Six Months Later…
I used to think dealing with my father was the most difficult thing in the world since marrying Connor, but giving birth has trumped the grumpy, demanding and unforgiving Matthais Volkanov.
After nearly 24 hours of labor, I finally gave birth to a perfect, handsome, healthy baby boy. Connor stayed by my side the entire time, encouraging me, feeding me ice chips and running out to update the family on my progress.
At one point, I burst into tears and didn’t think I could do it. I was exhausted, overwhelmed and desperate to get our baby out of my poor body. That’s when Connor pressed a kiss to my temple and whispered, “Your mom and Solana just arrived.”
Shock rocked through me. Even though I wanted to see them, my delivery was too difficult to add more stress. But Connor brought me messages from them and just knowing they were out there in the waiting room filled my heart with a joy and hope that had been missing since I’d left home.
Their presence also fueled me to dig deep and finish. And just before the 24-hour mark, I delivered our son who we named Griffin Roberto Mennetti.
Now, two days later, I’m home, propped up in bed with a mountain of pillows behind my back. I just finished feeding Griffin and my mom and sister sit with me. We’ve been talking and reconnecting nonstop since the moment they arrived this morning.
And it feels really, really good.
Still though. I’m wondering about Gio, Luca and Dad. When I finally ask, my mom purses her lips and then frowns.
“Those stubborn men,” she says. “I’m angry with all of them!”
“I’m not surprised about Dad, but Gio and Luca? They haven’t even called.”
“Gio is learning the business more, so Dad is influencing him.” Solana explains. “And Luca ran off to Italy, but he does send his well wishes. When he gets back, he says he’d like to see you and meet Griffin.”
“Don’t worry,” my mom says. “There’s hope that our family will all be united again.”
“I don’t want to be the cause of us falling apart,” I say softly. “But the Mennettis are wonderful people and they’re my family now, too. I know you’ll love them just as much as I do.”
“I’m sure we will, sweetheart. Just as we love this little life you and Connor created,” my mom says.
“Now hand over my grandson so I can give him my kisses.”
With a chuckle, I pass Griffin over to my mom.
“I’m going to take him down to his room and rock him for a while. He should fall asleep right away. That way you can get some rest.”
My mom takes Griffin, and Solana stands up to follow.
“Lana?”
My sister turns to look at me, an eyebrow raised.
“Do you ever think our families will be able to come together and get along?” I ask.
Solana thinks about it for a moment. “I hope so. Maybe…”
“What?” I ask, leaning forward.
“Maybe you could write Dad a letter? I’ll make sure he gets it. For whatever reason, I think he wanted to come today, but, well, you know how stubborn he is.”
That little piece of information makes my heart soar. “Okay, I’ll do that. Thanks, Lana.”
“You’re welcome.”
Connor steps into the room and Solana skirts past him with a shy grin.
“Can we count on you as a babysitter, Solana?” Connor asks, grinning.
“Oh, yes,” she declares. “Any time at all.”
“Good to know,” he murmurs as she walks out and goes down to meet my mom and Griffin.
“How’re you feeling?” Connor asks, coming over and sitting on the edge of the bed.
“Better,” I tell him and reach over. Our fingers twine and we share a long look. “I’m glad they’re here.”
“Me, too.”
“Can you do me a favor?” I ask.
“Anything.”
“I need a piece of paper, pen and an envelope. Solana suggested that I write a letter to my father. Maybe we can send him a picture of the baby, too.”
With a nod, Connor goes to retrieve what I need and then returns with the items. “What’re you going to write?” he asks, sitting down beside me again.
“I know it may be impossible to ever get my father’s approval, but I’m going to try because I believe there is hope.”
“I hope you’re right.”
“He has a grandson now and I’d like for them to know each other. Maybe he’ll begin to understand it’s time to put this rivalry aside. Because I will never let our little boy get caught up in the hate between our families.”
“It’s so much better, though, isn’t it?”
I nod and smile at my handsome husband. “I love your family. They’ve been nothing but kind and generous.”
“And your mom and Solana are very sweet.”
“I’d like to think it’s just going to take some time for everyone to come together. But I believe it can happen. Even despite the bad blood between you and my father.”
“If forgiving him for what he did to me makes you happy then it’s done. Because I’ll do anything to see you smile, cara mio.”
“I’m going to tell him about our wedding, how Antonio tried to kill me on the street and then again after we married, about Griffin and how I’d like for him to bury the past and be a part of our lives. They say time heals all wounds, so maybe that’s all we need.”
“What if he doesn’t come around?
I lay a hand along Connor’s cleanly-shaven cheek and study his beautifully-chiseled face and bright blue eyes. “Then that’s his decision. I’m merely extending an olive branch and it’s up to him whether or not he accepts. I’ve learned that family is more than blood and history.”
“It is. isn’t it?” he murmurs, turning his face and pressing a kiss to my palm.
“I’ve never been happier, Connor. I have everything I ever needed.”
“Same,” he whispers.
We both lean forward, and our mouths meet in a kiss that makes my pulse thunder and my heartbeat faster. Kissing Connor always excites me and when we finally come up for air, we’re both breathing hard.
“I have about five weeks before we can have sex,” I tell him and scrunch up my nose.
“It’s going to be the longest five weeks of my life,” he laments. “But I’m sure we can find other things to do.”
“Hot things?” I ask teasingly.
“Scorchingly hot, Mrs. Mennetti,” he tells me with a wicked grin.
“Then let’s get started, Mr. Mennetti,” I say, pulling him in for another long, sensual kiss. “Show me how much you love me.”
“Always, cara mio,” he murmurs between kisses.
Connor Mennetti, once my enemy is now the man who holds my heart. It beats for him and him alone.
And I wouldn’t have it any other way.