Page 68 of Roman

They nodded in understanding, and I drove through the gates and up the driveway. Effie stared in awe.

“Roman,” she breathed out. “It is spectacular.”

I helped her from the car, handing her the flowers. “Nonna is happy here.”

“But it is your house?”

“Yes. I live here usually. Always in the winter and spring. The summer, I’m usually busy at the hotel and casino, but I try to be here when I can.”

She stopped walking. “Am I keeping you from your nonna?”

“Lots of things are.”

“I should go back to my place.”

I tightened my grip on her hand. “No talk of that today. Today, we are a couple, and I need Nonna to see that. You promised me that.”

She nodded, but I knew she was still hesitant.

I had to say something, even though I was uncertain of the right words. “We are something, Effie. What, we will figure out on our own. But today, we are Roman and Effie. Got it?”

She squared her shoulders. “Got it.”

I ushered her right to the back garden, where I knew Nonna would be. She was at the table with Aldo and Vi, and I took Effie to her, bending to kiss Nonna’s cheek before introducing them.

“Nonna, this is Effie.”

Effie held out her hand. “I am pleased to meet you, Mrs. Volare. Thank you for having me here.”

Nonna looked between us. Her gaze settled on my hand, resting on Effie’s waist. A slight smile crossed her lips.

“You may call me Nonna V. Like Aldo and Vi.”

“Oh, thank you,” Effie murmured. “These are for you.”

Nonna looked intensely pleased as she took the flowers. “So beautiful. And thoughtful.”

“I know you have your own gardens. Roman told me all about them, but I thought you might enjoy some blooms you don’t have already.”

“Flowers are always a delight,” Nonna agreed. “You picked them?”

“She dragged me around the flower market getting the perfect ones,” I said with a smile.

Nonna’s smile grew wider. “Come, child. You shall help me put them in water.”

I began to follow, and Nonna held up her finger. “You sit. Your Effie and I can handle this.”

I looked at Effie, worried, but she smiled and shook her head. “I’m fine, Roman.”

I sat down, watching them disappear into the kitchen.

“God help me,” I muttered.

Vi snorted. “I doubt he’s gonna step in now. Nonna V is gonna grill her, and you are toast.”

That was exactly what I was afraid of.

I leaned forward and poured myself a glass of wine.