Page 62 of Condemned to You

“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.