Page 55 of Redemption
Lachlan yanks me tighter into his chest and whispers in my ear, “I will never fail you again, Keira. I swear on my life. I will never fail you again.”
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Lachlan
Holding my wife’s body in my arms, I’m beyond thankful that her trembling comes from relief instead of fear. There is nothing to make you feel like less of a man than failing to protect your family when they need you.
I still haven’t forgiven myself, but someday … someday, when my wife no longer cries at the thought of safety and security, I may be able to do so.
“Well, we certainly look like a family, do we not?” Marco’s question shifts the energy of the moment and causes each of us to survey the scene before our eyes.
All four of us, on the lawn—surrounded by ice sculptures, party tables, silk tents, and waddling ducks—is quite a sight to behold.
“The most beautiful vision I have ever seen on this island is unfolding right before me,” my mother replies, tears finally drying.
“I’m so sorry I lost it,” Keira says to me and my mother as Aurora buries her face in my neck.
“You have nothing to apologize for,” I tell her. “It’s I who owe you the greatest of apologies.”
Keira shakes her head. “No, you’re the one who has given me more than I could ever imagine. And without you, we wouldn’t be here, safe and happy, surrounded by the love of a family we didn’t even know existed.”
“She does have a point,” my brother interjects. He pauses briefly before adding, “And there’s still one more member of the family for you to meet to make this reunion complete.”
My mother sucks in a sharp breath before letting out a long sigh. “You must tell him, Marco. You must tell him now. Our staff is amazing, but even they will not be able to keep a secret of this magnitude for long. The news of our joy will spread quickly. You must go to him now.”
“Before I even get to partake in this feast?”
“What do you think will take longer? The second course or the news of our family reunion to reach Milan?”
“Your point is taken, Mama. I shall go to him now. He deserves to know, especially now that they are truly here.”
Keira and I make eye contact as they speak about my father.
My father. Another surreal thought.
It’s almost more than I can assimilate right now. I have a brother, a mother … and a father who doesn’t even know I’m alive.
It’s more than I ever dreamed could be possible, and yet … my brother kisses my mother on the cheek, ruffles Aurora’s hair, and meets my gaze.
“I hope you are ready to have a father as well. He will wish to meet you immediately.” Marco looks to our mother. “He will come here if Luca is here. He will not be able to stay away. Is that acceptable to you, Mama?”
“I have never kept him away from his family’s home. That choice was always his own. He is welcome to come and meet his son. Please tell him that I extended the invitation personally. This is a joy that must be shared with all who deserve it, and despite what he has become, I will not deprive him of such a wonderful event. Go, Marco. Go tell your father his long-lost son has returned home and brought his family. The Giordanos celebrate today. All Giordanos.”
My brother and mother share a long stare that seems to communicate more than words could express. With solemnity, Marco dips his chin as he assents to our mother’s wishes.
“Yes, Mama. I shall fly to Milan directly. This is a moment I’ve waited for my entire life. I shall not delay.”
Part of me wants to rise and offer to go with him. To meet my father and tell him of my existence personally, but I remind myself that two identical twins spotted in public will cause many more questions and inquiries into the family, which is the last thing I want to incite. I’m so used to being the one who must leave to take care of business that it’s totally unfamiliar to see someone else assume the role.
As Marco releases our mother, I meet his gaze and hold out a hand. When he clasps it, I rise, using his strength to help me to my feet. Relying on the strength and assistance of my brother is still a completely new experience.
Once standing, I grip his hand tighter. “Are you sure you want to go alone?”
He stares back at me thoughtfully. “I must go alone. This is my duty. I must tell him myself. I cannot take the chance that someone else will tell him that they saw me with my twin. It would not be right.”
“I agree with that completely, but still, it feels wrong to get here for our family celebration and have you leave immediately.”
Marco’s face softens. “Our family celebration will continue every day for the rest of our lives, brother. It is not only this moment, although this moment is one I shall cherish always. Besides, I have had over forty years with our mother’s sole attention focused on me. It is your turn to bask in her love and attention. She has much to give and has waited so long to share it with you.”
