Chasing Arlo (Genoa Mafia Series Book 5)

by Ginger Ring

  Arlo turned to Roman, who was biting back a snicker. “Now?”

  “No time like the present. Get in the car, son.” Bruno smiled.

  ***

  By the time they arrived back in Lake Genoa, Arlo was ready to pass out. He was exhausted, and relieved beyond belief. Fortunately, Bruno was kidding about spending the drive getting to know each other. They’d set a dinner date for Saturday night to celebrate their upcoming engagement. Layla didn’t know it yet but after resting and spending all of tomorrow in bed, he was getting an engagement ring and proposing. He’d taken the time on the ride back to ask Bruno for his permission to ask for his daughter’s hand in marriage and the man actually gave him their blessing.

  As he let himself into the apartment, Arlo took in the scene of the woman he loved sleeping on the couch. She had one of his shirts on again and held a pillow tight to her chest. It was with fond memories he thought of how she’d chased him through the years. Well, she’d finally caught him and there was no place he’d rather be.

  Epilogue

  Years later

  Arlo

  It was a serious case of déjà vu. Roman stood next to him at the bar in the Rinaldi mansion for a sweet sixteen party, only this time they both had grey in their beards and a few extra pounds around their waists. Bruno had passed away a few years ago from a heart condition so none of the original family still resided there. Connie had sold the place to one of Bruno’s nephews and he’d offered the place up for the occasion. Mrs. Rinaldi now lived with Madison and Roman in Lake Genoa.

  “I can’t believe they still do this shit,” his former boss groaned. Yes, he technically still worked for the Caponellis but Arlo was his own boss now. As of now about ninety-nine percent of the family business was legit. The winery was a huge success and the vineyard was known worldwide for the taste and quality of their grapes. They had restaurants in various locations from New York to California. Roman and Madison rarely left the Midwest but they made sure to keep a close eye on all aspects of their businesses with daily updates from all the managers at each locale.

  The family sold the shipping business interests that they’d received from Stephanie’s family years ago for billions. No one really needed to work anymore but that didn’t stop them from being entrepreneurs. Arlo ran a security company with its biggest client being Caponelli Enterprises.

  “It’s tradition, and how could I refuse when it was at this same place and party that I first met my future wife.” Arlo searched the room for the woman he’d loved for years. After confessing their love for each other so soon after getting reunited after the kidnapping they took it slow and married a year later. After much encouragement, Layla finally pursued her dream of owning a dance studio. She’d loved planning their recitals which he always attended and made sure to bring her a bouquet of roses after each one.

  Layla fussed with their daughter, Angelina’s, dress. It’d been a battle of wills for months between the two about what she would wear. Layla wanted something more age appropriate, while Angel wanted something red and more sophisticated. The two had finally settled for a dress somewhere in between. It was pink, simple, but also strapless. Arlo shook his head as he witnessed Layla tugging the top of her daughter’s dress up to make sure everything was in place.

  Arlo’s eyes narrowed as he witnessed Roman’s oldest son, Joseph, approach the pair. Maddy had lost their first child late in the pregnancy and they’d adopted Joe soon after. Arlo had made it a rule that none of their kids could date before age sixteen so the kid had been counting the days until she came of age. At sixteen, Angel was just as beautiful and well-endowed as her mother on this special day. His daughter also had made it no secret that she liked the boy. Joseph was a few years older than the birthday girl but so had he been. At least Joseph excelled in school and had kept his nose clean. Fortunately, Roman and Madison were blessed with more kids and she insisted their children never join the mob.

  “You know I’m going to have to kill your kid if he touches my daughter.” Arlo shook his head and turned toward the bar.

  “Yeah, you and what army?” Roman gave him a shove before pulling them both up a barstool.

  “Just giving you a heads up on what’s going to go down,” Arlo joked and asked for two beers. After the bartender set them in front of him, he handed one to Roman and clicked the side of the bottle with his. “To family.” Roman nodded and they both took a long swig.

  He swiveled around again to face the ballroom. As his gaze roamed over the crowd, the corner of his mouth turned up. Everyone he cared about was there. The other two of their children were sitting at a table under the watchful eye of Madison and her mother. Angel had a younger brother and sister, Anthony and Erica. Angel was headstrong and wild whereas Erica was sweet and eager to please. Anthony was a good kid and very interested in following in his father’s footsteps as far as security went. He wouldn’t be surprised at all if he ended up becoming a police officer. Anthony always kept a watchful eye on the women in his life and did what was right.

  Madison leaned over to brush her hand across the forehead of their youngest. Roman and Maddy’s kids sat nearby with Roman’s parents overseeing their brood. They’d slowed down a lot but never missed spending any time with their grandchildren even though they lived in Florida for part of the year. After adopting Joseph, they went on to have two more boys and a girl. For being so terrified about trying again, Madison’s other pregnancies had gone easy as could be. All their children were destined to be tall, dark-haired, and very successful.

  At the next table sat Jasper and Jackie. As always, the guy had perfect hair and a flirty smile. Karma came back to bite Jasper. Forever the ladies’ man, he was blessed with not one, but four daughters. Each one had him permanently wrapped around their little fingers. After the four girls, Jasper wanted to try one more time for a son. Jackie informed him she was done with having babies. He didn’t seem to mind and currently balanced the youngest one on his knee feeding her cake. Jackie, after returning with a few more plates of dessert, placed them on the table and bent to kiss her husband’s cheek. The expression on his friend’s face glowed with affection as he gently squeezed her hand and drew her back for another.

  Near the back of the room sat Dominic and Stephanie. They still enjoyed living on the edges of society and being as close to being hermits as possible. Next to them sat Stephanie’s father—yes, he was still alive and going strong. Dom had built a cabin nearby for the man and they visited every day. They also had children. Two miniatures of each. Their daughter was blonde and already a talented writer of children’s books. Their son was also blessed with long fair hair and seemed to love blacksmithing as much as his dad. They hadn’t had to use Dominic’s services for quite some time but every once in a while, he’d get called up to make someone disappear either for the family or the MC club that they still joined forces with.

  Even though they were seen as reputable business men of the community, it was the community that came first. None of them wanted to see their kids mixed up with bad influences so anyone that was found dealing drugs or doing illegal activity in Genoa would be dealt with to the fullest. The family still owned the garage out in the country and Dom still had a white van. It was newer but got the job done, the same as the old one.

  Surprisingly, Christopher, the tech guy, was still alive and well. Even though he’d once betrayed them, he’d made up for it a dozen times over. In fact, he even worked for Arlo doing surveillance and monitoring the cameras. He married Tonya a week after they were reunited and they had two kids. Alexander insisted on paying for all her medical expenses. Since Roman had already taken care of that, he offered to cover all her bills to go back to school. That Tonya took. Christopher wasn’t happy about it but his new wife said Alex owed her. After finishing up physical therapy she completed her education and was certified to teach. Tonya was the first person Layla hired when she opened her dance studio.

  “Ladies and gentlemen.” Layla’s voice came
over the loud speaker and Arlo’s attention snapped back toward the center of the room. He couldn’t have fought the smile that came across his lips if he tried. She was his life, his breath, his everything. Her fingernail tapped the microphone. “Can I have your attention?” She wore red, his favorite color on her. Her hair was still long and lush, her figure curvy and lean from years of dance. Arlo loved every minute he got to spend with the woman he loved.

  “Thank you, everyone, for attending. We couldn’t be happier to share this special moment with you. I know it is usually the father that does the speaking at these events but as everyone knows, my husband is a man of few words, and hates being in the limelight.” There were more than a few chuckles from the crowd. Arlo felt heat rise to his cheeks. He crossed his arms in front of his chest and cracked a smile at his wife.

  “The sweet sixteen party is very special for a girl and I know that I speak for my husband when I say we couldn’t be prouder of what a bright and beautiful young woman our Angelina has become. It seems like just yesterday that I was here and asked Arlo to dance with me. Who knew that we would end up married many years later? A girl’s first dance is a special time.” She twisted to glance down at her daughter. “Angelina will pick someone to start the next dance and then you are welcome to all join in. Angel, who would you like to dance with?”

  Arlo felt his stomach turn into a knot. How was he ever going to survive her getting married or moving away? He finally sympathized with Bruno and how the man felt about him all those years ago.

  Angelina took the microphone from her mom and shaded her eyes with her hand as if searching the room for someone to waltz with. When her gaze landed on Joseph, a blush brightened her cheeks. “I choose Joseph Caponelli.”

  The crowd clapped and the young man stepped closer.

  “Looks like our families will be joined together someday.” Roman ordered another drink to rub it in.

  “I’d like nothing better, just not today.” Letting out a deep breath, Arlo took another drink. “They’re too young.”

  “But before I do,” Angelina started again, “I asked Joseph if it was okay if I dance with someone else first.” The young man smiled and took a step back.

  “What’s this about?” Roman asked.

  “I have no clue.” Arlo sat up straight and tried to lock eyes with his wife but she was staring at their daughter.

  “For years, I’ve watched someone special dance with my mother. He’s made her so happy and I’m so proud to call him dad.”

  Arlo halted the drink next to his lips.

  “He’s always been there to wipe my tears, Band-Aid bruises, and tell me to rise when I fall. I can’t imagine any other man taking his place in my heart. I know someday, someone else will join his spot there but before that happens, I want my first dance to be with him. Arlo Brunetti, will you dance with me?”

  It felt like he was having a heart attack but it was just his heart bursting with love. He turned briefly to wipe away the tears before standing and walking toward the dance floor. Layla still stood there and from the knowing grin on her face, she’d known this all the time.

  When he reached them, he smiled at his daughter and drew his wife close for a kiss. Layla kissed his cheek once more before heading to the side of the room. Angelina gazed up at him, her eyes also glistening with tears. “I love you, Daddy.”

  “I love you too, sweetheart,” he managed to choke out. The band started up and he managed to pull it together enough to waltz about the room. The third time around they stopped in front of Joseph. He was Joseph’s godfather, and the more he thought about it, he could end up with a worse son-in-law.

  “I think it’s time for you two to dance.” He shook Joe’s hand and kissed his daughter’s cheek. “I’m so proud of you,” he whispered in her ear.

  “Thanks, Dad.”

  Again, he choked up and only managed to nod at the two as they strolled to the center of the room. He stood for a moment and watched the young couple start to dance. Joseph played the perfect gentleman and Arlo had to admit, he loved that kid like a son also.

  “Does this mean you’re free to dance with me now?” He recognized her perfume before he heard her speak. Layla’s arm reached around his waist from the back. Turning around, he embraced her in a tight hug.

  “I’ll be dancing with you forever.” He kissed her sweet lips. God, he loved this woman. The occasion brought back so many memories. Why did life have to be so short? There weren’t enough years to spend the time he wanted with those he loved but he was determined to enjoy and cherish every one for as long as they could. “Kids really do grow up too fast. I feel like the next time I dance with Angel it will be her wedding day.”

  “Hopefully that won’t come too soon, but I know what you mean.”

  “Did you know about that?”

  “Of course, but I had nothing to do with it. She came up with the idea.” The slow dance ended and a faster one started.

  “Care for a drink instead?” Taking Layla’s hand in his, he led her from the dance floor.

  There at the bar, the other guys had gathered along with their wives. Everyone was there. Roman and Madison, Dominic and Stephanie, Jasper and Jackie, even Christopher and Tonya were in attendance.

  “Arlo, it’s time for a toast.” Roman held up a glass as the bartender poured glasses of Dom Perignon for everyone. The guy always ordered the best of everything. Layla reached for two glasses and handed him one. “To family. Whether it be by blood, honor, or marriage, we are all bound together forever.”

  Shouts of, ‘To family’ and ‘Alla Famiglia’ followed. Arlo found himself engulfed in hugs and kisses from the most important people in the world to him. He turned to see his other children still sitting and enjoying time with Connie and it made him think of his parents. He’d grown up with no one and now his life was filled with people who would never leave him.

  This was family, his family. Those he’d kill for and those he’d die for.

  “Are you all right, dear?” Layla laid her head on his shoulder. “You’re so quiet.”

  He continued to soak in the love that surrounded him. “I’ve never been better, sweetheart. Never better.”

  The End

  About the Author

  Ginger Ring is an award-winning author with a weakness for cheese, dark chocolate, and the Green Bay Packers. She loves reading, watching great movies, and has a quirky sense of humor. Publishing a book has been a lifelong dream of hers and she is excited to share her romantic stories with you. Her heroines are classy, sassy and in search of love and adventure. When Ginger isn't tracking down old gangster haunts or stopping at historical landmarks, you can find her on the backwaters of the Mississippi River fishing with her husband.

  Facebook Writer Page:

  https://www.facebook.com/romancewritergingerring

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  https://twitter.com/GingerRings

  Webpage & Blog:

  http://gingerring.com/

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  http://amzn.to/1fslijd

  Pinterest:

  http://www.pinterest.com/Gingernovel/

  Instagram:

  https://www.instagram.com/ringginger/

  Note From the Author…

  I love to write stories that take place in my home state of Wisconsin. The inspiration for the setting of this story is the beautiful tourist town of Lake Geneva. I changed the name to Genoa for the story but forgot that there is a real town called Genoa in Wisconsin. Both are beautiful places to see, so if you ever travel to Wisconsin, make sure to visit both.

  There really is a Wollersheim Winery, and it’s located in the beautiful community of Prairie Du Sac. I tried to do my best in remembering all the details I learned on my wine tour there, but you really need to see the place yourself. They also make some truly wonderful wine.

  I hope you enjoyed this Caponelli family story, as there is more to come.

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