Page 19 of The Mobster’s Present

“You’re going to make all of mommy’s worries go away, aren’t you?” The innocence in Oriana’s question slams into the middle of my chest.

I’m not a man who is overcome by emotion, but even my throat closes up slightly. When I step a little bit closer, she pats her bed with a smile on her face. I don’t need to be asked twice and gingerly sit down.

“Yes,” I assure her, “I’ll be making all of your mommy’s worries go away from now on.”

I offer her my hand, and she doesn’t think twice about slipping her tiny one into it. It’s such a simple gesture but my heart thuds in my chest and fills with love for this little girl. She’s so damn strong and she doesn’t even realize it.

“Good,” she lets out a long breath as if she’s been holding it for a long time. I glance at Ashleigh to find her eyes glassy with unshed tears. She’s talking softly with Beth, but I can tell she’s paying attention to every second of my interaction with our daughter. “She’s worried and scared, but you’re strong.” She looks me over like she’s curious what price I’ll fetch at an auction. “You can handle it.”

“I can carry your worries too, little warrior,” I offer and give her hand a gentle squeeze.

Her face turns serious as she eyes me with a wariness that a three-year-old shouldn’t possess. “Are you sure, I’m in the hospital. I’ve been here a while so it must be serious.”

My heart fucking cracks open at her words. I gently caress her soft cheek.

“It is serious,” my voice is solemn, “because you’re sick, but it’s nothing that can’t be treated. You’re getting good care here and I’ll make sure that you get the very best care possible going forward.”

“That sounds expensive,” her little mouth struggles around the last word and I can’t help but smile softly.

“There’s no price that’s too high when it’s for you, Ori-love.”

Her eyes light up and she slowly and carefully crawls into my lap. She snuggles against my chest, and my hand gently strokes her back. Without even realizing it, I start humming a tune, a song I don’t even recognize but, somehow, know.

Both women turn and look at me. Beth’s eyes widen and her mouth opens in a perfect ‘o’, but then it smooths out and a smile curls her lips. Whatever she sees when she looks at me clearly pleases her.

“Thank you for helping Mommy,” Oriana’s voice is small and filled with innocence.

“Thank you for welcoming me into your life,” I murmur the words against the crown of her head, even though the ponytails keep tickling my face.

“You remind me of the feeling I get when I dream about my daddy.”

I freeze and look over at Ashleigh who is brushing away a tear as it trails over her cheek. Her mouth opens and closes, but nothing comes out. She looks completely lost, but I’m not.

“I’m here for you, Oriana. I’m here for your Mommy. I’m not going anywhere.”

Whatever we are to each other, that will show itself with time. As long as my woman and daughter are protected, safe, and comfortable, I have some time to spare.

“Well,” Beth starts, her voice thick and filled with emotion, “I think I’ll head out.” She collects the rest of her things and then seems to remember something. With a vague motion toward the other side of the room, she says, “I almost forgot. That basket was delivered right before you got here.” She teases my woman, “It looks pretty fancy.”

With waves and smiles, Beth slips out of the room and Ashleigh turns toward the gift basket. I have to say, it is quite large. It looks like there are a few stuffed animals, pairs of pajamas, more coloring books, and a variety of snacks.

She steps closer to it while staring at it like it’s a bomb that’s about to explode. I chuckle and Oriana giggles while burrowing deeper into my chest.

“Go ahead,” I push her gently, “see who it’s from.”

I already have my suspicions. When she plucks the card from the front and turns it, her face smooths out.

“It’s from the Moretti family,” she tells me what I already knew. “The note also says that the included menus are for restaurants where the bill has already been covered by the family.” Her voice changes slightly, as she reads the words aloud, “When fighting illness, food is the last thing you need to worry about.” Her eyebrows pull together and she butchers the word, “Rimettiti.”

“Get well soon,” I translate for her.

“This was really kind.”

“This is a sign of respect and goodwill from the Moretti family to the Amato family. It is respect that Angelo has earned.” My voice drops into something that cannot be questioned. “You are part of the family now, la mia piccola leonessa. Both of you.”

Ashleigh swallows hard and looks at the little girl who looks more than happy to be in my arms. The gift basket is abandoned, and she comes to sit down in the chair next to the bed slowly as if she doesn’t want to do anything to disturb the moment.

“I’ve never seen her take to someone like this.” Ashleigh shakes her head slightly. “She’s friendly, sometimes overly so, but she usually keeps her distance.”