Chapter 32

"No," Luca murmured against Daisy's ears as she tried to pull away.

His arms tightened around her body as he pulled her closer to his chest. She fit against him like blocks. All of her curves had a nook in his body to get cozy. The sheets beneath them were cool from the morning breeze and the sounds of the ocean in the distance along with the seagulls' song made getting out of bed impossible.

"Theo's going to be up soon," Daisy said. "You know how he is about having his breakfast on time."

"Poor kid," Luca chuckled, his eyes closed and his nose buried in Daisy's hair. "He's jet lagged."

"I'm surprised he only woke up once last night," Daisy began to roll away as Luca lifted his head and arched his brow.

"Where are you going?"

"I can't lay here with you all day," Daisy said. "I have to shower and get Theo ready."

"He's not even up yet," Luca groaned, burying his face in the pillows.

As if on cue, Theo's high pitched squeal greeted them from the study turned nursery. Daisy climbed off the bed and tossed her hair up into a bun as she walked over and slid the doors to the sides.

"Good morning," Daisy said softly as she paused at the door to greet her smiling baby. Theo lifted his head and flashed her his cheeky smile. His dark wild hair took after his mother, sticking up everywhere and in every direction. "Hi, my baby. Ready to have a good day?"

From the bed, Luca couldn't help but smile as he listened to Daisy's calm and soothing voice speaking to Theo. He was always amazed to hear and see how gentle she was with him. It was as if one look at Theo melted every hard and heated cell in Daisy's body.

"You want to say hi to daddy?" Daisy asked, walking back into the bedroom with Theo on her hips. "Say good morning dada."

Turning around on his back, Luca sat up and leaned against the pillows as Daisy walked over to the side of the bed and placed Theo in his outstretched hands.

"Hi, buddy," Luca greeted the little man with a kiss on top of his head. Theo, still waking up, placed his head against Luca's chest and made himself comfortable. He yawned, rubbing his eyes as Luca brushed his hair back like he so often did with Daisy. "Ready for breakfast?"

"I think he's still waking up," Daisy said.

"Want to come back to bed, mama?" Luca asked.

"No, thank you," Daisy said, taking a step back before he could grab her long nightgown and pull her closer. "I need a shower."

"Theo, say mama come back," Luca laughed.

Theo raised his head with great effort and looked over his shoulder. He raised his open palm towards Daisy and moved his fingers to signal for her touch.

"Come back to bed, mama," Luca voiced the little boy's request.

"Those charming smiles are not going to work on me, gentleman," Daisy shook her head. She turned away before she lost, knowing she would never be able to say no to Theo if he started to whine.

But just as Daisy turned, her feet slipped on Luca's t-shirt that he had tossed to the floor the night before. Her heart leaped up in fright as she caught herself and yelped.

"You okay?" Luca asked, looking up.

"Stop leaving your shit everywhere!" Daisy scolded as she bent down and grabbed the shirt off the floor. "The chair is two feet away. Put it on the chair! Or put it in the laundry bin!"

"I took it off there," Luca laughed.

"So you leave it here?" Daisy jumbled up the shirt and tossed it into the laundry basket. "Did you leave your socks in the bathroom too? Where's the towel from last night?"

"Uh..." Luca laughed as Daisy walked into the bathroom and began to yell.

"I'm going to start cutting holes in your socks if you don't put them away properly," She said, coming back out and tossing the socks into the laundry bin. "Watch. Everything you leave laying around will be damaged."

"Why do I have a wife?" Luca teased.

"I'm not your mother," Daisy laughed.

"Iron my shirt for today," Luca continued, the grin on his face lighting up his eyes.

"If you're okay with wearing burnt clothes," Daisy shrugged.

"Do your wifely duties."

"According to your grandmother we're not married before god so therefore I am not your wife," Daisy laughed. "Go get someone else to do it."

"You're going to eat those words, sunshine," Luca smirked.

"We'll see," Daisy huffed, walking back into the bathroom with her hips swaying in the long silk nightgown.

"She knows exactly what she's doing," Luca muttered to himself before chuckling and lifting Theo up. "Mama is going to be the end of daddy."

_____________________

Dressed in a pair of white high waisted shorts and a cotton button down short, Daisy slipped on her white tennis shoes and climbed down the stairs. She was busy trying to clap her watch when she heard Maria muttering under her breath.

"Good morning," Daisy said.

"What are you wearing?" Maria asked. "You're not wearing that to the hospital, right?"

"I was," Daisy looked down at herself. "What's wrong?"

"It's not appropriate."

"Excuse me?"

"You're married," Maria said. "You should put on a dress and some jewelry."

"I don't have a dress," Daisy lied.

"Take something from Gia."

"No, I'm alright."

"No," Maria shook her head. "Luca!"

"Are you serious right now?" Daisy asked as Maria began to head towards the second floor.

"Luca, she can not go out like this," Maria said as Luca opened the door. "Everyone is already talking about her and they are going to all be looking. She can't go out with her legs out like this."

"It's hot outside!" Daisy clicked her tongue. "I'm not naked, am I?"

"It's not appropriate for Del Mare," Maria said. "Luca? Say something."

"Yeah," Daisy turned towards her husband. "Say something."

Luca let out a small sigh, "Daisy, go change."

"What?" Daisy lowered her arms from her chest.

"Tell her to put on some jewelry too," Maria turned to leave.

"But I don't have anything like that!" Daisy said. "I don't shop in the senior citizen section."

"I'm sure Carla and Gia have something suitable," Maria said.

"Luca!" Daisy looked at the guy once more, her eyes fuming.

"Please," Luca said calmly. "Just change. We're here for a week. Let's not make waves."

"What's wrong with what I'm wearing?"

"Nothing," Luca said, pulling her a bit closer. "Women in Del Mare care a lot about how they present themselves. Everyone will be judging you. Especially because you're my wife."

"This is ridiculous," Daisy muttered. "Not even my own mother cared how I dressed."

"There's nothing wrong with how you dress," Luca said. "I love it."

"You don't love it here," Daisy shoved him back and headed for the bedroom. She could feel Luca follow her into the room as she began to rummage through her bags for any dress she may have packed.

"What about this?" She asked, holding up a red wrap dress.

"Too short," Luca said. "But wear it later."

Bunching it up, Daisy tossed it back in the bag. She picked up a baby doll dress.

"This?"

"Still a bit short, my love."

"I'm a hoe, okay!" Daisy snapped. "I like showing off my legs!"

"Go see if Carla or Gia have something."

"I hope you know how dumb and ridiculous you're being."

"My love, we're going to the hospital to see my father," Luca explained calmly. "I don't want to give him any reason to say anything negative about my wife."

Despite the irritation she felt, a small smile cracked across Daisy's face. Her cheeks blushed and she felt her feet step towards Luca as if she was a little hopping bunny.

"I'm your wife," she said.

"Yes," Luca laughed, catching her as she hooked her arm around his neck. "Mio." (Mine)

"Come sono diventato tuo?" Daisy tilted her head to one side. (How did I become yours?"

"Fuck," Luca grinned.

"What?" Daisy pulled back.

"Italian on your tongue makes me want to fuck you so hard against every wall in this house," Luca said, pulling her closer.

"Then why don't you?" Daisy's eyes fluttered down to Luca's mouth.

"What about the chocolates and flowers?"

"Right..." Daisy couldn't look away as her belly began to clench. "Hearts and flowers..."

Laughing, Luca pulled back and placed a kiss on her head, "Stick to your goal, sunshine."

"Maybe I can set a new goa-"

Before Daisy could finish, there was a knock at the door. Luca stepped back and walked over as Daisy plopped down on the edge of the bed.

"This is for Daisy," Carla said, holding up a pink dress with a high neck and pleated skirt. "And the jewelry is in the box."

"Thank you," Luca took the outfit and closed the door. As soon as he turned around, he saw the look on Daisy's face and knew the day was going to be extremely long.

"No," Daisy said immediately.

"We're running late," Luca pointed out.

"I am not wearing that!"

"What's wrong with it?" Luca asked. "It's a nice dress."

"It looks like Jacky Kennedy's pink suit!" Daisy complained. "I don't want to look like a first lady."

"You have pretty much the same status here," Luca said. "You're a Silvano."

"Luca, I am not wearing th-"

"Put it on or I'll dress you myself," Luca said, growing tired of the back and forth. "Now. Let's go."

"Don't talk to me like that," Daisy's eyes narrowed. "I'm not a child."

"You're acting like one," Luca laid the dress down on the bed. "Go change and let's get this over with. It's a dress. It's not the end of the world."

Glaring, Daisy didn't utter a word as she snatched up the dress and walked into the bathroom. Reluctantly, she changed into the hideous thing and zipped herself up. She would be damned before she let Luca zip her after his snappy attitude.

"Done yet?" Luca asked from the other side.

"Almost," Daisy snapped back.

"I have your necklace over here."

"Give it," Daisy said, opening the door.

"Turn around," Luca smiled.

"Just give me the damn thing," Daisy snatched the pearl necklace from Luca's hand. "Aren't we wasting precious time?"

Luca watched her face the mirror and toss her hair to one side. She glared at him in the reflection as her fingers struggled to twist the hooks on the necklace.

"Allow me," Luca said, stepping forward.

"I got it," Daisy said, but Luca didn't listen.

Moving her hand back, Luca hooked the necklace on and leaned down to press a small kiss on the back of her neck. He let his nose linger in her hair for a few seconds as she swayed back against him against her will.

"You look beautiful," Luca said, holding her arms and whispering in her ear. "You always do."

"I look like I'm a housewife on my way to church on Sunday."

"No," Luca chuckled. "Save that for Sunday."

"I look like a suburban mom," Daisy complained.

Ignoring her, Luca turned and walked out of the bathroom. Daisy stared at herself in the mirror before shivering at how odd she looked. She was ready to look away and head downstairs when she noticed Luca's tie and sock laying on the floor again.

"This man!" She groaned, picking it up.

Before she could toss them in the laundry bin, a light bulb lit up. Daisy grinned as she pulled the drawers open and grabbed the scissors. She carefully cut off the heels on the socks and the edge of the tie before tossing them into the bin. Discarding the evidence, Daisy put the scissors away and hurried downstairs.

"Aww," Gia teased as soon as her eyes fell on Daisy rushing down the stairs. "Look how beautiful mommy looks, Theo."

"I'm a Barbie," Daisy said.

"Tall, blonde, skinny, and pink," Gia laughed.

"So that's who you remind me of," Luca laughed from where he stood by the door. "Tall, blonde, skinny, pink, and empty headed."

"Oh, ha ha, you're so funny, Luca," Daisy rolled her eyes. "How are you so funny? Is it because your whole life is a joke?"

"Ok-kay," Gia stepped in. "Enough. Thank you."

"He started it!" Daisy snapped.

"Not in front of Theo," Gia said. "You'll scare the poor child."

"His mother is Daisy. He's already scared," Luca teased.

"Oh please!" Daisy laughed. "Because you're just so mentally stable, right?"

"As stable as an Ikea table," Gia said.

"You should be on my side," Luca frowned.

"I'm on nobody's side," Gia said. "Get out of here so Theo and I can enjoy some peace and quiet."

"Are you sure you don't want to come with us to the hospital?" Luca asked.

"I'm sure," Gia said. "I'm not ready to see him yet."

Understanding her fears and hesitation, Luca nodded. "You'll be okay with Theo?"

"This isn't my first time watching him," Gia said. "I'll be fine. Nonna is here too."

"I don't know if I trust her parenting skills," Daisy muttered under her breath. "The last thing I need is for Theo to turn out like Luca."

"Why?" Gia laughed. "He already looks exactly like Luca."

"Not funny," Daisy rolled her eyes. "He just looks like everybody."

"Mrs. Silvano," Gia gasped dramatically. "You can't leave the house dressed like that. You are the lady of the house now. You carry the family's honor!"

"Don't make me regret signing up for this," Daisy warned. "I already hate that I look like Martha Stewart."

Luca let his eyes take her in. A slow smile appeared on his lips as he admired the way her blonde hair looked shiner against the pink of her dress. But as his gaze neared her eyes, Gia caught his sight.

She arched her brow, wondering why her brother was grinning and staring at her best friend as if she was a movie star. Luca cleared his throat and looked away.

"You're enjoying this, aren't you?" Daisy accused Luca. "Is this revenge for when I used to call you an asshole?"

"I wasn't aware you used to call me that," Luca said.

Daisy stepped forward and looked the man into his eyes, "Asshole."

"Incoming," Gia whispered as Maria's footsteps appeared in the hall behind them. She stepped aside as the woman came to a stop beside her and smiled at Luca and Daisy.

"All set?" She asked.

"Yes," Luca said, wrapping an arm around Daisy's waist. Gia's eyes narrowed once more but Luca chose to ignore her. "We'll be back in a few. Call if you need anything or if Theo starts crying."

"Don't worry about him," Maria said. "He'll be fine with nonna."

"And zia," Gia added, picking up Theo's hand to wave goodbye to his parents. "Say bye bye."

"Ready?" Luca looked down at his wife in his arms. His chest contracted as she slowly nodded and took his hand.

"Bye mama," Gia waved with Theo's hand.

Daisy blew her son a kiss over her shoulder as Luca helped her into the car and walked around to the driver's side. He watched her from the corner of his eyes as buckled in his seatbelt and drove out of the driveway.

"What's wrong?" He asked, noticing how quietly Daisy sat.

"I don't like leaving Theo."

"He's with Gia."

"I know but we're in a new place," Daisy shook her head.

"Do you want to bring him with us?"

"No," Daisy said immediately. "I don't want him anywhere near your father."

"That feeling is mutual," Luca said.

"He's going to be fine, right?" Daisy turned to look at Luca.

"Yes," Luca assured her. "Nothing will happen to my son in my town."

"I can't stop worrying," Daisy leaned her head back against the seat and shut her eyes. "There's this nagging feeling in my head."

"We'll make the visit quick," Luca promised, reaching out and taking her hand from her lap. "But first, I have to show you something."

"What?" Daisy asked, slowly opening her eyes.

"You'll see," Luca smiled, pulling into town and heading over to the empty parking lot.

The warm sun was already rising high in the sky. The shops were all open as people sat around the cafes with their coffee and pastry. Old men gathered in groups with their cigars as the ladies walked side by side, stopping at the store fronts and flowers stands.

"Come," Luca said. He opened his door and stepped out before walking around to get Daisy out.

"Where are we going?" Daisy asked.

"Just come with me," Luca laughed, tightly holding her hand and walking her across the street to the gelato shop.

"It's a bit early for this, no?" Daisy asked.

"For a date?" Luca asked, looking over his shoulder. "No. It's long overdue, actually."

Seeing the way his eyes melted and his smile widened, Daisy became breathless. She followed him to the small gelato shop and watched him order for them as he laughed with the owner and introduced her as his wife.

"Mia moglie," Luca said, kissing the side of Daisy's head. (My wife)

"Oh!" The man behind the counter in the white apron said with astonishment. "Congratulazioni!"

"Thank you," Luca said.

All Daisy could do was smile politely as her heart thundered in her chest. She felt warm and whole as if all Luca could see was her. She was the sun in his universe and it amazed her how much she was falling head over heels for that position. She was speechless, breathless and enchanted.

"Shit," Luca said as they sat down at the small tables outside. He licked the gelato off his finger and placed Daisy's cup down in front of her. "I forgot the napkin. Be right back."

Daisy nodded. She placed her elbows on the table and her chin in her hands as she watched her husband walk into the shop and start yet another conversation with the old man. They chuckled and laughed, making Daisy wonder what they were saying.

"My, my, my."

Daisy looked up as a man with black hair and a long chin sat down in front of her.

"Aren't you a beauty," the man smiled.

"Excuse me?" Daisy leaned away and arched her brow. "Do I know you?"

"No," the man chuckled. "But I know you, Mrs. Silvano."

"Who are you?" Daisy asked.

"Your new boyfriend."

"Oh really?" Daisy snorted.

"Yes, really," the man leaned forward, his dark eyes watching Daisy with a small smirk on his lips. "My car is parked right over there. What do you say we get out of here and go for a nice long drive?"

"I say that's a great idea," Daisy cooed. "Let me just tell my husband."

"No need for that," the man chuckled.

"Oh, but I have to tell him about my new boyfriend," Daisy said. "Luca just loves being friends with men who hit on his wife."

"Oh, I know all about that," the man said. "Don't you worry, darling. He won't mind if I steal you away."

"You sound so confident."

"It's my middle name."

"What's your first name?"

"Jimmy."

"Alright, Jimmy Neutron," Daisy folded her arms over her chest. "You have thirty seconds to get out of here before I scream for help and Luca kills you on this beautiful morning."

"How much you want to bet he won't."

"If he won't, then I will," Daisy said.

"That's not a bet."

"Listen, jimbo!" Daisy snapped. "I don't know who you are but you have some nerve coming up to me like this. One scream and you're done. Get lost, weirdo."

"Go on," The man smiled. "Scream."

"Do you think I'm bluffing?" Daisy narrowed her eyes.

"Yeah."

Daisy didn't waste a second. She filled her lungs with air and screamed as loud as she could. The birds nearby flew off as the old men all stood up and stared. Luca hurried out of the store with panic in his eyes as the man sitting before Daisy began to howl with laughter.

"I didn't think she would actually do it," he laughed, looking over at Luca.

"What did you do?" Luca's eyes darkened as he looked at the man sitting before Daisy.

"Oh, I see you haven't changed much," the man, Jimmy, observed.

"Do you know him?" Daisy asked, getting up from her chair.

Luca nodded.

"See, darling," Jimmy smiled. "Luca won't kill me."

"I will if she tells me to," Luca said.

"Ha!" Daisy laughed in the man's face.

Jimmy chuckled and shook his head, "Well, I'll be damned. Luca Silvano in love. Sure is a rare sight."

Daisy's eyes flickered up towards Luca as he scowled at the man.

"Aren't you going to introduce me?" Jimmy asked. "I'm waiting."

"Daisy, this is Jimmy," Luca said. "Jimmy, this is Daisy. My wife."

"Hello, sweet pea," Jimmy extended his hand. "Your husband forgot to mention I'm his oldest and dearest friend. Jimmy Castella."

Daisy's eyes darted towards Luca. She wasn't sure if shaking the man's hand was smart.

"He's harmless," Luca said. "All talk, no bite."

"Hmm, sounds like someone else I know," Daisy smiled as she shook Jimmy's hand. "Next time, maybe try not hitting on your oldest and dearest's friend's wife?"

"I had to," Jimmy said, holding Daisy's hand with both of his. "When I heard Luca Silvano got married, I knew she had to be someone very interesting."

"Why?" Daisy asked.

"Well...." Jimmy's gaze flickered towards Luca with uncertainty. "It's Luca....we all assumed he would never..."

"It's okay," Daisy whispered. "You can say her name in front of me."

Jimmy's shoulders eased. He winked at Daisy and held his finger over his lips, "Shhh."

"What are you doing here, Jim?" Luca cleared his throat.

"Since you won't show your face to us, I thought I would come and find you!" Jimmy said. "How dare you avoid our calls and invites and cut off all communication and then show up here with this beautiful wife we know nothing about and is it correct that there's now a baby Luca?"

"Life's been busy," Luca said.

"I see what you've been busy with," Jimmy looked Daisy up and down, making Luca's eyes narrow. "I'm just looking. Relax, tiger."

"We were in the middle of something," Luca said.

"A gelato date?" Jimmy looked down at the table. "Classic Luca."

"Can you leave?" Luca said. "Now. Please."

"I have no desire to third wheel with you and the love of your life again," Jimmy rolled his eyes. "I just came to say that we're all meeting up for dinner tonight since you're in town. Actually show up this time."

"Who's we?" Daisy asked.

"Just us," Jimmy shrugged. "People we grew up with. The friends Luca pretends doesn't exist."

"Luca has friends?"

Jimmy chuckled, "I like her, Luc."

"When is this dinner?" Daisy asked.

"Tonight," Jimmy said. He rose from his seat and turned to look at Luca. "I'll text you the place and time."

"Not, thank you," Luca said. "We have plans-"

"We'll be there," Daisy stopped him. "I have to meet Luca's friends."

"We're all eager to meet you, princess," Jimmy took Daisy's hand and placed a kiss upon it.

"Okay, that's enough," Luca said, taking her hand back.

"Seriously, Luca," Jimmy looked at his old friend with a deep frown on his face. "Come to dinner. You missed so much. Emma and Tony are married. Maryella had a baby. We all miss you man."

Luca didn't say anything. His face was unreadable as he listened to Jimmy and slowly moved Daisy to his side.

"I'm sure he will listen to you," Jimmy said to Daisy. "Come to dinner with us. We miss our friend."

"We'll be there," Daisy smiled.

"No, we won't-" Luca began but Daisy stopped him as she squeezed his hand.

"I know we just met, but I believe you," Jimmy laughed. "I'll see you two at dinner."

Luca didn't look happy as Jimmy kissed Daisy's cheeks and turned to walk away. His chest was tight and his thoughts raced. Going to dinner with his old friends with Daisy was the last thing he wanted to do.

"How long have you known him?" Daisy asked, sitting back down at the table.

"Since we were kids," Luca followed her.

"He seems...interesting."

"What did he do to make you scream?"

"He was trying to convince me to leave you for him," Daisy laughed, pushing her hair over her shoulder. She leaned forward and placed her arms on the small table.

"He's always been a flirt."

"And you?" Daisy asked, tilting her head. "Do you flirt?"

"No," Luca finally cracked a small smile. "I don't."

"Too bad," Daisy watched him licked the little spoonful of gelato. "You'd be really good at it."

"Oh yeah?" Luca laughed.

"Try on me."

"What?" Luca asked, slightly confused.

"Flirt with me."

"I can't," Luca said. "I don't know how to."

"Everyone knows how to flirt," Daisy said. "Come on. Look into my eyes and melt me."

"No," Luca shook his head. He reached over and took the spoon from Daisy's cup. "Have you tried this yet?"

"In a minute," Daisy pushed his hand down. "Try a pick up line."

"I don't do that kind of stuff," Luca held up the spoon once more.

"What do you do then?" Daisy asked, taking the bite of the gelato.

Luca watched her as he lowered the spoon and moved closer. His hand raised as he grabbed the back of Daisy's neck and slowly pulled her forward. Daisy stilled, wondering what he was up to. She held her breath as Luca's mouth pulled her cold bottom lip and his tongue swept over it, stealing the taste of the desert.

A small whimper, almost a whisper, escaped Daisy's lips as Luca's mouth covered hers and he warmed her lips. Luca didn't even care that they were sitting in the middle of town with all the people feasting their eyes on them. He knew he was putting on a free show but his wife wanted him to melt her and her wish was his command.

"Stop kissing me like this," Daisy said, her eyes fighting to stay open.

"Why?" Luca grinned.

"You know why," Daisy pulled back. "Stop it."

"Okay," Luca laughed at the blush on her cheeks. He never would have guessed he would be able to make her blush. "So where were we? You were saying something about melting you?"

"Never-mind," Daisy shook her head.

"Why?" Luca teased. "Come on. I want to try."

"No," Daisy shook her head. "You've done enough."

_______________________________

The closer they drove to the hospital, the quieter Luca grew. His one hand held Daisy's tightly as his eyes stayed focused on the road. Many times he brought her fingers to his lips and pressed soft kisses on her knuckles before intertwining their fingers.

"Are you okay?" Daisy asked. "You've been so quiet."

"I don't really want to go to this dinner," Luca said.

"Why not?" Daisy asked. "You don't want to see your friends?"

"There's a reason why I stayed away," Luca said. "We're not here in Del Mare to settle down and get comfortable."

"It's just dinner," Daisy said. "I thought it would be fun. But if you really don't want to, then..."

"One headache at a time," Luca said, pulling into the hospital parking lot. "Let's get this over with first."

Nodding, Daisy unbuckled her seatbelt and waited for Luca to come around and open her door. She could feel his tension seep into her skin like humidity. His brows were knit and his eyes constantly scanned their surroundings. They moved through the hospital hand in hand in silence. Daisy held Luca's hand as tight as she could.

"We'll make this quick," Luca said as he knocked on his father's door and entered the room. With a deep breath, Daisy followed.

Angelo laid on the bed with a thin white blanket over his legs. His hospital gown was loose and baggy on his bony shoulders. Daisy shuddered at Luca's resemblance to his father. She couldn't look away from the man. A part of her heart softened because Angelo reminded her of Luca, but the bigger part of her heart shivered with memories of Gia's bloody body on the asphalt.

"So you finally did it, huh?" Angelo asked, his eyes on Luca. "I didn't think you had it in you."

"How are you feeling?" Luca asked.

"I'm alive," Angelo said.

"Carla has been talking to your docto-"

"What's your name?" Angelo switched his attention towards Daisy.

"Her name is Daisy," Luca said. "Daisy Silvano."

"You gave her our name?"

"Of course," Luca said. "She's my wife."

"Wife," Angelo said, making all the warmth from the word fade for Daisy. "How much did my son pay you to play his wife?"

"Excuse me?" Daisy said just as Luca spoke up.

"What are you tal-"

"I'm not an idiot, Luca," Angelo said. "You haven't been seeing this girl for years. You paid her off to play your wife as soon as I took away your inheritance."

"And what makes you so sure I did that?" Luca asked.

"Your obsession with Stella," Angelo said. "You didn't give that up overnight for this one here."

"Okay, that's enough," Luca took Daisy's hand, ready to leave the room. "Coming here was a mistake."

"Thinking you can carry the family name was a mistake," Angelo said. "I'm still alive. As long as there's air in my lungs, I am the head of this family and I decide how things work. You are a child if you think you can undermine me and decide what's best for Gia and this family."

"And you're delusional if you think you will have a family to control if Luca leaves," Daisy spoke up. "Luca is more of a father to Gia and Theo then you will ever be. This family needs him and his strength. Not you."

"How dare you?" Angelo spat, his eyes narrowing.

"If Luca leaves tomorrow, everyone will follow him," Daisy said, despite Luca trying to pull her away. "What does that leave you with? Your old mother? That's all? No kids, no grandchildren, no family. What do you have to be so damn proud of?"

"I have my name," Angelo hissed. "I carry the family name and I represent this family. Luca has no say in this town."

"You're all just a small piece," Daisy said. "Luca does not need you. He never did and he never will."

"You dare speak to me in that ma-"

"Lower your voice when you speak to my wife," Luca said, shocking Angelo. "She's not my mother. You can not treat her like the dearth beneath your feet."

"I see," Angelo's dark eyes were like ice needles. Daisy could feel them in her vein as she stared at the crazy old man. "So you take after your mother. Disobedient, dishonest, sha-"

"Not another word about my mother," Luca warned. "I'll give my son their mother's name and let your name die with me. I will bury it all to the ground if you ever speak of my mother again."

"Get out," Angelo snared.

The heat rising in Daisy's body had nothing to do with the way Luca held her hand. She was furious as she stared at the old man holding on to his bitterness with his last breath.

"Get out of my sight," Angelo hissed.

"Let's go," Luca took Daisy's hand and turned towards the door.

Daisy used both of her hands to hold Luca's as they hurried down the hospital halls. She didn't know what to say to him as they got into the car but stared at the hospital entrance. Her heart pounded in her chest. Words swirled inside her head. Words, so many words, yet not enough to ease the burning anger in her mind. If only Daisy could use her words like a hammer.

"Maybe it's a blessing you don't know your father," Luca said quietly after a long pause.

Daisy slowly turned towards him with a deep frown on her face, "I'm so sorry."

"I thought meeting death would have changed him."

"Some people never change," Daisy said. "But for what it's worth, I meant every word I said in there. You are a great man and Theo, Gia, and I are lucky to have you in our lives."

"We're all connected by this name now," Luca said. "It'll damn us all."

"No," Daisy shook her head. "It won't. I know you won't let that happen."

"You have that much faith in me?" Luca asked.

"All of it," Daisy said. "I don't believe in a god or a divine power but I believe in you. You're my faith."

"What if I fail?" Luca asked. "What if I can't protect you and Theo?"

"It'll never happen," Daisy shook her head. She raised her hand and placed it against Luca's cheek. "I love you. With all my heart and more."

Turning his head, Luca placed a warm kiss at the center of her palm.

"You're my number two and three," he said.

"What does that even mean?" Daisy chuckled.

"I'll tell you someday," Luca smiled. "Ready to go home and forget this awful encounter?"

"Yes," Daisy nodded.

"Let's not tell anyone at home about this, yeah?" Luca said slowly. "I don't want them involved. And I don't want this upsetting Gia."

"Okay," Daisy nodded.

"If they ask, he was fine," Luca said. "He was calm and very apologetic about what had happened two years ago. He's a changed man."

"Won't that lie fall apart when he comes home?"

"We'll be long gone by then," Luca said. "Halfway across the word from this place."