Epilogue
“It’s almost time,” the wedding coordinator popped her head into the room.
“Thank you,” I smiled with a nod.
“Ready dad?”
I looked up to see my son adjusting his bow tie. Getting to my feet, I walked up to him and gave him a manly handshake.
“The question is, are you ready?” I replied, perfecting the knot around his neck.
“I’ve never been more ready for anything more in my whole life.”
I laughed, “Didn’t you say that when you graduated law school?”
“That wasn’t in the question you asked me,” he laughed in return. “It was more of a ready to knock ‘em dead.”
Proud was an understatement about how I felt about my son.
He was everything I couldn’t be but so much more.
He was book smart, but he also had my street smarts.
He never dabbled in the lifestyle, and I was so grateful for his lack of interest. My children went to the best schools, dressed in the finest clothing, and I gave them everything they could ask for.
“Pops, can I ask you a question?”
“You know you could ask me anything.”
“You think I’ll make a good husband? You and mom set a high standard.”
“If you don’t, I’ll beat the shit out of you. I just wish you took more time putting a ring on her finger.”
“I know you think we’re moving fast, but pops… she’s the one. I’ve never met any woman who can make my heart beat so fast and so slow at the same time.”
“I know the feeling all too well.” I smiled and placed my hand on his shoulder, “I trust your instincts, son.”
“You’re gonna cry on me, old man?” He laughed but looked away, trying not to sniffle.
Gripping my hand on his shoulder sternly so he would look at me. “You’re gonna make a damn good husband and an even better father. You made partner in the shortest amount of time at your firm, if that doesn’t tell you something…”
A knock at the door interrupted us. Letting go of my son, we turned so that we both faced the door.
“We’re coming!” I said. “I’ll meet you out there.” I gave my son a hug and walked out of the room.
Walking toward the ceremony area, Cassie joined me. “It’s the big day,” Cassie commented. “How are you feeling?”
“As long as he’s happy Cass.”
“Always thinking about everyone else,” Cassie shook her head.
“E!” A voice from afar called out.
“Alfie,” I smiled as we both embraced one another in a hug. “That California sun is doing you good.”
He laughed, “Maybe if you get yourself out there, you’ll see how good it really is.”
“Where’s Molly and the kids?”
“Molly had to stay back, so the kids stayed with her.”
“Don’t tell me she’s pregnant again,” I jokingly said.
Alfie laughed, “If she is, it’s not mine. Got both my balls snipped.”
“Sucker!” I laughed.
“I just saw Sonny and Cecilia. They are going to have their first grandchild. How about that ya old man?!”
“The family just keeps growing.”
“I’m going to make my rounds and say hi, I’ll catch you later.”
Cassie nudged me, “I’m gonna go grab a seat. I’ll see you in a bit.”
I pulled out a cigarette as I stood by the welcome sign staring at it.
Welcome to the wedding of
Jimmy and Freya.
“Almost like déjà vu.” Bethany stood beside me looking at the sign.
Her scent hit me and her voice was like a sweet melody. How she still had this effect on me after all this time baffled me.
Still staring at the sign, I replied, “Is it fucked up we never told them?”
Bethany let out a giggle. “I remember the first time Freya told me about this guy she met from Chicago. I just had this feeling he’d be the one. When I realized he was your son, I knew I couldn’t tell her. I’m surprised you didn’t say anything.”
“How can I? It was the first time he came home and told me he found his future wife.” I smiled at the memory.
“I wonder what Luca would have made of this.”
“He would have been over the moon,” Aria’s voice said from behind us.
Bethany and I turned to face her. Aria never lost her touch, always looked her best. After Luca passed last year, she traveled often between Chicago and New York.
“It’s good seeing you both together after all this time,” Aria wore a warm smile.
I smiled unsure what to make of her comment. We watched as she pulled out two envelopes from her purse.
“I didn’t want to do this today,” Aria said.
“But Stella, Marco, Lily, and I are heading to New York right after the reception.” She handed us both our own envelope.
“I finally got around to cleaning out Luca’s desk.
He had these two envelopes sealed. They have your names on them. I didn’t open them.”
There was a look on her face. “You know what they say,” I replied.
She shrugged. “No, but I do know one thing, his biggest regret was not letting you both be together.”
Bethany took a deep breath while I shifted on my feet.
“Mom!” Stella walked over in distress, “Antonio said I can spend the summer interning at DeCarlo Sites.”
Aria let out a deep breath, “We spoke about this already.” Turning back to us, “I’ll catch you both later. It’s going to be a beautiful wedding.”
We watch her walk away in silence. Looking down at the envelope, I could tell this was written years ago. The paper was off white and felt old.
“I miss him,” Bethany said, “Despite it all. He was a good brother.”
“It wasn’t his fault,” I replied.
“I know.” She turned to face me. “Do you regret it?”
I was hoping she’d never have the opportunity to ask me this because she wasn’t going to like the answer.
“No,” I replied still facing forward.
“I see,” Bethany’s voice was low.
Turning to face her, I looked her straight in the eyes. “I’ll never regret making the choice to keep you safe. As Consigliere I have immunity, if I gave up the title you have no idea what enemies we would have to run from. That’s not a life you deserve to live.”
Bethany’s eyes began to water, “That wasn’t your choice to make.”
A knot formed in my throat, “It was the best choice for me.”
“Ah, there you are!” Hamilton joined us pulling Bethany in for a kiss then turned to me for a handshake. “Emilio, looking sharp as always. Where’s the Mrs.?”
“Rach is probably running around making sure everything is going smoothly,” I replied.
“Beth, you mind checking on Freya? Wedding coordinator thinks she’s getting cold feet.”
Bethany laughed, “Let me go see her before her friends get her drunk.”
Before walking away, we gave each other a final look.
However things panned out, we were all able to live a good and happy life even if it wasn’t what we originally hoped for.
I didn’t regret allowing Bethany to get out of Luca’s reigns and marry Hamilton after Pio was found dead.
I was happy she got to have a family and live happily and peacefully away from me and this city.
Bethany walked away, but Hamilton remained. There was never a competitive moment between us since that day I asked for his help.
“Thank you,” Hamilton extended his hand to me.
“For?”
“For respecting me enough to not interfere with our marriage.”
“You made her happy so I can’t complain.”
“You and I know if you wanted, you’d still be able to take her away from me.”
“Lucky for you, I’m not that kind of man.”
Hamilton smiled and nodded his head. “I’ll see you at the ceremony.”
Left alone in my own thoughts, I played with the envelope debating whether to open it. Tossing my cigarette on the ground, I found myself taking the letter out.
The first line already choked me up.
I laughed out loud - partially because I always thought he had too nice of handwriting for a man.
One of the hotel attendants approached me, “Mr. Pugliese, I’m sorry to bother you, but you’re needed in the groom’s suite.”
I furrowed my brow. “Is something wrong?”
“I believe it’s for photos. “
Rolling my eyes, I headed toward the suite. How many photos do they need? Strolling passed the incoming guests, I headed back into the hotel and toward the suite. Opening the door, I find Bethany there in nothing but heels.