Well, then,” Carmine declares. “I think the wedding should happen sooner rather than later.”
“Agreed,” I say.
Marlena glances at me, a hint of panic in her eyes. “How soon?”
“By the end of the week,” Carmine suggests.
I reach down to take Marlena’s hand, comforting her. I can tell that she’s not ready to make such a big commitment yet. Or rather, she’s ready but didn’t know it would be happening so soon.
“It’s really better to get married now,” I explain. “The sooner we can tie the knot, the sooner I can extend my protection to you.”
“But Carmine can protect me,” Marlena says.
“Carmine doesn’t have the same reputation back home,” I reply. “We’ll be in a much better position if we make this official.”
Marlena nods her understanding. She’s putting on a brave front but I can tell she’s worried. I hope to put her mind at ease by making each day better than the last. I will stop at nothing to make sure she’s safe and happy, and I hope she knows that. Shesneaks me a small, reassuring look that puts my fears to rest. She knows I care and that all of this is for her benefit.
“Okay,” she gives her verbal agreement.
“Excellent!” Carmine exclaims. “I can officiate.”
