Will Don Ferraza or Don Calabresi insist on some punishment like they wanted to give to Isabella and Gabriella?
Granted, things worked out for them, but I don’t see my punishment turning into a happily ever after.
No, my life is becoming a nightmare minute by minute.
LUCA
All day, I’ve been a nervous wreck. I’ll be alone with the kids. Well, not alone.
My father is here, but he’s locked away in his mind.
And I have staff.
But I’m the only parent.
Elena won’t be hovering around to step in and help if needed. Can I go an entire night with three six-year olds?
Their rooms are ready.
I chose ones near mine in case they need me in the middle of the night.
The rooms are redecorated and filled with toys. Maybe too many toys?
Will Elena think I'm trying to buy their affection?
I’m new to fatherhood, but I’m sure fancy rooms and toys aren’t a foolproof plan for parenting.
What if they misbehave?
What if they hate it here?
I don’t have time to think now, though.
They’ve burst through the door like a hurricane. Rocco first, then Elio, looking around with wide, curious eyes.
Finally, Adalina hangs back slightly, clutching a stuffed rabbit.
"Is this all yours?" Rocco asks, staring up at the vaulted ceiling.
"It's yours too now," I say, crouching to their level. "Want to see your rooms?"
“Yeah!” They race upstairs ahead of me.
"WHOA!" Elio's shout echoes down the hall. "LOOK AT ALL THE LEGOS!"
I can't help the grin that spreads across my face as I climb the stairs. By the time I reach the landing, they're already exploring, touching everything, jumping on beds, pulling toys from shelves.
"Can we stay forever?" Rocco asks.
I want to say yes, but I know I need to share them—unless, of course, Elena comes with them.
Pain pierces my heart that we won’t be the family I once hoped for. Not when I can’t trust her.
But God, it kills me.
Especially when each time I see her, there are moments when I see the woman I loved.
When my heart wants to open up to her.
