The room shifted at that. Even the laughter dimmed for a half-second. Everyone in that room understood what entering a child into a Family's bloodline registry meant. It was not paperwork. It was a claim on inheritance, on territory, on the right to one day sit where Tomasso sat. And it required the Don's formal recognition.
"But you'd have to divorce Giovanna first. That doesn't feel right..."
"It's not a big deal. Once the baby's registered under my name, I'll formally sever the arrangement with Catarina and re-bind with Giovanna. Simple. If she won't agree, I'll just do it behind her back."
Catarina sniffled, dabbing at the corner of her eye. "Giovanna is so kindhearted. She'll say yes. I'd be so grateful to her. Honestly, however long I get to be your wife, even just on paper, I'd be more than happy."
"Relax. You all know how much she loves Tomasso. Remember when she went to that sit-down with the Calabrese Family and spent the whole evening charming their old Don, glass after glass of grappa, just so Tomasso could close that territorial arrangement?"