Page 60

I lean back against my chair. Alessandra leans into me, her head resting over my heart.

“Dinner!” Juliette calls from behind us.

Xavier manages to untangle himself from the branch and scampers up the lawn to the porch where Juliette is setting down a plate of freshly baked pita and a bowl of tzatziki. Simon is just behind him, trying to mimic his older cousin’s movements.

I tighten my grip on Alessandra and stand. She shrieks and clings to my neck.

“I’m too heavy!”

“I recall you saying that once before.” I kiss her again, savor the taste of her. “You were wrong both times.”

She shakes her head even as she curls into my embrace. My grip tightens on her.

“I’ve got you,” I whisper against her hair.

My wife smiles up at me, love shining in her eyes.

“Now and forever.”

* * * * *