Page 100 of The Godfather’s Christmas Twins

“He left?” Gia appeared once the door latched shut.

“He said he’d talk with you later.”

She bites her lower lip. “Is he still mad?”

“I think it’s going to be okay.” I glance down at the box he gave me.

“What’s that?”

“It’s… ah… it’s your mother’s ring.”

Her green eyes widen.

“Nic asked me to give it to you.” I’m torn between using it as an engagement ring as he asked and just giving it to her.

She approaches me, and I open the box.

“He says it wasn’t from your father. It was a family ring, handed down to her. She gave it to him before she… well… disappeared.”

“It’s beautiful.” She looks up from the lovely opal and diamond ring set in rose gold. “Why did she disappear?”

My heart breaks for Gia. “Your father was a cruel man.”

“But why? What did she do?”

I press my hand to her cheek. “She didn’t do anything. She was a beautiful soul, but your father… he had his whims. I don’t know how or why he made the decisions he did. Nic and I used to hope she escaped, but…”

“She’s dead.”

“Most likely. I’m sorry, Gia. I really am.”

She looks up at me with those trusting, beautiful green eyes of hers. “I wish I could have known her.”

“I do too.” I take the ring from the box. “I think Nic thought I might give this to you as an engagement ring, but when that time comes, I should get you a different ring. This is from your mom to you.”

She smiles up at me. “When the time comes?”

I swallow, all of a sudden feeling nervous. “Yes, well, like I said, I’ve fucked up more than I haven’t the last six years. I need to prove myself. And you need time?—”

“Time for what? Time to know I love you? I already know that.”

I swear my heart beats harder, louder when I’m around her. Can she hear it?

"I've loved you since I was eighteen," she whispers. "That never changed. Not when you left, not when I had the twins, not even when you pushed me away last year. I don't need time to be sure about us."

“You’re amazing.” And she is. I’m in fucking awe of her.

“My mom asked you to protect me, and you did. You do. Your giving me this ring is another link between you and her and me.”

“She made me your?—”

Gia presses her hand over my lips. “You and I both know you never were like a father to me. This ring represents your real role. And it’s like my mother is assigning it to you. My protector. My love.”

“Your husband?” I ask tentatively.

“If you want me?—”

“I’ve told you twice now that I want that.”