Page 99 of Roman

I nodded. “He is right. The business is ours now. We make the rules, not my father. Not an organization. Each family is responsible for their own future. Others have left. Handed over the reins and walked away.” I took a drink of coffee. “Neither of us wanted what my father had. We hated his ways of doing things. Violence was his first response. Not”—I smirked—“that I objected to it. But there are other ways.”

Aldo nodded. “So Luca would run Ottawa.”

I met his eyes. “I was thinking I would keep this place. You could have Toronto. I know you love the big city. So does Vi.”

He looked incredulous. “You’d give me Maple II to run?”

I drew in a deep breath. “I’d give you Maple II outright.”

“Roman—”

“There would be fees.”

“Of course.”

“But it would be your vision. Yours to do as you want. Same as with Luca. I would have a stake in the business. A monthly draw.”

He shook his head. “But here?”

“I would figure it out. All of this will take time if we go forward.”

“I don’t know if I can leave you, Roman.”

I smiled at the man I trusted with my life. “You aren’t leaving me. You’d be down the road. That one runs without me there twenty-four seven. This one can as well. I’ll hire the right people. Without the illegal stuff to worry about, it won’t be as…hands on.”

He looked thoughtful. “We’ll talk more. Think it over. Carefully.”

“After the wedding,” I agreed.

I returned to the suite, not surprised to find Effie in her favorite spot. I was beginning to wonder if I needed to have the chair moved to the estate with her.

Unable to resist, I bent and kissed her. I liked how her mouth felt underneath mine. As usual, that feeling of completion welled inside me now that she was close.

I sat across from her, studying her face. Her eyes were tranquil and warm. She smiled at me. “Thank you for today,” she said, sounding shy. “The dress, the flowers. I didn’t expect any of it.” She reached out, touching a blossom beside her.

I returned her smile. I had sent Judith up to have her discuss the types of flowers Effie wanted for the wedding. Once she had done so, I met with our on-site florist and sent up an arrangement for Effie after recalling her saying she had never received flowers. I kept the card simple, signing it,

I can’t wait until Friday.

Yours, Roman.

Audrey informed me that Effie had been surprised and pleased with her flowers. Watching her touch them, I decided to make sure flowers were sent to her regularly at the estate.

“You were very quick with your dress selection.”

Effie nodded. “It was as if Gerry already knew what I would love.” She paused. “It’s not really traditional.”

I laughed. “Neither are we. Whatever you picked, you will be lovely.”

“Vi picked her dress too.”

“I understand green is the color of the day.” I winked at her. “I would have gone violet-blue if I were choosing.”

She blushed, the color highlighting her prettiness. “You gave me a choice.” She held up her hand. “I wanted to complement my ring.”

I leaned close, running a finger down her warm cheek. “Nonna will love that. Thank you.”

Our eyes locked for a moment, and I bathed in the sweetness of her gaze. She had no idea how she bolstered me with her presence. I wasn’t sure how it happened. I cupped her cheek, and she turned, pressing a kiss to my palm. Once again, she disarmed me with her affectionate gestures.