"I understand your concern," I say, reaching out to take her hand. "But Elisabetta has been raised knowing this day would come. She's prepared."
Vittoria nods, but I can see she's not convinced. "I know. It's just... I remember how scared I was on our wedding day. How uncertain about everything. I don't want her to feel that way."
I feel a pang of guilt at her words, remembering how young and vulnerable Vittoria looked on our wedding day.
"What are you suggesting?" I ask, curious about her thoughts.
"Have Lorenzo's wedding at least a year from now. It'll give Elisabetta time to adjust to what's going to happen, maybe even get to know her husband-to-be. I understand women in our world marry young, but Elisabetta isn't even nineteen yet, Cesare. Maybe you could push it until she's at least twenty?"
I think about her words. She's right. Lorenzo will be the first to marry. If we set the date for next year, it'll give everyone, Elisabetta included, time to come to terms with it all.
"You may be right," I say slowly. "Pushing Lorenzo's wedding back a year would give everyone more time to prepare. And it would allow Elisabetta to finish her education before her own marriage."
Vittoria's eyes light up with hope. "Really? You'd consider it?"
I nod, squeezing her hand gently. "I'll propose it at the next meeting. I can't guarantee the others will agree, but I'll do my best to make it happen."
Vittoria leans in, pressing a soft kiss to my cheek. "Thank you, Cesare. I know it will mean a lot to Elisabetta, even if she doesn't say it."
As she pulls back, I catch her face in my hands, studying her intently. "You've grown to care for them, haven't you? My children?"
She nods, a small smile playing on her lips. "I have. They're good kids, Cesare. And... they're family now."
Her words fill me with warmth I can't quite describe. "You're a remarkable woman, Vittoria Mariano," I say softly, before leaning in to capture her lips in a tender kiss.
When we part, Vittoria's cheeks are flushed, eyes bright. "There's something else I wanted to talk to you about," she says, voice slightly breathless.
"Oh?" I raise an eyebrow, curious. "What is it?"
Vittoria takes a deep breath, like she's steeling herself. "You have children already. Do you want any more?"
I'm silent for a moment, contemplating her question. "I hadn't really thought about it," I admit. "My children are grown now, and I assumed that chapter of my life was closed."
Vittoria nods, eyes downcast. "I understand. I just... I wanted to know where you stood."
I hate when she looks away from me. I reach out, gently tilting her chin up so she's looking at me. "Tori, are you saying you want children?"
She bites her lip, hesitating before answering. "I... I think I do. Not right away, of course. But someday. I've always dreamed of being a mother."
Her admission makes my chest tighten. The idea of Vittoria carrying my child, of starting a new family with her, is suddenly very appealing. Seeing her round with my baby is something I'm actually looking forward to.
"I never thought I'd consider having more children," I tell her. "But with you... the idea isn't unappealing. In fact, I think I might like it very much."
Vittoria's eyes light up with hope, and it's blinding. "Really? You'd want that? With me?"
I pull her close, pressing a kiss to her forehead. "Of course with you, Tori. You're my wife. And more than that, you've become someone I care for deeply. The thought of creating a family with you... it feels right."
Her eyes fill with unshed tears, but she still has that brilliant smile. "Oh, Cesare," she whispers, wrapping her arms around me.
I hold her tight, unable to believe how much has changed between us in such a short time.
"We don't have to decide anything now," I say softly. "We have time. But I want you to know I'm open to the idea. When you're ready, when we're both ready, we can start trying for a baby."
Vittoria nods against my chest. "Thank you," she murmurs. "For considering it. For being open to it."
I pull back slightly, cupping her face between my hands. "You never have to thank me, Tori. Not ever."
I lean in, capturing her lips in a deep, passionate kiss. I can't help thinking about the future, a future that now includes the possibility of a child with Vittoria. It's a future I never expected, but one I'm suddenly very much looking forward to.
