Kon (Trassato Crime Family Book 2)(75)

While my family hadn’t professed their undying love for Kon or openly supported our relationship, they stopped putting up roadblocks after that terrible night, and that was enough for me. I had no doubt any remaining reservations would crumble in no time at all, or in twenty-nine and a half weeks to be exact, when our babies made an appearance.

I was pregnant with twins, and I was over the moon with happiness. I wouldn’t share that with my family tonight, though. There were only so many surprises they could handle at a time.

Dominick told me in his roundabout way he didn’t expect me or want me to marry Nico. Less than a week after the incident, Nico and Gemma disappeared. I had no clue what happened to them, and I didn’t care as long as he and his sister stayed far away from me and the people I loved. Even better, Gian stepped into Nico’s role as the underboss, and from the little I heard things were going well.

Kon was messed up for a while after Laney’s death. He kept second-guessing his decision to shoot her. I understood his anguish. He loved her at some point, and taking her life, regardless of the crap she’d pulled, had to hurt. The father of Laney’s child stepped forward, and that was a huge shit-storm. I didn’t know if Kon would ever forgive Anatolyi, but Anatolyi was living in his own personal nightmare as a single father, so I think he got his due.

“They’re here,” Kon said, threading his fingers with mine and placing our joined hands over my lower belly. “Are you ready to tell your family?”

“I think it’s too late to back out now.”

“You’re damn right it is,” he growled, nipping my ear. “I’m never letting you go now that we made it official.”

Gian, Evie, and my mom waded through the crowded restaurant, drawing all eyes to them. I couldn’t blame people for rubbernecking like it was their job. They made quite the couple between Evie’s rising celebrity status and my brother’s dark, mysterious background.

Gian slid in the booth after my mom and Evie. “Nice restaurant, Kon. I hope you’re planning to pick up the tab.”

“Considering this is our wedding reception, I don’t have any problems with that. Do you, Carmela?”

I elbowed him under the table. “Kon! That’s not how we agreed to tell them.”

My mom’s mouth dropped open, Gian burst out laughing, and a huge smile lit Evie’s face.

“You owe me a hundred bucks.” Gian nudged Evie and held out his hand.

“You cheated. I know you did,” Evie said, rummaging around in her purse, then slapping a wad of cash on the table.

“Stop it with the secrets, you two. Tell me what’s going on,” I said.

“Just a little bet about who knew their sibling better,” Gian said, a smug look on his face. “I told Evie you two would either elope or get married at the courthouse without telling anyone. She thought you would go all out so Carmela would finally get the wedding of her dreams. I was right. She was wrong.”

“Whatever.” Evie shrugged. “Even a blind dog finds a bone sometimes, and you guys have that freaky twin connection, so I was at a disadvantage.”

“Why didn’t you want me there, Carmela?” my mom implored, her voice soft, almost fragile. “Are you still mad at me?”

“Ma, I didn’t mean to hurt anyone’s feelings, and no, I’m not mad at you. We got caught up in the moment, and it felt right,” I replied, my stomach stewing with nervousness.

“Baby girl.” She slid her arm across the table and grabbed my hand. “You didn’t hurt me. I see how much you love each other, and there is nothing I want more than for you to be loved, cherished, and happy. I’m so proud of you. You never gave up. You’ve had your dreams snatched away so many times, and you kept going. You kept fighting for what you wanted even when we thought we knew better.”

“Then you approve of us? Of Kon?”

“Carmela, I love you, and I love Kon even though I don’t know him very well because he makes you so happy. Happier than I’ve ever seen you.”

“He does. More than you know.”

Kon slipped his arm around my waist and pulled me against him. “I love you, solnyshka.”

“I love you too.”

I meant it. I never thought I’d love anyone like I loved Rocco, and in some ways I was right. I’d always hold my memories of Rocco next to my heart. While he played an important part in shaping my life, I stopped whitewashing all the cracks in our relationship. I forgave him for being unfaithful and myself for the harsh last words we shared, and with forgiveness I found peace and love.

My love for Kon was different, and in a lot of ways, bigger and stronger. We were older and knew what we wanted out of life. We didn’t keep secrets from each other, and yes, sometimes his world scared me because in the world of organized crime—Russian, Italian, or any other—there was no security and no guarantees. I learned that firsthand, and I was fine with it. We lived by our rules, and we’d be okay provided we never stopped fighting for each other and our love.