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Ana swallowed.
“Marta had planned the last gala so well.”
“Yes.”
This time around, Ana had left it all up to professional event planners. The memories were still too sore, and she had many other priorities to attend to this year. “My business partner, Emma, handled more of the planning this year, along with a local company.”
“Ah.” The woman glanced over at the blonde, who was circling the tables like a hawk, scanning around for any issues. She hummed meaningfully.
Ana followed her gaze to find her friend now arguing with a tall, hulking man. Luke.
Oh, dear.
“Probably just some coordination issues.” Ana grimaced.
They made small talk for several more minutes before parting ways, and Ana exhaled in relief. She felt fatigued, and the volley of curious questions from the Family had been too much to bear. Though not as bad as the sympathies and pitiful looks they threw her way.
Rubbing her churning stomach, she wandered out the front doors until cool, fresh air filled her lungs. She swallowed it up gratefully.
People kept filtering into the hall, but she remained out of sight, away from their prying eyes.
Had it only been a year?
It felt, at times, like a nightmare that would not pass. So much worse than the dreams she’d experienced after the guard’s attack.
Sigh.
“Not that bad of a party, I hope.”
A small smile crept up her face as she felt his arms close around her. Cradling her belly gently.
Gio’s warm and solid body curved to her back, surrounding her with his protective embrace.
He hadn’t wanted to host a gala this year, especially not when she was merely four months along. Ana thought he’d been guarded before, but it had worsened exponentially once she’d become pregnant.
He vetted and vetted every step and every person, cycling through staff every few months. Intractably paranoid.
They had barely stepped out since that fateful day, disengaging from all social events until today. Grief was the excuse they gave everyone…which was not far from the truth. It felt like sharp pieces of glass were perpetually lodged in her heart.
But she knew they couldn’t hide any longer. There were duties and responsibilities they could not escape, just like the memories. As Don and Donna, they had to lift the Family and unite them, even when scars were dividing them on the inside.
“Antonio called.”
She jerked.
“He’s free now. I have him on hold.”
Happiness and disappointment filled her. “He refused to come?”
Gio’s black eyes searched her face; his fingers rubbed her downturned lips. With a regretful look, he nodded.
Exhaling, she put on a happy smile and laid out her palm for his phone. Gio unmuted the call and handed it to her, running a soothing hand up and down her back.
“Ana’s here.”
Clearing her throat, she asked, “Tony?”
“Hey, pretty lady. Are you cooking my niece well?” He chuckled softly. She giggled, tears lining her lids at hearing him laugh after so long.
