Chapter 75

There was a scratchy lump in his throat, and Tav swallowed very hard to keep tears at bay.

“Boys,” Mr. Jensen said quietly. “Paolo, I want you to go to Antonio’s for the night. Angelo, Tomas, you will stay with Laura Pretty and―”

“We’re staying together,” Antonio said roughly. “Either we stay together at home, or we all stay with the Prettys. Whichever Mrs. Pretty prefers.”

“Mam won’t mind,” Tav whispered.

Mamma Alessandra made a choked noise and spread her arms to gather her four remaining sons into a hard hug. It was impossible she could hug all of them at once, and yet they crowded in and made it possible.

“We’re going to stay with Luca tonight, boys,” she crooned, patting their shoulders and hair as though checking them over. She still looked tearful, but dignified again. “Just in case.”

“But you’ll call,” Antonio said roughly. “If anything happens, you’ll call.”