Page 61 of Condemned to You

“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.”