Chapter 17 #2
When we returned to the shop, the salesman greeted us with the ring in his hand.
I took it from him and slid it on India’s finger.
It was a perfect fit. I kissed her forehead before following the salesman to the register.
I took my black card as he rung the sale up and gave me the total.
He smiled, taking the card then completing the transaction.
I’m sure he made a huge commission from this sale. Good for him, he earned it.
The salesman was gracious enough to help me carry our bags to the car.
Once we had everything packed away, India and I left to head back to the estate.
I held her hand the whole way as I ran my finger back and forth over the ring.
I called ahead to let Ventura know we were going to need help unloading the car.
He and two of the house staff were waiting for us when we pulled up.
I took India to my office as Ventura, and the other took the bags inside.
He took the bags filled with the clothes and trinkets to our room while the others took the food into the kitchen.
Once in the office, I called Papà to tell him the good news. I put the call on speaker as India sat on my lap while it rang.
“Figlio, how are you?” He greets.
“Ciao, Papà. I am well. I have great news to tell you and Momma Calista. Is she there with you?”
“Yes, she’s right here,” Papa replies.
“Hello, son,” Momma Calista sings.
I smile from hearing her voice. “Hello, momma.”
“What’s this great news you have to tell us?” She asks.
“First, is Brat there?” I question.
“No, your sister decided she needed a little vacation, so she and her friends are in Vegas for the weekend,” Papà informs.
“Alright, well, what I’m about to tell you, I want you to promise not to tell Dominique. I want to tell her in person.”
“Okay, we promise. Now, what is it?” Momma impatiently asks.
I take a deep breath staring into my angel’s eyes. “I’m getting married!”
There was silence from their end. If the call timer wasn’t still counting, I would’ve thought they hung up.
“Papà, Momma?”
“We’re here, figlio. Sorry about that, we’re just shocked! Congratulations, Davide!” Papà happily answers.
“Yes, honey, congratulations! We are so happy for you!” Momma says excitedly.
“Thank you,” I respond.
“Is this the same young lady you spoke of before?” Papà questions. India raises her eyebrow at me.
I chuckle. “Yes, Papà. Please say hello to my fiancée, India Okoye.”
“Hi, India, it’s nice to meet you.” Momma happily greets.
“Hello, Ms. Calista, it’s nice to meet you too.” India returns with a smile.
“Okoye? Figlio, is that not the same last name of the man who was giving you trouble?” Papà inquires.
“Sì, Papà,” I answer, waiting to see what he’ll say next.
“And you don’t think that will cause a problem?”
“No, I do not. I will cut down any man or woman who brings sadness or hurt to my angel, and I already have!” I vow.
“That’s all I need to hear. Welcome to the family, India.” Papà confirms.
“Thank you, Mr. Russo,” India gushes.
“You’re welcome, figlia (daughter), and please call me, Papà.” He states, causing her smile harder.
We talked for a bit longer before we ended the call.
Papà said he would be coming back to Cefalù at the beginning of next week.
He was looking forward to meeting his future daughter-in-law face to face.
I told momma we would be in touch once we decided when we were going to have our engagement party.
Sadly, we were going to have two parties because there was no way I could have my mother and Momma Calista in the same room.
Next, India called her mother on the burner phone with the news.
Adaego was just as happy as Papà and momma were.
She said she knew when she first talked to me that she was going to get this call soon.
We knew she wouldn’t be able to attend both the engagement party and wedding, so we settled on her coming to just the wedding since it was the most important event.
I couldn’t help asking her again if she had heard anything about her husband.
She said he still has not contacted her since the first time.
I knew Okoye was somewhere holed up healing from his wounds.
I’ll be waiting for him when he resurfaces.
We said our goodbyes, and India told her she would be calling her soon.
I was hesitant at first, but with the push from India, I called my mother.
She started apologizing as soon as she answered the phone.
I told her there was nothing for her to apologize for, and I was over the whole situation.
She wanted to keep talking about it, but I cut her off with the news of our engagement.
She became quiet for a few seconds then congratulated us.
I don’t know if she really meant it or not, but I was happy she didn’t respond in a mean way.
I think she knew if she did, she would lose me forever.
She asked India if they could have lunch soon, so she could apologize to her in person for the way she spoke to her when they first met.
India told her she would like that. Before letting her go, I asked mother to please not tell Dominique about the engagement.
I wanted to be the one to tell her. She agreed.
With all the calls out of the way, I took my new fiancée upstairs to our room, where I made love to her for hours.
Afterwards, we laid in the bed, talking over plans for our wedding until it was time for us to get up and start getting ready to meet the others at Calabresi’s.
We celebrated late into the night. Now I knew why Luca and Matteo would light up every time they would mention their wives.
I found myself doing the same thing with India.
I was happy she, Melinda, and Bridgette hit it off.
Now, she has new friends she could spend time with when I had to conduct business.
With India by my side, I felt like I was in my own personal heaven.
I might find myself in Hell someday for the things I’ve done when I die, but right now, I’m walking above ground with my angel.