Always (12 page)

Gina squeezed Enzo’s arm, signaling him she wanted to speak. “I want to talk to you. We both care about our families. We both care about Vincente.”

Enzo patted her arm and smiled. Gina faced Vittorio again, who studied her. Gina stood firm, thinking of Vincente and how he’d stood up for her, how he’d wanted to fight for a chance with her, for them. Vittorio blew out a breath and ran a hand over his face.

“You can go, Enzo. Gina and I need to talk.”

Enzo didn’t move. “Vincente told me what happened. I won’t leave until I’m sure you’re done accusing Gina. She’s going to be my granddaughter.”

Vittorio leaned forward, his expression strengthening, and mellowing. “And mine, I hope, if she’ll forgive a foolish old man.” He waved a hand.

Gina’s eyes brimmed with tears. She blinked. Two grandpas. She closed her eyes. Grandpa Frank and Grandpa Gambora would want her to be happy—would want them all to be happy. Grandpa Frank used to welcome Enzo at the market. They’d talk in Italian together. She’d forgotten, just like she’d forgotten so many other telling memories. She smiled and opened her eyes.

“Vincente’s always been wiser than either of us,” Enzo said. “Will you see Gina gets home, then?”

“
Sí
. I’ll see you tomorrow with your lovely bride-to-be, eh?” Vittorio sat up and placed his hands on his knees.

Enzo nodded, kissed Gina’s cheek, and walked out.

“Sit with me, won’t you?” Vittorio motioned to the seat next to him. “Can I get you something to drink?”

Gina sat. “No, thanks.”

“Vincente was telling you the truth. He didn’t know I was listening to your conversation. He was right. I shouldn’t have said those things to you. I didn’t mean them. I was angry. At myself. I had no right to take it out on you, and my grandson.”

“Thank you. I know he was telling the truth. But why did you listen in?”

“I wanted to make sure he didn’t let you get away. But when you said those things about Carolina…” He leaned back again, but his expression stayed firm.

“She’s your daughter.”

Vittorio took Gina’s hand. “I didn’t do right by my children. I’ve tried to make amends for my mistakes. You saw that our businesses are all legitimate. They weren’t always. I fooled myself into thinking I was an honorable man, that I could bend the law. But I didn’t just bend it, I broke it, and I felt justified.” He rubbed his hands over his eyes. “When Vincente left with Marie, I realized I would lose everyone, everything I loved. But it was hard to get out of that life. When he came back, Vincente helped me finish that process. I’ve given Vincente the attention and been the better man I should have been for his father—and Carolina. I tried to help Vincente find his happiness, but it seems I went too far again.”

“You wanted what was best for Vincente.” Gina squeezed his hand. It was warm and she felt the wrinkles and grooves, the experiences and hardships he must’ve had.

“Yes, and that is you. You make him smile. He doesn’t smile enough.”

“I…so you knew I’d be at the auction?”

“I had an idea.” He grinned slyly. “And I made sure Connie would outbid you for me.”

Gina shook her head. “But no one else knew?”

“I wouldn’t still be alive if I didn’t know how to keep secrets.” His tone was at once proud and sad.

She touched his hand. “Would it be spilling too much to tell me about Vincente?” She trusted now that she knew him, his character, but she liked to hear about him, wanted to know all those little stories only grandparents can share.

“His actions speak more than I could tell you.”

Gina nodded. She’d find out more another time. “Does he, I mean, how do you know he wants to settle down?”

Vittorio laughed, a robust chuckle. “I know him. We talk. He wants to marry, have a family.”

“Me too.”

“Now, enough talk. Time for action. You two need time alone. So, I’m going to Carmel after the party tomorrow.”

Gina’s cheeks heated. She ducked her head.

Grandpop laughed again and rose. “I hope you’ll consider calling me Grandpop.”

Gina rose and kissed his cheek. “Thanks, Grandpop.”

He smiled and patted her cheek. “I hope you’ll excuse the liberty, but I had Paolo pick out some new clothes for you, for the party and wedding. They’re upstairs in the room across from Vincente’s.”

“You two’ve been working together?” Gina squeaked.

“Secrets, my dear.” He swaggered from the room.

Gina laughed and plopped onto the couch. Just like Grandma always said, everything would work out the way it should—miracles happen to those who believe. Gina was convinced.

She pulled her cell phone out of her purse to call Grandma. She had good news to share. Hopefully just the beginning of a basketful of goodness to share.

Chapter Eleven

Vincente stepped to the back door of D’Angelo’s Market, where Michael had told him Frank would be. Vincente’d been crashing with Joey for the last couple of days, working out the best way to approach Frank, when he wasn’t at a job site. And sometimes even then. He needed to resolve this or he’d lose the last strands of his focus.

Frank was hauling boxes into a storage room just inside the door. The evening sun set, sending fiery colors across the sky, reminding him of Gina. Not that he needed more reminders of her. She seemed to be with him all the time, a welcome presence. He was ready to have her manifested as a reality in his life.

“Good evening, Frank,” Vincente said. “I’d like to talk for a few minutes.”

“I’m working.” Frank’s muscles flexed as he lifted. He and his cousin Carlo had been champion wrestlers in high school and both remained stocky and strong.

Vincente walked in and picked up a box, following Frank. They both set the boxes in the room. Vincente stepped out.

“I don’t need your help. Or your family’s.” Frank stood in the doorway of the storage room, standing defensively, as if he had precious cargo in there.

“I know you don’t. But I need yours.” Vincente’s shoulders tensed up, his posture rigid.

Frank huffed a breath. “Yeah, I know you, the family peacemaker, come to get stubborn Frank to accept this marriage, to accept your family. No. I don’t care for your brand of peacemaking.”

“Those days are gone, Frank. I admit I, and my family, haven’t always behaved ethically. I know it’s a flimsy excuse to say we only hurt people who were criminals.”

“What, worse criminals than you?”

“You’re right. But we’ve changed.”

“My mom and Gina think so. Gina told me about the papers your grandfather showed her. So maybe you’ve gone legit. But I still don’t trust you all. Gina and my mom, they’re blinded by their feelings.”

Vincente’s shoulders eased, his stance loosened. Gina must have told her dad she cared about him. “Do you give them so little credit?”

Frank opened his mouth then shut it. He crossed his arms.

“All I’m asking for is a chance. Come to the engagement party tomorrow. Give my family a chance. Give your mom’s happiness a chance. Give me a chance with your daughter.”

“So, that’s what this is about? You want to get with Gina by playing the gentleman?”

“I’m not playing. I know she’s dated some questionable men—”

Frank snorted. “Not even that louse she was engaged to ever bothered to meet her family.”

“I’m not like that. I know how important her family is to her. And you know it’s important to me. We’ve all made mistakes. I’m asking for a chance.”

Frank studied him for a moment. His gaze wasn’t as steely as usual. “You know where the door is.” He turned back to his work.

“Hope to see you tomorrow.” He stood for a few minutes, waiting to see if Frank would respond. Silence. But it wasn’t a “no.”

***

Vincente walked in the kitchen door at home on Saturday afternoon. The room was scented with savory smells, from tomato sauce to bread and herbs. Nico walked toward the door to the hall. “Seen Grandpop?”

“Hey. Glad you’re back. He’s in the dining room.”

“You joining the party for once?” Vincente said.

“Not exactly.” Nico’s smile tightened. “Making sure no one leaves the party prematurely.”

“No one’s going to want to,” Vincente said. He hoped.

He and Nico strode down the front hall. The double doors at the end were open. The wide dining room spanned the back of the house, a bank of windows overlooked the yard and, beyond that, the hilly cityscape to the bay.

The evening sunset blazed through, casting a fiery glow over the polished table and sideboard loaded with appetizers.

Vincente stood at the door. Grandpop appeared and walked over. Uncle Enzo had told him that Grandpop had apologized to Gina.

“
Nipote
, I’m sorry. I won’t interfere again.”

“Don’t make promises you can’t keep.” Vincente grinned. “But next time, make sure it’s Uncle-Enzo approved.”

Grandpop held up his hands. “I agree. I spoke to Gina. I apologized, and we’re good.” Vincente nodded. The doorbell rang. “The party begins.” Grandpop rubbed his hands together.

Voices echoed in the hall. Vincente stepped further into the room.

Uncle Enzo, Uncle Carlo, Aunt Sophia, Joey, Uncle Sal and Pete entered. Vincente glanced over Pete’s shoulder, hoping for more arrivals. Gina’s family walked down the hall. Celeste, Gina’s uncles Max and James, her mom, and Gina…and her dad. Vincente stepped forward.

“Glad you could all be here.” He glanced at Frank. Then he gazed at Gina.

She was radiant, her hair in loose curls, a confection of a red dress grazing her luscious curves, her dark eyes sparkling in the evening light. At him.

Nico appeared behind Frank as Joey and Uncle Max stepped on either side of him.

Grandpop moved out of the crowd. “Thank you all for being here. Before the rest of the guests arrive, my grandson has an announcement.”

He did? He glanced at Grandpop, whose expression was his usual mixture of charm and command. Into the breach… “Uncle Enzo and Celeste, congratulations,” Vincente said.

Enzo and Grandma stood together, beaming. Gina smiled, though her shoulders tensed.

“This isn’t romantic.” He gazed at Gina, who stood in front of him. “But I want to declare, in front of all of you, that I want a chance with this beautiful, caring woman, Gina D’Angelo. I hope, if she wants to take that chance with me, we’ll have your blessing, especially yours, Frank and Eva.”

Frank’s frown deepened and he shifted his feet. Eva held his arm.

Gina gazed at him for a moment, giving him a smile. She stepped to him and took his hand. “I want that chance too.”

Most of the family whooped and cheered. Most hugged her or Vincente, crowding around them.

“You don’t have my blessing.” Frank’s voice cut the happy murmuring. His jaw flexed. He tried to turn, but Eva held one arm and Max grabbed the other.

Gina leaned into Vincente. They faced Frank and Eva, Uncle Enzo and Celeste meeting them, a united front.

“Dad, please listen.” Gina gripped Vincente’s hand.

“You thought you were in love before, and look what happened. That cheating scum Jeff and that lowlife thug Luis. I’m not letting you get hurt again.”

“Vincente is different. I’m different.”

Vincente stood taller and squeezed Gina’s hand. Together, they’d get though whatever came their way.

Chapter Twelve

“Listen to them,” Gina’s mom said.

“Frank, Vincente is a good man,” Max said. “I’d trust him with my life.”

Vincente pulled Gina closer.

“My daughter, my family, mean more to me than my life.” Gina’s dad crossed his arms.

“I feel the same.” Vincente kissed the top of Gina’s head. “Gina’s told me a little about her past and it made me want to knock some heads, but she doesn’t need that. She needs—we all do—peace. And to live your father’s legacy—of community, family, kindness, trust.”

Gina lifted his hand and kissed it. Something in him loosened. He caressed her hand.

Celeste grasped both of their hands and squeezed. He glanced at her. A tear coursed down her soft cheek, but she smiled in her usual serene way.

Frank rubbed his hand down his face. He met Vincente’s stare.

“That was Dad.” Frank sighed. His face grew tense again—his frown returned. “But he wouldn’t have taken money from the DeGrazias. And neither will I.”

“You don’t have to,” Gina’s uncle James said. “Michael called me. Quit being a stubborn fool, Frank. You’re my favorite cousin. Let me invest in D’Angelo’s Market. This is about family. It’s bigger than you.”

“I’m your only cousin.” Frank grinned and shook his head.

James shrugged and smiled. “Is that a yes?”

Frank’s grin faded. “Charity,” he muttered.

“Dad,” Gina said. “All we’re asking is for you to keep Grandpa’s legacy alive. Don’t deny Uncle James the chance to help with that. And give Vincente and his family a chance. Just open the door.”

Gina’s dad studied her. He glanced again at James. Then he turned to his wife. Some unspoken communication passed between them as they gazed at each other.

Frank faced Gina again. “You’re right, Gina. You thought I haven’t been listening to you. I heard you. I didn’t want to hear what you were saying. I didn’t want to know that I’d caused my little girl, my family, so much pain when I walked out on you all those years ago. Your mom gave me a second chance. I’ll try.”

The doorbell rang again. Paolo and Janetta strode down the hall. Frank turned.

“What’ve we walked into?” Janetta half-smiled, half-smirked, a fitting expression for her pixie looks.

Paolo shushed her. “We’ve walked into another miracle, right? Don’t disappoint me, Frank. I want a wedding to plan.”

Frank chuckled. “No engagement yet.” The tension receded, inevitable as the tide washed from shore, like the waves he liked to watch from the terrace.

Frank glanced from Gina to Celeste before he focused on Vincente with a steely glare. “Better not be a wedding anytime soon, besides my mom’s.”

There would be, he hoped, but they’d negotiate an agreement on that point later. Vincente reached out his hand. Frank shook it with a quick tug. He’d show Frank that he could be trusted. Gina hugged her dad and then Vincente.

Grandpop smiled. “
Nipote
, you’ve done well. Gina, welcome to the family.” He kissed her cheeks.

Gina hugged him. “Thank you,” she whispered.

Grandpop pressed Gina and Vincente’s hands together. “I thank you. You’ve made my grandson happy and will bring new joy and life to our house. As I knew from the first time Celeste told me about you.”

Gina glanced at Vincente, who shrugged with a smile. “I told you he was interfering.”

“It worked.” Gina laughed.

“That’s my granddaughter.” Grandpop patted her arm.

“My granddaughter,” Uncle Enzo said.

“You’re getting ahead of things, Grandpop.” Vincente held Gina’s hand, hoping she’d stay by his side.

“Indulge me for the moment, eh? And, Enzo, share with your brother, you with your four grandchildren to my one.”

“We’re all family,” Celeste said.

“I agree with Celeste. Now, let’s stop arguing, and do what we do best: eat,” Aunt Sophia said with a laugh.

“I thought you were the best at matchmaking, Mom,” Joey said as they all lined up for the buffet tables. “Looks like this time Grandpop bested you.”

Marcella had put out a delicious spread: lasagna, eggplant parmigiana, salads, fresh bread, and colorful antipasti trays.

Aunt Sophia gave Joey a playful smack on the arm. “Watch it, son. You’re next to get matched up. You’ll help me, won’t you, Uncle Vittorio?”

Grandpop chuckled. “For you, my niece, nothing is too much.”

“Don’t forget about me,” Paolo chimed in.

“You’re done for,” Gina said to Joey. She grinned. Damn, the happiness glowing from her smile and eyes made her all the more appealing.

“Janetta, help me out,” Joey pleaded with his sister.

“Gotta help myself. Better you than me,” Janetta said.

“Mom, try your skills on Lorenzo. Now there’s a challenge.” Joey piled lasagna and salad on his plate.

Several people laughed. It was kind of funny, thinking Lorenzo would ever settle down, or that Aunt Sophia could ever find him a woman. She didn’t know the kinds of women Lorenzo dated, if he could call it dating.

“
Basta
,” Uncle Enzo said. “Enough of that talk.” He sat at the table, where others joined him.

Once everyone was seated, they prayed. Vincente said a silent thanks. His prayers had been answered.

***

After the party, Vincente went upstairs to unpack his small suitcase and shower. He loved his family, but the noisy, disorderly gatherings sometimes tested his tolerance for chaos. Besides, he could use a cold shower after being close to Gina all afternoon and into the evening. But, she’d left with her family, and Grandpop had gone to rest in his room.

He walked downstairs and into the kitchen for an apple. Marcella was just finishing putting away some of the leftovers. She tended to go overboard in her food preparation.

“
Signore
say to meet him outside.”

“
Grazie
.” Vincente’s brows tugged together. This was odd. Though occasionally Grandpop liked to admire the spectacular view from their back yard. Vincente should do it more himself. He walked out and into the main hall. He passed the closed doors of the study, the library, the downstairs guest suite, until he reached the door leading into the yard. He stepped onto the terrace. The sunset blazed above the shimmering bay. He passed the low hedges and walked across the grass. But it wasn’t Grandpop who stood at the carved baluster—it was Gina.

She turned as he approached. Her silky hair caressed her cheeks, the strands teased by the evening breeze. The same breeze blew her scent to him—ocean, citrus, pure joy. She still wore the red dress she’d had on earlier. As she shifted her position, her cleavage jiggled. Vincente tensed his legs to keep his attention away from her sexy appeal.

“Grandpop said to tell you he went to Carmel for a few days.” Her sultry half-smile brightened her beauty.

His mouth opened. Damn, she was beautiful.
“Thanks,” he said. “Can I get you anything?” Like a wedding ring…

She shook her head. “I’d like to talk.”

He nodded and guided her to the outdoor sofa that overlooked the bay view. He wouldn’t touch her, not yet. She slid onto the couch. He sat next to her. Facing him, she tucked a leg under her curvy rear.

“I’ve been wrong.”

He swallowed and rubbed his hands on his thighs.

“When I left for college, I wanted to get away. I didn’t ever want to come back. I’d already forgotten the lessons my family had taught me, what I’d believed in—trust, faith…my Grandpa Frank’s legacy, and Grandma’s life. I was bitter about my dad and how my family seemed to splinter just when I was a confused teenager, making bad choices.”

Vincente grabbed her hand. It was warm and smooth. He’d forgotten some of his truth too, until Gina’d slammed into his life, and his heart. His grin widened.

“I’ve made a lot of mistakes.” She fingered his knuckles.

Her touch flowed through him, a healing balm. “Me too. I don’t care—it all brought you here, to me.”

Gina leaned forward and kissed him, quick and firm. He ran his hand through her hair. It fanned over his hand as she pulled back.

“You’re a good man, Vincente DeGrazia.”

“It’s a miracle.” He smiled.

Gina pushed his shoulder with a playful grin.

“What’d I tell you about that?” He forced himself to put on a serious expression.

Gina licked her lips. She glanced at their hands, still pressed together. When she met his gaze again, her smile had softened, tender.
He touched her cheek. His chest expanded. He kissed her, her warm cheeks, her full lips. She sighed, content, as he enfolded her in his arms.

“I’ve talked to Grandpop,” she said.

“He mentioned that. The old manipulator.” He chuckled.

“He’s told me about you.” She grinned, a sly smile.

“He needs to stop interfering.”

“Maybe. But he was right.”

“Whose side are you on?”

“We’re all in this together. He’ll mellow when we give him a few grandkids.”

He leaned closer to her. “You want a family?” Once he’d seen how much she loved her family, he’d suspected she wasn’t the hard career woman he’d initially thought her to be.

“Don’t you?”

He nodded. “I do. With you. I want you to know I’ve made mistakes too. In my first marriage, in my life. After my parents died, Grandpop and Grandma took me in. He was in some wrong business back then, money laundering and political corruption. He tried to shield me from it, but after high school I wanted to know. I got involved. I hurt people—they’d done wrong, but what I did was wrong too. That’s when I left, just like my father had when he’d been that age. I’d met my late wife…but we didn’t want the same things.”

“Children?”

“She wanted to devote herself to her career. Decided kids were too much. She didn’t want me to ever see my family again—she was estranged from her family. She didn’t believe in second chances. Neither of us was happy. We were both quiet, serious. We never talked, like this.”

Gina caressed his cheek and kissed him. “I love you, no matter what, because I know you’re a good man. But, is any of what you did going to come back on you? Could you go to prison?”

“No, the statutes of limitations are all expired. And, I doubt the people involved would report anything. Their crimes were more serious.” He hunched his shoulders. He didn’t like thinking about those times.

Gina gazed at him and caressed his jaw. “So, when you came back home, after Marie passed…”

“Grandpop was ready to change, and so was I, I thought. But other than business, nothing changed me—until you.” His shoulders relaxed. He gazed at Gina. They studied each other. He kissed her. Soon, her lightness filled him. They broke their embrace, both smiling. “What about your job at D’Angelo’s Market? What’s happening?” He sounded clueless. Wasn’t far off target.

“D’Angelo’s Market isn’t a job. It’s a legacy.” She smiled. “I can work from home, if I want. Mom says they just want me to work with the business side. They’re looking at hiring a baker part-time.”

“You’re amazing.” He tangled her hair in his fingers, pulling her closer.

“You bring out the best in me.” Gina’s tone was mischievous.

“You bring out something else in me.” He edged his hand under her dress. The feeling of her smooth thigh made his body alert and alive.

She placed a hand near his growing bulge. “Isn’t that the best of you?” She laughed.

He grabbed her, pulling her up with him, and held her close.
“The best is yet to come.”

“I love you, Vincente.” Gina gazed at him.

Vincente pulled her closer. “I love you.”

He released her. She frowned slightly. He knelt on one knee. From his pocket, he slid out the ring Grandpop had given him. “Marry me?”