POV Ayla

After the dance with my brother, I wanted nothing more than to find a quiet corner to get a grip, but Jaxon ’s father limped toward me.

I gave him a smile as my brother slinked away after a curt nod. Mr. Moretti held out his hand. “Will you give this old man the honor of dancing with the bride?”

“Of course, Mr. Moretti,” I said with a small curtsy.

“Mansueto, please. We’re family now.”

I nodded and took his hand, wondering how this was going to work with his cane. He smiled wistfully. “We’ll have to dance in one spot if you’re all right with that, young lady.”

Again, I nodded and stepped a bit closer. He handed his cane to a man I didn’t know and lightly touched my back. Then we began to sway to the music.

“You’re very quiet. From what I hear, you’re not a quiet girl.”

My cheeks heated, wondering who had given him that piece of information. Christian? Definitely not my mother.

Mansueto’s eyes were kind, but like his son, his reputation was chilling. “My son’s reputation makes me proud