Page 42 of Ciao Bella
“Gabriel,” said Gaspar in his big brother voice. “You will always be my little brother, but one that I am so very, very proud of. Nothing will ever change that. I would stand by your side in battle until the last man falls on earth.”
“Same,” nodded Ivan.
“Agree,” said Tailor.
“Can’t go without me,” grinned Alec. Gabe laughed, wiping the tears threatening to spill from his eyes.
“I don’t think anyone will have to be the last man on earth,” he laughed. “But thank you all for your vote of confidence and support. I’m fine and so are you. We all are. The only thing that I can tell you is that Mama and Pops have more surprises that I’m not sure any of us are ready for.”
“If it’s another damn animal, I’m gonna blow my shit,” said Gaspar. The men all laughed, allowing the situation to relax somewhat.
“Well, let’s see, she has giraffes, gorillas, alligators, bison, kangaroos, grizzlies. We can’t forget the grizzlies,” smirked Nine.
“I hate you guys. I was relaxing up until this shit.”
“Listen,” said Jean, “Mama doesn’t really ask us for much. She asks that we stay alive, be kind to one another, protect one another, treat the women appropriately, eat her food, no hard time with that. And, she asks that we allow her to have a zoo or whatever the fuck it is. I don’t think that’s too much to ask for a woman that raised fifteen of her own children and three hundred of someone else’s.”
They all laughed, snickered, and nodded. Gaspar smiled at his brother.
“I know you’re right, Jean, but a wolverine? She brought home a damn wolverine! Who does that?”
“Mama,” said everyone in unison.
“If you want to blame someone, blame Sniff and Lucy. They started bringing home all the stray dogs, the horses, the cattle, the donkeys. Hell, they brought home the elephant from the circus and found our first kangaroo,” said Miller.
“Yeah, but I can’t get mad at my daughter, and if I get mad at her husband, she gets mad at me. It’s a no-win situation.”
“I guess count your blessings. So far, we haven’t had any venomous snakes or spiders,” smirked Baptiste.
“I swear to God, if you say that out loud again, I’m going to leave your ass in Italy,” said Gaspar. “I’m serious. No snakes, no spiders. I put my foot down on that one.”
“Right on top of the spider?” teased Alec.
“You’re not too big for me to kick your ass.”
“Gentlemen, I am enjoying this strange banter of yours about animals, but dinner is ready, and a surprise guest is joining you.”
When they walked inside, they were shocked to see Father Nicholas. The men hugged him as his stooping shoulders laughed with delight. The women stared at him nervously.
“Father Nicholas, what brings you here? Torro is going to be so upset that he missed seeing you,” said Nine.
“Well,” he said, clearing his throat, “I heard that you were in the area, and of course, I wanted to be a part of this amazing group, if only for a little while.” He winked at the women, and they all let out a sigh of relief.
“You’ll join us for dinner, Father?” asked Faith.
“I will indeed,” he smiled. Faith took one arm while Grace took the other, following the men into the dining room. Father Nicholas leaned low to both women.
“We have much to discuss, ladies. Although I would never say this as a priest, we must meet in private.”
“Father, the men will be suspicious,” said Faith.
“You will take me for a walk through the vineyards later. I’ve heard of your find, and I wish to tell you a story that you might need to know.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE
“I’m glad to hear that Torro and Melanie are doing well,” smiled Father Nicholas. “I’m sad that she was unable to have children, but then again, I would be difficult to explain to any child.”
“Not really,” said Miller. “You weren’t a priest quite yet when Torro was conceived. You were young and confused. Besides, it produced one of the best men I know. How could that possibly be a sin?”