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Jesus, Mamma. You’re going to make me cry in front of all my men.
I grip Gabriella’s hand tightly as we walk down the aisle, and when we’re seated in the SUV, I let out a sigh.
Emilio and Vito get into our vehicle while Tommy and one of his best men drive with Carlo and Mamma.
“Are you okay?” Gabriella whispers.
I lean my head closer to hers. “Yes. You?”
“I’m okay as can be under the circumstances.”
The drive to the cemetery isn’t as slow as it would usually be. We don’t want to be sitting ducks behind a hearse, and soon, we’re driven through the iron gates of the cemetery before we all stop in a row.
Angelo pulls up behind our SUV, and when he, Vittoria, Tiny, and Big Ricky get out of their vehicle, I give him a chin lift.
Aunt Greta was a mafia queen so all the heads follow me to the back of the hearse, where we help Carlo pull the casket out.
I glance at Gabriella, and seeing her with Mamma, where my men surround them as they walk to the gravesite, I focus on carrying Aunt Greta to her final resting place.
We set the casket down, and I take my place between Carlo and Gabriella before Father Parisi says a few words.
When it’s time to lower the casket, Carlo steps forward, and resting his hand on the polished wood, he whispers, “You were the best mother a son could ask for. Ti voglio bene, Ma. Addio.”
We watch as the casket is lowered, and halfway through, Carlo turns around and walks away.
“Stay with Emilio and Vito,” I order Gabriella before I go after him.
When I catch up to Carlo, I hear him take a shuddering breath.
Placing my hand on his back, I say, “I’m here.”
He nods and only stops walking when we reach the SUV.
“Christ, Damiano,” he groans.
“I know.” I step closer to him, and putting my hand behind his head, I let him rest his forehead on my shoulder. “I know, brother.”
I keep an eye over our surroundings and everyone attending the funeral while Carlo takes a moment to catch his breath.
When people start to walk in our direction, I mutter, “Lift your head.”
He sucks in a deep breath, and when he raises his chin, I watch as he reins in his sorrow.
“You good?” I ask.
He nods. “Yes.”
“Let’s go to the warehouse,” I order.
We wait for the women, and then I say, “Vito, you and Tommy take the women home.” I lock eyes with Tommy. “From now on, you’ll guard Gabriella and my mother.”
“Yes, boss,” he says before helping Mamma to the SUV.
“Emilio, you’re with us.”
Gabriella holds up her hand to Vito and walks to me. Wrapping her fingers around the back of my neck, she stands on her toes as she tugs me down and presses a kiss to my mouth. “Don’t be late, amore mio.”
I nod, then watch as she faces Carlo. “I got a moment with Aunt Greta before I was taken away.” My wife swallows hard as she fights her tears. “She asked me to tell you she loves you. It was her final request.”
