Balotelli-Bale Series Book #6: Regina Mia & The Godfather Part 1

Chapter 75: Strong Bloodline

Keira's POV
The beauty of Santorini is nothing short of breathtaking. I have been out here for a while and I can't help but sigh in awe at the extensive blue sea soaked in the amber if the setting sun. It's a little chilly but okay to be outside. I'm getting away from everyone, a moment of silence to myself. Across at the infinity pool, I can see Marcelle. He is also enjoying his solitude.

Since Nick proposed things have moved swiftly.  It's been none weeks so far and wedding plans are well underway. A battle of words between Helena and Marianna reached the conclusion that we will have the wedding in Greece and the reception in Florence. The question of distance was settled in the words: "what are private jets for?" They muscled Nick out of paying for the wedding. He wasn't happy but who can win an argument when Marianna and Helena team up?

"It never gets old." Helena remarked. I snapped away from my thoughts.

"What?" I looked at her. She is wearing a small smile, typical of her. Nothing too much.

"The view. I have lived here for over ten years and still..." she sighed. She came over to sit next to me, inside the fire pit facing the sea. The property is on higher ground, giving us a great view of the sea. "I noticed you didn't drink any wine. Are you supporting Nick on his sobriety or is it something else?"

She has been staring at me since we got here and she hasn't said why. Her pale blue eyes are warm and inviting on this evening. She's pleased about the upcoming wedding.

"Something else..."

"Oh Kei!" She exclaimed with excitement in her voice. "I wish Alexander was here to see this. He would have been pleased. Nickolas hasn't mentioned anything."

"That's because I haven't told him."

"Why not? It's wonderful news!"

"I'm a little nervous, I'm not sure why."

"The beauty of a pregnancy is that it doesn't need words. It will show eventually." She squeezed my hand. "I can't begin to thank you for the family you've given me. I'm not thanking Nickolas because you did all the work. I have five great grandchildren and a sixth one on the way. I have lived to see the fourth generation. It's a privilege."

"Thank you for accepting me into your family. It means a lot. I know we didn't get off on the right foot. I kept a secret that had no business being a secret."

"You know, when I first found out about you and Nick, I told him to end it. I knew how fast he moves and I feared we would have another Margaux on our hands. He held onto you and continued to push on. I'm glad he never listened to me."

"When I first met you, I was scared out of my mind. Everyone who talks about you says you are fierce and ruthless."

"Am I?"

"If Nick adheres to your voice, yes. I admire you because you are a strong matriarch. If you were anything less, how would you manage Nate and Nick?"

"They are the most hardheaded impossible people to deal with. When I had Nate, I wanted to go at it alone. I didn't want support. But over the years, I slowly realized that he needed Alexander. Circumstances ripped him from me. I had to be tough on Nate even when I wanted to spoil him. Sometimes strength is the only thing left to show when a situation looks impossible. How are things with Marcelle?"

"He's okay, why do you ask?"

"There's a lot of conflict between him and Nick. I thought that by now the issue would be resolved."

"I'm not sure why they don't get along. They have so much in common."

"At that age, Nick never knew Nate that well. But Nick never got to Marcelle's level. I think I'll talk to him."