Each man bows after presenting his gift, the air thick with ceremony and tradition. Every gesture, every word, feels heavywith meaning—like they’re collectively rebuilding the spine of this family, vertebra by vertebra.
The line continues—more families, more gifts, more pledges. The Montellis, the Vitellis, the Rossis. Each kneels, speaks their vow, and adds another brick to Raf’s foundation as Don. By the time the last patriarch rises, the hall is buzzing with approval. Raf has their allegiance. Our family has regained its backbone.
When Raf turns to face the crowd, his voice rings out strong and sure. “Our grandfather built this family from nothing. Our father gave his life for it. Tonight, we honor their sweat and sacrifice—not by mourning the past, but by reclaiming our future. Together.”
A roar of cheers erupts, glasses raised high, voices blending in one loud, defiant declaration of unity. A live band strikes up, and the hall transforms into a celebration. For the first time in months, there’s joy in this house again.
And I let myself enjoy it.
Finding Evi near the edge of the dance floor, I can’t resist. I approach her from the side and stop before her, holding out my hand. “Dance with me, wife.”
She laughs softly. “I thought you didn’t dance.”
“I don’t,” I admit. “But I make exceptions.”
She slides her hand into mine, and I pull her close as the music swells around us. She fits perfectly against me—warm, soft, alive.
“You look incredible tonight,” I murmur. “That dress… it’s something else.”
Her cheeks flush, and she glances down shyly. “Thank you. I made it myself.”
That stops me cold. “You what?”
She nods, smiling at my surprise. “I used to sew a lot. I’ve made most of the dresses I wear, in fact. It helps me think.”
I shake my head, smiling. I don’t know how she could have possibly found time with everything she’s been juggling to get the house in order. And based on the intricacy of the shape and precise stitching, I’m confident it must have taken hours to complete. “You really are full of surprises,” I rasp.
And for the first time, I realize that, while Evi’s been my wife for nearly three months now, I know little about her interests and hobbies—who she is or what she enjoys when she’s not tasked with helping my family get our act together. I need to make a better practice of getting to know my wife.
“I hope that’s a good thing,” Evi says with a sweet smile, drawing me from my reverie.
“It’s the best thing,” I say. And I mean it.
She laughs, soft and genuine, and for a few minutes, the world fades away. It’s just her and me and the sound of the band. The scent of her perfume mingles with the faint tang of champagne and cigar smoke.
This is what home feels like.
It’s strange, realizing how much she’s gotten under my skin. I never wanted a wife. I sure as hell didn’t want love. But Evi… she slipped through the cracks in my armor without even trying.
And now, I can’t imagine this house, my life, without her.
When the song ends, Raf waves me over from across the room. I press a kiss to Evi’s hand and tell her I’ll be right back.
Raf’s alone with the rest of our brothers—Leo, Gio, and Miko standing with him in a quiet corner near the fireplace. The sight makes something twist inside me. It’s been a long time since all of us were together in this house. It feels like a lifetime ago now.
“Hell of a night,” Leo says, raising his glass.
“You did it,” Gio adds, clapping Raf on the shoulder. “You deserve this more than anyone. I just hope you know what you’re getting into. For better or worse, the weight of our legacy is yours to carry now. I know Leo and I sure as hell didn’t want it.”
Raf exhales, a small smile curving his mouth. “Let’s hope I know what I’m doing.”
We talk for a while—about the ceremony, the repairs, the rebuilding. Then the conversation turns, inevitably, to politics.
“The Irish still won’t commit,” Raf says quietly. “I’ve spoken with three of their captains this week. They say they’ll talk when the Murrays are ready to.”
“Meaning never,” Gio mutters.
“Maybe not,” Miko says. “Rumors keep stirring that the Murrays and the Tanakas aren’t getting along. With a power struggle brewing between them, we could still swing it in our favor.”
