"A tissue?"  Lucy laughed.

Frank gave her his kerchief.  She wiped her eyes and nose.  

"I had Charlie here all night with me.  I was worried out of my mind and no one called with news - which was, of course, by design.  Varys sent me out to collect names and places early that morning so I wasn't here for he planning phase and had no way to know for sure what was happening."

"I was on a plane for 13 hours that day - in and out of cities cracking wise guy skulls for answers.  I didn't eat anything to speak of... airplane food... bad airplane food at best.  When I got home I was exhausted and I didn't drink enough water ... and then I started drinking wine to calm my nerves... and well it all came together in this perfect storm."

She sighed.  "I passed out on the couch in the middle of talking with Charlie... the last thing I can remember saying before coming to with her standing over top of me was how I was glad that we hadn't gotten pregnant because I didn't want to be a widow with two little children."  she began to cry again.

"And then I woke up and Charlie was scared and asked if I'd eaten anything.  I said no so she made me a sandwich.  While I was eating that, she must have gotten worried about what we had just been talking about before I passed out, because she asked when I'd last cycled." 

Lucy shrugged.  "And I told her about the doctor visit last month and how heart broken I was, and that surly I wasn't pregnant so soon after getting such hopeless sounding news."

Lucy laughed.  "Charlie insisted that she take me to the hospital straight away.  She said it would take my mind off worrying for you - strangely it did.  The doctor did the test - twice.  It's true Frank."  She took his hand with hers and squeezed it. 

"He told me that it's very early still.  He said I shouldn't tell anyone until we're further along.  He said that this stage of pregnancy is so delicate... well, apparently lots of even healthy women lose their children at this point and they never even know they were pregnant."  She looks down as she says these words. 

"He said it wouldn't be a shock if something were to go wrong and I should eat well, rest, and get plenty of water each day ... but all I kept thinking about was the guys bringing you home to me.  I imagined waking you up from whatever drug they slipped you, and you - brilliant angry you - shout at me in righteous fury for robbing you of the chance to fight beside your family."  She smiles proudly and looks at him.

"I had this thing in my head that was you... telling me off... indignant at your wife, a women, handing you over to her Godfather.  Then... in front of Varys... I would say the words that would change it all.  I would tell him, and you, that I was carrying your child.  I knew ... I knew what he'd do then.  He'd make you an offer and all without you having betrayed your family and I without having turned traitor on him.  In fact, Varys would KNOW how deep my loyalty ran if I was willing to hand over, not just my husband, but the man whose baby I carried!  My loyalty would be beyond question."  

"But best of all... whatever anger you rightfully had at me... I knew it would die with those words and we'd go home together.  All would be forgiven and it would be as if none of this had ever happened."  She shook her head and wiped her face with the kerchief again.  "But ... that didn't happen.  My orders weren't followed... and instead I spent the last few days alone and beside myself with fear that Whitehill or Durden would find you on the streets or in some speak easy with your nose in a glass of whiskey."

Frank looked at Lucy shaking his head. 

If that was your plan it wouldn't have worked.  Don Vary's is an old school Don he spared me because he wants to see with I will use my talents for him but he will never fully trust me.  My fate was sealed long ago.  Many members of my family went to settle in other cities.  They may fair better then I will.  Death comes sweetheart no matter how hard we fight or how smart we are something's we cant avoid.  

If you had called me and told me that I would have come home but someone in Chicago may have shot me while I was buying baby food or a baby bed.  Vary would have heard your words but he must do what's best for his family. 

Frank became quite as he realized that he will never be trusted and his dreams will never be. 

You're a good woman Lucy, your loyalty to Don Vary's is admirable.  But one day he may give you the order to send me away and you will have to do it.  I don't doubt that.  Raise our Children to be better.  I will live as long as I can I will be there to help you every step of the way while I draw breath. 

Frank rubs Lucy's tummy and smiles. 

That's a Dicaprio in there and we are strong and durable they child will make it into this world and that child will smile at you and Katy.   Let me get you a glass of water.

Frank go's to get Lucy a glass of ice water and hands it to her.  Then sits next to her putting his arm around her.

Here drink the water doctors orders. 

"Perhaps neither of us can know Varys as well as we like to think we do.  He's ruthless Frank - I have no doubt he could ask me to kill you.  Honestly, if the day comes that you need killing, he'd be a fool to ask anyone but me to pull that trigger.  If told another to do it... I'd have time to plan revenge.  If he tells me to do it - he'll be able to judge to whom I'm most loyal.  But for as good a mafioso you are, Frank, you don't know people like I do."

She drinks the water.  "Several men refused to shoot you in Vegas when they had a shot... several spoke for you directly to the Godfathers.  You think that you know Varys and yet you didn't think I was capable of giving an order to have kidnapped and risking that I was wrong about Varys.  He could have killed you.  I could have been wrong.  I wasn't."

"He'll tell you and everyone that it was a practical matter - but he's not without honor.  You can earn a place with us.  A real place with us.  I know because after running from Philly, in spite of all the reasons why I should have been killed by the people of Chicago, I built a home here.  I've built loyalty which is more valuable than any drug or gun we run."

"Not every family is made of blood.  Not every crew has a name.  Sometimes... the bonds we create are thick enough to defy all reason and odds.  Yes... you'll die in time, but not because of this.  Not because of me.  You're going to be a grandfather, old and wrinkled ... bitching about young made men and how they don't get it.  You'll be advising our children and their children on the paths their lives might take and proudly telling them how you paid the price in blood so that they could live better lives than we did and our parents before us."

"In this thing... you have to be willing to see me as you see your mother and grandmother Frank... but more.  This name I have, this position I've been given, contrary to what some think - I earned it and I need you to believe in me and that I know Varys as well as anyone can.  He chose me because he believes that's true.  If there was any doubt that I had earned this position, then it should have died the moment Varys let you live.  When you went to him, without me and my protection, he had no reason to keep you alive.  He could have killed you and told me you never showed.  I wouldn't have known if you died here or in Vegas.  How would I?"

"Varys owes me nothing and I ... Dio può damn me, I asked for nothing."  She shook her head in disgust with herself.  "I'll answer for that with St. Peter - but I knew if we were going to have life here; if you were going to stand on your own feet as a Made Man again, it would have to be earned and not begged for because that's what I would have expected... and Varys is very alike me, Frank.  You should know that.  Whatever you told him you could do for him, you must do that and more.  You do it so well that he doesn't know how he ever got by without you.  And you will win a place here just I have."

She rests her head upon his shoulder, "We should listen to the doctor.  Not a word about this for now.  I've sworn Charlie to secrecy.  Say you can keep a tight lip too?  There's so much happening and I have to be at the top of my game right now.  It puts my mind at ease that most of my work now happens in an office, not in the streets, just the same... Teniamo le questioni familiari all'interno della famiglia ... at least for now?  And... Whitehill, the matter must be finished before I'm too far long that I'm showing.  Agreed?"  

Frank sat there and as he listened he realized that she did not know him or what makes him tick.  He her words where clear the family comes before her family and that is the expectation of being a member is.  She wanted him to remain quite about being with child when he should be celebrating and yet that is now denied him.  She learned nothing about his family with all the actions that took place in Sicily how his uncles claimed her because of her father and grandfather how his own mother loved her because Lucy's mother was his mothers best friend.  How they removed the heads of three families to protect when they would have gone on living their normal day to day lives.  

She forgot about why Frank had so many people killed to ensure that no one knew that Katy wasn't his biological child yet that meant nothing to Frank your family was everything and the family received its due when called.  Her respect for what Don Vary's has afforded her was commendable and her loyalty was given and he know knows that if ordered she would put the bullet in him he said nothing as she spoke he simply gave her a simple friendly smile that he would give a stranger and patted her hand three times.  

She talked about loyalty she never asked him was he happy as he lost several families also.  He was in three himself and he never mentioned if he was happy in any of them he did what was expected and jumped in where he could for each of them.  He didn't make any inquires about why Vivian was killed he understood the business and then went to Bella their he worked and severed and built bonds and took people under his wing and said nothing.  He never told her about the offers to join others and the seats of power he was offered yet he simply sat their and listen to her. 

She went into talking about getting the rest of her vendetta not realizing she just murdered he husband heart and soul.  Frank was lost now and wondered what was life really about, what was this thing of theirs really about.  He remember his father telling him weeks before his own death that this thing was about the rules, parameters  and without them this whole thing would come crashing down on them.  Frank was tried and knew he needed sleep the small nap's he was talking was effecting him and her words hurting him.  

Frank would prove himself loyal to the family to a fault and Vary's would be happy he brought him into the fold.  He lost friends and made a few he will lose more and make more.  He would go on living and staying out of the fame and glory that so many seek.  He will do his duty as a good soldier because he was old school honor bound.  He understood her condition and he would never do anything to harm his Lucia or Katy.  He looked at her and with all his might buried his pain and vowed to showed mercy and give his wife unmerited favor just as Chicago showed him mercy by allowing him to live. 

Looking at Lucy Frank answered her.

Lucy You did what you knew to do and it word out this time.  I don't doubt your loyalties to Chicago no one does.  You found a home here and you built yourself up by hard work we all saw that.  I have to do the same, its not going to be easy as you already know but I have to do it my way.  My way Lucy.  Your a strong capable woman but I'm Sicilian and we have away about what we do and how we do it.  I will be spending time on the streets earning and rebuilding my businesses.  I need capital and now I have to build new connections.

She sat quietly as he continued.  Frank knew she was thinking and he knew that over all she was deep in his heart.

Vary's and the family have given me a place to rest my head and regroup for that I am thankful.   Its you that I married and I married you for a reason.  So listen carefully when I say this.  You mean a lot, your mom wife but don't think me weak or helpless I'll work my way up in this family but you have to let me do that my way.  As for keeping this child quiet never going to happen sweetheart a father gets to celebrate and I plan to so the cat is out of the bag.   I'll hold it for now but this Whitehill situation have to happen soon real soon.

Looking at her he realized that no matter what went down he could never hate her.  He knew then that his love for her was deep.  He realized that she had a style that could get his blood to boil hot with anger and hotter with love.  Lucy was Lucy she wasn't Lucky she was gifted and the Sicilian Irish mix was perfect.  He looked into her eyes and knew then that she owned him and he couldn't fight it or deny it.

So I assume you have a plan in your head for this Whitehill?

When Frank indicated that he feared she saw him as weak, she tilted her head to the side in confusion and her face became the very essence of empathy.  Of all the things she thought about her husband, weak had never been one of them.  She believed he was as cold as ice and hard as steel when he had to be – a true professional; it was her reason for not making a huge fuss over the loss of his most recent crew.  He would surely have thought that she felt he was incapable of handling the difficulties of this thing of theirs, if she made a big deal about his emotions regarding their loss.  Men like Frank didn’t like to share their feelings unless that feeling was rage or joy.  She felt it was foolish – but this was part of the man she’d chosen to love and so she accepted it.

Lucy softened at Frank saying he couldn’t keep his mouth shut about the baby.  She knew when she asked him to do so that he wouldn’t be able to – and yet she had to try if only because the stress of everyone fussing over her would not be good for her or the baby.  The doctor had been quite clear about the baby’s chances during this trimester, but as time went on, the danger increasingly went to her; where, if there had to be danger, she wanted it placed.  Better upon her life than the baby’s.

Finally, things came around to Whitehill.

“Coordinated strike.  My people have scouted his capo’s schedules.  We’ll do it on a Sunday.  We’ll need some help.  We hit them with their pants down then Whitehill has no one to fall back to.  Then we end this with Billy.  Godfather Varys has already approved the move.  It frees up the city of any Durden’s real influence for the moment.  Means our families can grow and make more money.”

Lucy kissed Frank’s cheek, “Listen, I don’t know what you meant by that weak comment, but just in case I’ve done a poor job of telling you – I do not think you’re weak.  Far, far from it.  You’ve lost so many crews, and blood family, and Frank what you did with me in Ireland and Sicily… that took absolute nerves of steel.  Remember the hitman on the ship to Sicily?”  She smiled at the memory.  “You took no shit and gave no fucks.”

She laughed.  “Seriously Frank… you’ve proven yourself to me long before this moment.  If my words about proving yourself to Varys gave you pause; put those fears aside.  I believe in you.  I have no doubt that you are the best man in this crew… hell this whole city.  I have big plans for us and I would have none of those if I thought you were weak.  Hell, I wouldn’t have married you if I thought you were weak.”

She shrugs.

“If I all my plots and plans and over thinking sometimes put you ill at ease or makes you question where my head is at – you do know you can talk to me, right?”  She touches his cheek with her finger tips.  “I know you try to carry a lot and it’s a Sicilian Man thing as you point out often.”  She makes the statement in an imitation of Frank’s voice clearly trying to make him smile. 

“But I’m just doing the best I can with what’s in front of me.  If you think I’m steering the ship wrong, or that I’m steering more than I should because it’s your place as husband… I can’t say I won’t argue with you about it… but I will listen because I do love you and I know your experience is invaluable to us and what we’re trying to build here.”

Frank smiled with a bit of joy as Lucy told him what she thought of him as her husband.  He knew that behind every successful man was a greater woman that stands with him.  Looking into her loving eyes his heart melted completely and he wrapped his arms around her and pulled her close.

Hitting them with there pants down, that sounds dam good.  I like that.  If you got the approval and the men in place you're sitting in the drivers seat.  Nothing left but to give the order.   Still the Durden's continue to be a pain in everyone's side and he has a lot of associates working for him.  Lucy I knew you I watched you in action in Sicily remove a Don in his own home.  It was then that all the families in Sicily that you are a serious woman to be treated with respect. 

I'm hear and I'm all in just give the go ahead.  Now let's talk about this baby.  Katy has to be included in caring for her little sister or brother doesn't matter as long as they are close.  No separation or distinction between them boy or girl we agree to love them with all our hearts equally.  

Frank smiled as he thought of Katy as a big sister and caring for her siblings.  Twins would be nice Triplets even better then he looked at her and then his smile grow. 

I think its time to eat dinner do you want to go out or eat in?  I need to talk with Charlie since she knows I can tell her about my excitement.  Just think my mother playing with two grandchildren and she wondered if it would happen. 

Frank laughed with joy. 

"I'm okay with eating out.  Let me go change though.  Are you wanting to go to a sit down proper place or maybe hit Bee's Knees?  Charlie is add a new menu to her place.  She's got a short order cook coming in from out of town to help set things up for her.  I hear he's pretty good.  Makes a mean cheese burger - or so I'm told."  Lucy stands up and waits for Frank to reply before making her way to their bedroom.

Frank nods

I guess its Charlie's then.  I get to smile at her and rub your tummy a bit as she would understand.

Frank erupts in laughter then says

I'll let you tell Katy that we have to run out together and they we will be back before she wakes up in the morning.