"The Husband I Never Knew I Had..."

"Hope..."

"Have you lost your mind?"

"I'm perfectly sane Daddy. I know what I'm doing."

"That's Flavio's son! His father is a notorious loanshark. You're putting your life in danger, Cas."

"He's not like his father." I saw Cassie look at me from across the small living room, and I've never loved him more than right this very minute when he was defending me against his own father.

"I worry about you son. What were you thinking?"

"This is why I didn't tell you. I knew you wouldn't approve."

"I still don't!" I saw Cassie's face register sadness a second time that day, and before I could stop myself I was striding to engulf him in my arms.

"Sir, please. I don't know what my father did to earn your anger, but I love Cas, and I would never do anything to hurt him."

"You say that now because you have no memory of who your father is, and what you were before..."

"Before Cassie changed my life by loving me." His face softened a bit after I made it clear that I was a different man from my past self. "Please sir. Please give me a chance to prove you wrong." I asked the man who stared at me holding his son in my arms.

"Dad, I love Adonis." Cas whispered. It broke my heart to see him begging his dad to forgive him, and to accept me. He truly does love me if he was choosing me over his father's approval.

"I will never accept you Franco." His voice was calm, but decided. "In my house you will be welcomed as Adonis... Cassie's husband. I will give you a chance to prove me wrong, but mark my words young man. If you cause my son any harm, or put his life in danger... I will not hesitate to return the favor a thousand fold. Neither your influential, but notorious father or God almighty can save you from my wrath."

"As your son's husband, I promise to always defer to your wisdom and judgment. As a man given a second chance at life, I vow to hold Cas as my sole reason to live, and to always put him first above anything and anyone else. You have my word sir, I will treasure him, and will always keep him safe from harm... even if it costs me my life."

"We'll see how good you are at keeping promises, Adonis."

"Thanks Dad." Cas left my embrace to hug his dad.

"I hope you know what you're getting yourself into Cas. I hope you don't live to regret this day." His dad hugged him back.

"I won't Daddy. Adonis won't disappoint us." He turned slightly to smile warmly at me.

And at that very minute, I hoped... that Cas was right.