CHAPTER THIRTY-EIGHT
“I’ll change at the house.”
My words barely carried in the wind as Rocco guided me up the steps and settled me into the helicopter. Once my headphones were on, he leaned in close and asked, “Do you think you’ll be okay?”
“I believe so.”
My fear of falling still rushed my pulse, but Rocco’s calm steadied me as we lifted off.
The city below appeared like an overfilled pincushion, and even as the helicopter trembled in the wind, I could not look away.
We flew ahead of the growing darkness across the Hudson, the view changing to green patches of Westchester drawing nearer until, in less than fifty minutes, we landed at the Marini mansion.
For once, we skipped the garage and stepped straight into the house thanking Zane as he went upstairs with our bags.
The living room was a blend of sophisticated contemporary styling, with a baby grand piano, floral couches, and a massive flat-screen.
Art adorned some walls, but family photos outnumbered everything, the Marinis smiling out from every frame.
I longed to take a closer look at them, but we had less than half an hour to reach my grandparents, and they never tolerated lateness.
“You can change in my room,” Rocco offered, leading me up the stairs to the last bedroom. Shelves lined the walls, crowded with his trophies and certificates: Debate Team Captain, Summa Cum Laude, Phi Beta Kappa, and a parade of club and outreach awards.
“Wow, it’s like a shrine,” I teased.
“Grandpa had high expectations,” he said, picking up a leadership trophy. “I delivered every time.” He sounded proud, and I was for him.
“You know, I used to hope I’d spot you when I jogged past this house.” I unzipped the garment bag to reveal a mauve crepe dress and a pair of low heels.
“I’ve seen you jog,” he admitted.
Zane closed the door, and I slipped out of my suit and into the dress. “Really? Why didn’t you talk to me?”
Rocco rolled his eyes. “You know why.”
“No, I don’t.”
“Because you would run in the opposite direction the times I tried.”
He pressed a kiss to my shoulder before drawing the zipper up my back.
I laughed, remembering. “Right. I was terrified my grandparents would catch me fraternizing with the enemy.” Our families had always been rivals.
Yet, here we were, about to share a meal after everything they’d put us through.
They’d softened since our wedding, but I still worried they might wound him.
“If they say or do anything out of line, we leave. No questions.”
Rocco grinned. “You protecting me?”
My smile faded. “I mean it. No one gets to hurt you. Not ever.”
He cradled my face and kissed my forehead. “We’ll be fine. I promise.” Then he reached into his jacket and pulled out a velvet case, opening it to reveal the diamond collar necklace Judge Colby had stolen from Luca. “I had it polished and repaired.”
I turned, and he fastened the necklace around my neck. My fingers traced the diamonds. “Thank you. I love it. It’s so beautiful.”
“So are you,” he whispered, his lips brushing my neck.
I reached up, cupping his clean-shaven cheek. “And so are you, my love.”
His hand settled gently on my belly. “How’s Baby Marini?”
My stomach answered with a loud growl, and we both burst out laughing. “Hungry. Let’s go.”
We left, drove down the driveway, and across the hill to my grandparents’ home.
It was then that worry hit me. The Esposito heirloom necklace felt heavy around my neck, and I was sure my grandmother would notice it.
What if the necklace reminded her of something painful with Luca?
However, I didn’t have time to think about it.
We pulled up and climbed out of the car.
Grandmother was outside, and the front was bright with outdoor lights and… a valet. This isn’t a family dinner?
She rushed down the steps with open arms, and I relaxed into her hug.
“How are you, Adelina? You look lovely.”
“Thank you, Grandmother.”
“The dress is a Watson?” It was so similar to hers, and the glimmer in her eye let me know she was touched by it.
“Yes, it is. I love the color.”
Her manicured fingers traced the diamonds at my throat.
“Esposito. Did you know that necklace had a twin, a Longfellow heirloom? It’s wonderful to see it again.
” There was a story there, one I’d have to ask about later.
For now, I caught Rocco’s eye; his small shrug told me to just let it be.
Grandmother was happy, and that was enough.
She smiled, then let go of me and walked over to Rocco, reaching out her hand. “Welcome, Rocco. We’re so glad you could join us tonight.” Her greeting was polite and respectful, so different from the cold welcomes she used to give.
Rocco shook her hand. “Thank you, Constance.”
“The Age of Sin was a work of art,” she added.
“I’m glad to hear you liked it,” Rocco said with surprise in his voice.
We walked inside, and she stopped me, holding me at arm’s length to look me over.
“You look a little flushed. Are you too warm? Do you need a fan? When did you last eat?” She peppered me with questions, her fussing as relentless as ever. But I remembered Jacob’s words: her fussing was just love in disguise.
“I’m fine, just hungry.”
“Yes. With a baby on the way, you need to eat more,” she cheerfully said.
“Constance, let them come in,” Grandfather said.
He walked over in a pristine tailored suit, looking as refined as always, something I had always admired.
He went to Rocco and put a gentle hand on his shoulder, a friendlier gesture than I’d ever seen from him.
“Hello, Rocco. It’s good to see you again. ”
“Good to see you, too, Reg.”
“I hope you don’t mind, but I invited a few friends over to dinner to hear about your movie studio.”
Rocco’s eyes widened. “Thank you, Reginald, Constance. I’d be happy to talk about my work with them.
” His tone was casual, but I knew this was a big deal.
The Belfiores weren’t the wealthiest, but their history was part of New York’s culture, and their influence went beyond money.
My grandfather was opening a door that even Luca’s billions and resources couldn’t reach.
Tears pricked my eyes, and I turned away. My grandparents’ friends were the kind who frequented country clubs and made rare appearances at family gatherings. I could hardly believe they wanted to help Rocco’s movie studio. Grandfather must have cashed in every favor he had.
“Adelina.” It was Grandfather calling me.
“One second,” I said, wiping my eyes before turning back. “You’re helping Rocco?”
“I’m putting him in the room. He’ll have to win them over.” He tried to sound nonchalant, but I noticed caterers gliding down the hall with flowers and trays of food. Grandfather had gone far beyond a simple gesture.
I shook my head. “It’s more than that. You’re helping us.”
Grandfather sighed. “That’s what family does.”
I pressed a hand to my stomach and bowed my head, hiding the tears that slipped down my cheeks.
It was almost too much to process. He thought of us as a part of his family.
I fought so hard to gain their approval and acceptance.
But it wasn’t just me that he was accepting.
My grandfather had sworn to never help a Marini with business, yet here he was standing by us now.
“I’m sorry. I don’t understand.” I raised my head. “Please explain.”
He looked at me kindly and took my hands.
“I’m doing this for you, Adelina. Your life was hard, and we made it harder, but you never stopped trying.
You’ve strengthened our family, giving us a new generation, and we’re very grateful.
It’s only right that we help now.” He blew out.
I’m not good with this stuff. But I couldn’t ask for a better grandchild. We’re so proud of you and Jacob.”
All I’d done over the years hadn’t gone unnoticed. Our burdens, once heavy, now felt lighter as though we were finally sharing the weight. The trembling in my hands calmed, and I knew we were more than our past hardships. We had become a real family.
“Thank you, Grandfather.”
He opened his arms wide, and I hugged him tight.
“We love you, Adelina. I…I love you.”
“I love you, too.”