Though he couldn't become the good father Adams needed, he wouldn't deny him the chance to have the best of friends.
Then, when Adams turned fifteen, he had Fred and Joel swear their allegiance to him. Thanks to their sincerity, they did so willingly.
They became part of the famiglia.
The silence stretched longer, heavy and suffocating. Adams could no longer bear it. He walked over and stood before him, staring at his face.
The expression he saw made his heart stop. His father's eyes were red. Tears swirled within them, yet he refused to let them fall.
That would disgrace the Young family's name. A trait ingrained from the moment one was born. Only the princess had been different. She had been raised in splendor and protection until that accident struck.
"Dad..." His voice came out softer than he expected. "Are you okay?"
Don Valentino nodded. He lifted the back of his hand to wipe his glistening eyes before reaching out to pat Adams on the head.
