“Well . . . ” I know instantly the people pleaser in me wants to say nothing, but these letters will upset me, which means it’ll upset Alessandro even more.
“Well, what?”
“I’m going to read these alone. I need to, Alessandro.” I can sense his eyes burning into me while I avoid eye contact with him.
He bites his tongue, and I understand it’s not what he wants, but he knows it’s what I need. “Fine. Know that I will not hesitate to barge in if I think you’re upset or need me.”
I nod in response before walking up to Enzo and grab the letters he’s holding out for me.
“Are you ready?” Alessandro follows me up to the spare bedroom, unlocking the door as he gives me the privacy I need. When I step into the room, I stare down at my shaking hands that hold the letters. Do I want to read these? Would this break my heart or give me closure? There’s only one way to find out.
I take a deep shaky breath before grabbing the first letter at random, my nonna’s polished handwriting, and begin to read.
Chapter 66
Stella
Mia bella nipotina,
I always imagined how your wedding day would be. The three of us, myself, Caterina, and you, getting ready in whatever dress you chose before your nonno walks you down the aisle. Instead, we got instances of signing papers in a kitchen and you running away with another man. Let alone a man who we believe doesn’t deserve the amazing person you are. All we want for you is more than we had and I hope you understand that.
I couldn’t be more grateful that I got to be a part of your pregnancy, regardless of how much I was a part of it. I’ve prayed every night since we became aware of your pregnancy that you and your baby would be healthy, and thank God every day since then. You are such an amazing woman and Iknow you will be a fantastic mamma to your baby.
I don’t want to be the one to do this but I still believe you are having a girl and have thought about some names. Isabella, Aurora, Giulia, Angelina, Daniella. Your nonno said I like any girl's name with an A at the end, and I guess he’s right. I was the one who named you and your mamma after all.
I remember the day you were born like it was yesterday. You were the most beautiful baby I’ve ever seen, even more beautiful than Caterina, but we won’t tell her that.
I’ve always told myself that I would give Caterina and you a better life than I had. It breaks my heart that history has repeated itself. We arrived back home several hours ago, but the house seems so empty, even emptier than the four weeks before your nonno came for you. Regardless of how things have ended up, I do hope that one day I will see you again and get to meet my great-granddaughter. I cannot imagine a world where I never meet her or see you again.
Ti amo,
Nonna
Chapter 67
Caterina
My Luci Girl,
I’ve taken a step back to word this letter carefully. I don’t want to come off as cold as your nonno, but I cannot be as compassionate as we both know your nonna will be.
All we want is the best for you. I can think of situations in your life where we have been pivotal people in decisions you’ve made, practically forcing you to make those decisions. All I could have hoped for is that you would have realized all of this has been for you.
I brought you into this world, the perfect baby you were, being raised without a papa. I keep thinking that all of this mess is my fault because of that. We risked everything when we came for you and gave up everything to keep you safe, even after finding out you’re pregnant. I cannot help butthink that you didn’t keep that in mind when you made the decision you did.
I’ve spent too much time thinking of the mistakes I made as your mamma that may have led to this moment. Was I too hard on you? Was I not hard enough on you? Did growing up without a papa make it that you chose Alessandro over Elio? Did all the secrets our family kept make you choose a man who’s not worthy of you? Elio is a good man and I cannot pretend that Alessandro deserves you. He hurt you Luciana, and meant to hurt your nonno. Even writing his name feels like a cigarette burning my skin.
Do you remember when I was willing to marry him if it kept you away from this world? I would offer that again if I knew it would make a difference. I cannot change what decision you’ve made, but I hope that you realize that your family has been right this whole time.
I’ll pray every night that the next I hear about you isn’t that Alessandro did something else to hurt you.
Tutto il mio amore,
Mamma
Chapter 68
Aldo
