And now we have the finale! (with a couple surprises ^_^) I hope you all enjoyed this, thanks to everyone who read and followed this and indulged me in my muses need to write OC romance lol
Chapter Nine
Abbacchio spent the next couple days recovering, but without Drago looming over their heads, he felt better, and noted a very marked difference in Carmen as well. They had found out after the fact that they had managed to take out pretty much Drago's entire organization as they had all been attending the party that night and thanks to Fugo and Purple Haze, there had been no escapees. It looked like they wouldn't have to be worrying about that area for a while.
Unfortunately, they had seemed to forget a problem a little closer to home.
It was just after breakfast that their callers came. Giorno, Mista and Narancia were out collecting protection money for the month and Abbacchio was working in the office with Bruno and Fugo when Maria peeked her head in.
"Signore Marotta is here to see you," she said.
Bruno frowned, glancing toward his day planner. "I didn't think we had a meeting."
"We don't," Fugo confirmed, looking up with wary interest. It was never a good thing when a capo showed up uninvited.
Abbacchio pressed his lips together, hoping this wasn't going to be another big problem they were going to have to figure out. He was still getting headaches from his injury any time he exerted himself too much and would prefer a few more days to take it easy.
"Send him in," Bruno replied, neatly stacking several papers in front of him.
Maria spoke to someone outside and opened the door, revealing the capo and…
Lucian.
Abbacchio's lip curled as he saw the pimp and Lucien sent him a look that was just as venomous.
Bruno also obviously caught on and stood. "Signore Marotta, how are you today? Can I help you with anything?"
"Well, just a question really, Bucciarati," the capo said. "I was wondering why your man is messing with my man's business."
He gestured to Lucien who folded his arms over his chest, almost smugly. Abbacchio wanted to punch him in the face.
Bruno frowned. "I'm sorry if I don't understand what you mean…"
"Don't play coy, Bucciarati, you know exactly—!" Lucien started before his capo held up a stern hand.
"Now, I respect you, Bucciarati, which is why I came to you myself. But despite the fact that you work directly under Don Giovanna, it really isn't good business to let your men go around and do what they want."
Bruno was getting angry and so was Abbacchio. Fugo just sat there silently steaming, hand clenched dangerously on the arm of his chair.
"You had best explain yourself before you go accusing my men of doing such things," Bucciarati said in a low voice that was fast encroaching on dangerous.
"You know exactly what happened! He's sitting right there after all!" Lucian snarled, jabbing a finger at Abbacchio. "Where the hell is Carmen? I bet she's here, isn't she?"
"You wanna know where Carmen is?" Abbacchio demanded, surging to his feet. "You didn't ask that when that bastard Drago dragged her away after you told him that she was no longer under your protection. Why the hell do you care?"
"Because she signed a contract with me that she promised to fulfill," Lucien said. "And you stealing her away with your hero complex is threatening to break it."
"You're the one who broke it when you failed to protect her!" Abbacchio snarled, starting forward before Bucciarati grabbed his arm firmly. Lucien smirked at that.
"That's right, you're just a leashed dog, aren't you?"
"You little—"
"Enough!" Bucciarati snapped, voice cutting through the room. "Signore Marotta, Don Giovanna and I both pride ourselves in the fact that this home is a sanctuary for those in need. So, before I even consider giving up anyone who lives under this roof, I'll need proof of this contract."
"Very well," the capo nodded and grabbed Lucien by the shoulder. "How about we return tomorrow with the contract and discuss this further?"
"That sounds fair," Bruno agreed.
Lucien sneered at Abbacchio. "Better get your little tart to pack up her stuff. Might also think about helping her find someone to take the brat."
Abbacchio lunged forward and slammed a fist into his face. Lucien staggered back, blood dripping down his nose as Bruno hurriedly grabbed Abbacchio's shoulder.
"You—"
Signore Marotta grabbed Lucien and dragged him out of the room, apologizing to Bucciarati.
Abbacchio shrugged Bruno off. "Bastard."
"Agreed," Bruno said. "Though I fear that isn't going to help Carmen's case."
"Come on, Bruno, whatever contract he cooked up is likely to be barely legal at best."
"I promise you that we will not allow him to take Carmen back," Bruno told him firmly. "But we do have a reputation to keep as well. As tempting as it can be, we can't just 'do what we want'."
Abbacchio sneered and Bruno sighed, gripping his shoulder tightly. "I am on your side, Leone. You know that."
"Yeah, I know," Abbacchio growled.
"You should probably let her know."
Abbacchio's stomach squeezed, but he nodded and headed out of the office, searching for Carmen.
He found her out in the garden with Maria and Trish, cutting flowers as Rose lay next to them happily in the grass, cooing happily at all the bright colors. Carmen was actually smiling genuinely, burying her nose in one of the bouquets Trish handed her. She looked up as he came over, the smile fading slightly as she saw his face.
"Carmen," he said. "Can we talk?"
Something dark crashed over her and she glanced behind at the others. "Can you watch Rose for a few minutes?"
"Of course!" Trish replied.
Maria met Abbacchio's eyes briefly with concern, but he simply gave her a minute shake of his head and reached down to help Carmen to her feet.
They walked over to a bower on the other side of the garden where they would have a little privacy.
"What's wrong?' Carmen finally blurted out.
Abbacchio set his jaw. "Lucien stopped by with his capo. He wants you back."
Carmen let out a long sigh. "God, I thought for a moment that Drago wasn't actually dead." She looked away, wrapping her arms around herself. "But…I still don't know what to do about Lucian. I just…I know that I don't want to go back. I don't think I can live that life anymore. Not now that I know what else I could have." She looked up at him, longing in her eyes before she looked away.
"We'll find a way to beat whatever contract he has between you, Bucciarati's going to work on it."
"How?" Carmen demanded, voice wavering. "It was a binding contract. Yes, it was scummy and I knew it, but I still signed it. I was scared and I didn't know what else to do at the time!"
Abbacchio's mind kicked into gear as an idea suddenly took center stage. It would work, it should, but it all depended on how Carmen felt about it.
He reached out and grabbed her shoulder, tugging her gently to turn and look at him.
"Marry me," he said softly.
Carmen's eyes flew wide. "What?"
"Marry me," Abbacchio said more firmly, sliding his hand down her arm until he found her hand, squeezing it in his own. "He won't be able to touch the wife of a mafioso."
Carmen's eyes were wet as she looked away again, shaking her head. "You don't want someone like me, Leone."
"I do," Abbacchio said firmly, cupping her chin and bending to catch her eyes again. "I want you and Rose in my life. I love you, Carmen." He took a deep breath. "But if this isn't what you want, we can find another way."
"No," Carmen said suddenly. "It is. It is what I want. I just…I don't deserve it."
"If that's the case then I don't either," Abbacchio told her before he leaned in and caught her lips with his own. Carmen gripped his shoulders, standing on tip-toe as he wrapped his arms around her waist. Her hair tickled his cheek in the light morning breeze and he didn't ever want to let her go.
"So, I guess that's a yes?" Abbacchio asked with a small smile when they finally pulled away.
"Yes," Carmen smiled back, tucking his hair behind his ear. "I think we should do it tonight."
Abbacchio balked. "What? Tonight?"
"You said he was coming back tomorrow didn't you? Well, he won't be able to do anything if we're already married."
Abbacchio huffed a laugh, shrugging. "That's true. If you're sure…"
"I am," Carmen said firmly. "Besides, I never wanted to have a huge wedding or anything. I don't know anyone really. Everyone here is all I need."
Thinking of the multiple near fiascos that had gone on during Bruno and Maria's wedding, Abbacchio whole-heartedly agreed with that sentiment.
"All, right, then, I guess we need to tell the others."
Amidst surprise and congratulations from everyone after hearing the news, Bruno found Abbacchio and whisked him off to the office.
"I didn't exactly expect you to propose, but I will admit that it might be the best option we have," Bruno told him, shrugging, as he smiled and squeezed Abbacchio's shoulder fondly. "That being said, congratulations, Leone."
"I have no fucking clue what I'm doing," Abbacchio admitted, the reality of what he was doing finally hitting him.
Bruno grabbed both shoulders, shaking him slightly. "You were there for me when I was an absolute mess. You'll do fine. Now. I'll handle finding a priest and getting the legal papers arraigned—I can have those pushed through instantly, and besides that, it's just a matter of finding a ring."
"Shit," Abbacchio groaned, running a hand over his face. "Maybe we shouldn't…"
"Don't worry, I know a jeweler," Bruno told him fondly. "Why don't we go do that now?"
The house was already in an uproar. It looked like Mista had been put on babysitting duty, as Maria and Trish helped Carmen pick out flowers for her bouquet with Giorno's guidance. Narancia was freaking out and came barreling toward Abbacchio, throwing his arms around him the second he came into the room.
"I can't believe you're getting married, you're gonna be an actual dad now!" Narancia cried.
Abbacchio huffed but ruffled his hair, wincing as Narancia squeezed his ribs too tightly.
"Bruno, we need to take Carmen dress shopping!" Maria called as Carmen gave a slightly excited, and slightly bewildered look toward Abbacchio. He smirked, glad he wasn't going this time.
"Of course! Leone and I will also be out as well."
Luckily the rings didn't take too long to find. Abbacchio picked a plain silver band for himself and for Carmen, he found a delicate band with a rose motif.
It felt like time was flying by in the bustle of preparation. Abbacchio was actually shocked at just how much Maria and Trish seemed to be able to do in one afternoon. Bruno found the priest and got all the paperwork ready so that it would only need their signatures. Then he helped Abbacchio into the tuxedo he'd worn for Bruno's wedding which would work perfectly fine for this.
"What am I even doing? Is this too soon?" Abbacchio asked.
Bruno snapped cufflinks through his sleeves. "How do you feel about Carmen?"
Abbacchio let out a slow breath. "That I don't really want to be with anyone else other than her for the rest of my life."
Bruno smiled. "Then I think that you should trust that feeling. You don't always need years to figure that out."
Abbacchio tugged at his collar, fighting to loosen the tie so he could breathe. "You're right, but…"
"You deserve each other," Bruno told him firmly, shoving Abbacchio's hands aside and fixing his tie again. "Stop thinking so low of yourself, Leone."
"I'm just nervous," Abbacchio admitted.
"You'll be fine, you haven't even thrown up yet," Bruno said wryly.
"I might still do that," Abbacchio grunted, reaching up to run a hand through his hair before remembering that it was tied back.
"Come here," Bruno said suddenly and pulled him into a firm embrace. Abbacchio exhaled and sank against the other man as Bruno squeezed him tightly.
"It will all work out no matter how worried you feel. Trust me, it's not actually as difficult as you think it is."
Abbacchio smiled and pulled back, squeezing Bruno's shoulder. "Thanks. For everything."
Bruno smiled softly. "Come on. Let's go get you married."
The ladies were still getting ready, so the men went ahead of them. Abbacchio handed Bruno the ring and Giorno turned to him, handing him a dark purple rose.
"For your buttonhole," he said with a shy smile.
Abbacchio took it, noting all the others were wearing them as well, and with a nod of thanks, he slipped the flower into his lapel. His palms were sweating as they got to the church.
"You're doing great!" Mista told him, briefly massaging Abbacchio's tight shoulders.
"Well, at least we don't have to endure a comedy routine this time," Fugo grunted.
"Hey, that was brilliant original material!" Mista told him.
When the other car pulled up, Bruno ushered them inside. "Come on, it's time."
It might have been a short and simple wedding ceremony, but nothing else was really needed. And when Carmen walked in the doors, it might sound cheesy, but any doubt Abbacchio had had before went away.
She looked beautiful in a black wedding dress with a huge bouquet of purple flowers clutched in her arms. She smiled at him as she came in and Abbacchio's heart melted.
Maria took the bouquet from her as she came to the alter and Abbacchio reached for her hands, clutching them tightly.
Everything was a blur before they said their vows and Bruno handed him the ring which he put onto Carmen's finger.
And then Abbacchio leaned in to kiss her and everything else faded for several moments until he was brought back around with the cheers and congratulations from everyone else.
Carmen gazed up at him before she simply threw herself into his arms. Abbacchio laughed and hugged her around the waist, lifting her up as he spun her around while everyone cheered even louder.
They all ended up at Libeccio after the ceremony for dinner. Carmen cradled a happily cooing Rose in one arm as Abbacchio held her other hand in his, running his thumb across the ring and still having a hard time fathoming that this beautiful woman was his wife. That he was…technically a father now as well as a husband. Holy shit.
His face must have turned pale because Carmen leaned in and kissed his cheek softly.
"Whatever you're thinking about, don't worry, Leone." She whispered into his ear. "I have never been happier. And I certainly never thought that I would end up with a man like you."
Abbacchio smiled softly and stole a swift kiss before the waiters came with their food and champaign and everyone toasted the bride and groom.
Maria took only the tiniest sip before she set her glass down carefully with a small smile.
"Since we're celebrating," she said with a twinkle in her eyes. "I have some more good news to share."
"What?" Narancia instantly asked, looking up from stuffing his face.
Bruno's face was confused as Maria grabbed his hand and placed it against her stomach. "I'm pregnant."
The table erupted again with shock and congratulations. Abbacchio had to reach out to steady Bruno in his chair as he looked like he was about to pass out.
"You're serious?" Bruno asked.
Maria grinned and nodded, eyes wet.
"Oh, cara mio," Bruno breathed and pulled her into his arms, kissing her firmly in front of everyone. "That makes me so happy."
"Man, we're gonna need a new house soon, our family's growing so much!" Narancia said with a fond smile.
"Yes," Giorno agreed. "It's rather nice."
"Very nice indeed," Bruno said fondly, smiling as Abbacchio squeezed his shoulder in congratulations.
It really did feel like things were looking up more and more by the day. Abbacchio certainly wouldn't have thought three years ago that this is where he would be now, but here he was, despite everything.
He didn't think he'd ever been happier.
The next day, Signore Marotta and Lucien showed up with the promised contract while they were going through the daily mail in the office.
Giorno showed him in and stood by, arms crossed over his chest in case there was trouble, nodding as they both bowed to him—though, Lucien a bit reluctantly.
"Signore Marotta," Abbacchio greeted levelly.
"Good morning, Signore Abbacchio, Signore Bucciarati," the capo said.
"Can we get to business? I have the contract right here…" Lucian started, reaching into his coat.
The door opened and Carmen came in with a cup of tea. "Leone, I brought your tea…Oh, hello Lucien," she said darkly before crossing the room and handing Abbacchio the cup of tea, planting herself firmly on the arm of his chair, her arm slipping around his shoulders.
Lucien sneered. "Awfully cozy, aren't you, you little tramp?"
"That will be enough of that," Giorno snapped as Abbacchio firmly wrapped an arm around Carmen's waist. "That's Signora Abbacchio to you."
Lucien's face went blank. "Signora…"
"That's right," Carmen said, purposefully flashing her ring as she raised her hand to push back her hair. "You had best listen to Don Giovanna. Unless you want to get your face messed up even more than it already is."
"You married her?!" Lucien raged at Abbacchio.
"That's right," Abbacchio said darkly.
"You can't do that!" Lucien snapped, appealing to his capo. "Come on, Boss, it can't be legal, it's only been a day!"
"Oh, it's legal," Bucciarati said, picking the marriage license up off the desk.
"And one word from the Don is enough to get anything pushed through as soon as possible," Giorno added. "So, Signore Marotta, I hope you're not planning on letting your man take someone's wife, now, are you?"
Lucien sputtered as the capo held up a hand to shut him up. "Of course not."
"But!"
"Lucien, enough," the capo snapped. "I think we're done here. Congratulations, Signore Abbacchio," he said before once again bowing to Giorno and dragging Lucien out of the room.
Abbacchio felt Carmen release a deep breath and sink against him. He pulled her snugly into his lap and held her close."
"I'm actually a free woman now," she murmured incredulously.
Abbacchio kissed the top of her head. "Well, technically you're mine," he said playfully.
"Oh, I don't know, I think it's more like you're mine," Carmen teased, tilting her head up to kiss him on the lips.
Fugo, who had been silently working this whole time, cleared his throat in frustration. "Bucciarati, are you getting rid of them yet?"
Abbacchio's head snapped up, glowering at Fugo before turning to Bruno. "What?"
Bruno tapped his chin. "Yes, it is probably best that they get out of here soon."
"What the hell is that supposed to mean?" Abbacchio demanded.
Bruno smirked. "Your honeymoon, of course! We've set you up in one of the luxury safe-houses for a week—or longer if you want."
"All expenses paid," Giorno assured him with a smile. "It's Passione's gift to a valued member of the organization."
"But I…"
"Leone," Carmen said with a smile. "Let's go!"
"Yes, please, go," Fugo grunted. "That way I don't have to be assaulted by public displays of affection in the workplace. And I would also like to remind you that my room is right next to yours!"
Abbacchio stood, arm firmly around Carmen as he showed Fugo his middle finger. "Oh, grow up, genius."
Fugo growled, then schooled his face. "Have a good honeymoon."
Bruno laughed and shooed them out. "Agreed. I think Maria has probably already packed your bags, and Mista is waiting to drive you to the station."
"Do I get to know where we're going?" Abbacchio asked warily.
Bruno smiled. "It will be a surprise."
"It better not be the damn beach," Abbacchio growled.
"You'll like it, I promise," Bruno told him, leaning in to kiss Carmen's cheek in farewell. "Rose will be perfectly content here as well, of course."
"I'm sure she'll provide Maria with some practice," Carmen said with a smile. "Thank you so much. All of you. I look forward to getting to know this family even more."
Their bags were already packed as everyone else saw them off. Carmen kissed Rose goodbye and they both received hugs from Maria, Trish and Narancia before Mista ushered them out.
"Come on! You'll miss your train!" he said.
Abbacchio was still trying to make sense of all of this, but as soon as they got to the station and were given a cabin to themselves, they sat down, and simply held each other, enjoying not having anything to worry about—a novelty for both of them.
"Thank you for everything," Carmen told him softly, leaning against his chest. "I never thought I would be this lucky."
Abbacchio leaned over and kissed her. "I never did either."
"I love you," Carmen whispered sincerely.
Abbacchio replied by tipping her head back and kissing her thoroughly, lowering her gently onto the padded bench of the car—glad he had thought earlier to put the do-not-disturb sign on the door.
"I love you too," he murmured before he continued kissing her, thrilled that he could do this for as long as he wanted to without anyone complaining, and no threats of the past coming to knock on their door.
He still had no idea where they were being sent, but he didn't really care at that moment either. As long as he had Carmen with him, it would be perfect.