Page 126 of Humility

“All the better?”

“Something like that. I am sorry I wasn’t here for Jasmine during the miscarriage. I didn’t know, I…it doesn’t matter now. But that’s the whole story.”

The sun was coming up, and I couldn’t help wondering how many more sunrises I would see, if any. I stared at the deep orange rays and remembered lying in bed and watching Jasmine sleep as the sun rose, making her face glow like an angel sent just for me.

“My daughter tells me you’ve created quite an impressive business for yourself in Beastville. Is that true?”

“It is. I own multiple properties and have a distillery making whiskey. All of it on the up and up…okay, I have an underground casino, but does that really count as illegal?”

Don Falcone chuckled. “I’ve never considered it to be. I will assume the whiskey business is to get back at your father?” His lip curled up.

“I wouldn’t do such a thing,” I joked. “But if it is doing better than his, then…”

“All the better?” Don Falcone laughed, and I could see why all the families respected him. Even Giovanni had only spoken about him with reverence. Jasmine was a lot like her father, and I saw the same spirit in them both. “Well, son, if you’re this determined to marry my daughter, then I guess it is time I stepped out of the way. Only if she agrees to take you back, of course.”

My mouth fell open, and my heart pounded hard. I couldn’t have heard that correctly. “Are you serious? You’re not going to kill me or have me locked up and throw away the key?”

“I can’t deny that I have dreamed of doing that, but I only ever wanted my daughter to be happy, and I think you’ve proven yourself worthy of her hand. I’ve always considered myself a fair man, and anyone willing to go to the lengths you have deserves a chance.”

It took all my strength, but I swung my legs out of bed one leg at a time and slowly rose to my feet to look him in the eyes. I ignored my screaming side as I held out my hand.

“Don Falcone, I don’t know what to say. Thank you.”

“If we’re going to be family, call me Sergio.” Ignoring my hand, he gripped my shoulder and leaned closer. “But if you break her heart again, I will rip yours from your chest.” He smiled wide, and I’d never felt so free. My heart sang, but the battle wasn’t over. I still needed Jasmine to agree, but this was a win.

“I will never hurt her again, I swear to you.”

He walked to the door and opened it. “I’m not the one you need to swear to.”

Jasmine stepped into the doorway, and her face lit up as our eyes met. Then they turned embarrassed. I couldn’t hear what he said to her, but she laughed, and tears filled her eyes as she smiled wide.

Don Falcone looked at me and nodded. “Thank you for saving my life.”

The door closed behind him, and I didn’t know what to say. There were so many jumbled thoughts running around my mind.

“God, I’m so sorry. I should’ve done so much differently,” I said.

Jasmine saved me from whatever stupid thing I was going to say next as she rushed across the room and hugged me. I didn’t even care that it hurt. It felt so good to hold her.

“What the hell were you thinking? You stupid ass.” She mumbled into my chest.

“I was never letting you go. I told you that. And no death scares me as much as losing you. You were right. My father’s acceptance haunted me and blocked me from what I really wanted. I needed to stop pretending to be something I’m not,” I said, kissing the top of her head. As soon as she let go, I wiped her face.

“Can you let Dario and Enzo in?”

Opening the door, she waved in the two men and closed it again before coming to stand in front of me.

“Guys can you come over to this side.”

They gave me a suspicious look but did as I asked. Grabbing the side of the bed, I groaned as I lowered down to my knee, and Dario gripped my arm to keep me steady.

“Angelo, you’re going to tear your stitches,” she said, worry etched into her features.

Panting, I looked up at her. “I’ll get up once I’ve said this. Once upon a time, I thought your unpretentious nature was a sign of weakness, and I wasn’t very nice to you. But at every turn in our lives, you’ve proven me wrong. I’ve spent my life wishing to be powerful and have all the riches in the world because I thought that would prove my worth and I’d gain honor and respect.”

I took a deep breath, taking in her honey eyes and the fresh tears traveling down her cheeks.

“I failed to realize that my wish had already come true, but I was too blind to see it. It was always you who made me the richest man in the world—every second I spent with you helped me realize my self-worth. You gave me the confidence to reach for the stars and dream of a future. I would give up every last cent and walk away from everything just to be by your side forever.”