Epilogue - Chapter 2

Mia

We couldn’t have asked for more beautiful weather to have our home opened and on display. With extra outdoor tables, our guests milled both inside and outside. Viviana had the serving staff ready and accessible with trays of champagne, wine, and sparkling water. There was a bar set up on the pool deck stocked with the best tequila and bourbon known to enthusiasts of both liquors.

After Dario and Catalina arrived and said their hellos, I was able to hold Ariadna Gia for the first time. Catalina laid her in my arms.

I stared down at the beautiful baby in my grasp and imagined one of my own. Ariadna’s eyes were dark brown like Dario’s, shaped big and round like her mommy’s. Inhaling, I savored her sweet scent of lotion and sunshine. “She’s so tiny.”

Catalina teased some of Ariadna’s dark hair into a curl on the top of her head. “She’s gained three pounds since she was born.”

Tears blurred my vision. “She’s perfect.”

“She is.” Catalina lowered her voice. “Do you have an announcement?”

I opened my eyes wide. “Did Dante tell?”

“Did Dante know something and not tell us?” She smiled. “No. In the few minutes we’ve been here, you’ve repeatedly touched your stomach. It’s a telltale sign. Stop if you’re not wanting anyone to suspect.”

My smile grew. “April. We decided to tell everyone tonight.”

She reached for my elbow. “I suggest you invite Arianna out when the baby’s born.”

Invite my mother. “To help me or to get her away from you?”

Catalina laughed. “A little of both.”

I couldn’t help thinking of how much Catalina had changed and grown in her confidence since her wedding day. She’d not only accepted her place as the wife of the capo dei capi, but she also shone brightly as the woman meant to stand at his side.

As if conjured by my thoughts, Dario appeared at my side, looking down at his daughter in my arms. “Don’t get any ideas, Mia. You’re still a newlywed.”

Catalina looked at me and grinned.

Dario studied his wife and then turned to me. “Well, shit. I guess I’m too late. Congratulations?”

“Do I have my capo’s approval?”

“Of course, Ariadna Gia will have a cousin.”

It seemed that amongst our closest family and friends, news traveled lightning fast. Finally, I stood at Aléjandro’s side as he lifted his hands, quieting the guests. He wrapped his arm around my waist. “If you haven’t already heard, Mia and I have an announcement.”

“Bebé Roríguez,” Rei said loudly to a hearty round of applause. 

Mom and Josefina immediately descended upon us with hugs and kisses. It was later when I heard Jorge and Dario talking that I knew in my heart of hearts that our alliance would work. It had to. In another seven months, we’d have two children who were both cartel and famiglia. A new generation to witness the success that can be had when unlikely partners worked together.

Near the end of the evening, Dante found me in the kitchen. “Congratulations, Mia. I didn’t say a word.”

“I hadn’t known for sure when you were here.”

“I’ll tell you what I said before; this is the marriage you deserve.”

“You kept my secret. Now tell me who you want to marry.”

He pressed his lips together.

“I heard your request has been approved. Don’t you think you should clue the future bride in?”

“Tonight is your night.”

“Does she even know you?”

“What’s not to love about me?”

I laughed. “Seriously. This misogynistic—”

Dante laid a finger on my lips and spoke in a whisper. “Here’s my secret, Mia. Don’t tell anyone.”

“I can’t keep a secret from Aléjandro.”

“He knows.”

That means he’d kept a secret from me. My curiosity was getting the better of me. “Spill.”

“My future bride knows. I asked her before I asked Dario.”

My eyes flew open. “Rebel.”

“Don’t tell Dario or Jorge. The marriage couldn’t happen without their approval, and we both knew that.”

I turned, taking in the guests. In the category of unwed cartel women present, there were four: Mireya, Camila, Sofia, and Liliana. Aléjandro had told me it wasn’t Liliana. “Are you going to tell me?”

“No, I don’t trust your poker face.”

“What?” I asked with a gasp. “I have a great poker face.”

“Aléjandro will tell you once we’re all gone.” He kissed my cheek. “Great party, Mia.”

Later that night, as soon as Aléjandro and I settled into bed, we both scooted toward the middle of the mattress.

“Mireya, Camila, or Sofia?” I asked.

Aléjandro didn’t hesitate. “Camila.”

My smile grew as I thought about Dante asking her before getting approval. “Dante is a good man. If he wants Camila, he’ll take good care of her.” I thought of something else. “And Camila will move to Kansas City. Catalina will be happy.”

“The biggest sticking point in the negotiations was about her schooling. She has two years left at university, and Andrés wants her to finish.”

“Surely, Dante doesn’t want to stop that.”

“Transfer. Kansas City has multiple options.” Aléjandro rolled me to my back and leaned over me, staring down. “If Dante loves Camila even a tenth of how much I love you, they’ll be good.” He grinned. “Padre and Dario don’t know what I’m about to say.”

It was my turn to smile.

“This relationship apparently started when Valentina and Camila went to Missouri after their home was invaded. The idea of marriage is very much mutual.”

“Then I’m glad everyone agreed.”

He teased the strap of my nightgown and flashed his sexy smile. “It’s been a busy day.” His lips peppered my collarbone with kisses, sending a wave of goose bumps down my legs. “I was wondering about something else mutual.”

I licked my lips. “My nightgown is all I’m wearing.”

My announcement about my lack of panties was all the incentive my husband needed before my nightgown and his basketball shorts found their way to the floor, and my new addiction was being supplied by my favorite dealer. Aléjandro was a high I’d never grow tired of experiencing. He’d smashed my walls, fears, and doubts to smithereens while treating me as I’d always imagined a husband should.

We were meant to last…until death do us part.

Thank you for reading TILL DEATH DO US PART, Aléjandro and Mia’s story. If you haven’t read NOW AND FOREVER, Dario and Catalina’s story, you can read it today or continue the series with BOUND BY A PROMISE, Dante and Camila’s story