Kholod Morozov was the past. And Lorenzo—maybe he could be my future.
"Tara, it's getting late. I should go." Lorenzo handed Leo back to me. "Get some rest."
"Okay." I held Leo and walked him to the door. "Lorenzo, you get some rest too."
The next day at noon, I closed the shop and went to the backyard to see Lorenzo playing with Leo.
Lorenzo was sitting on the grass holding Leo, telling him a story.
"Once upon a time there was a little rabbit who lived in the forest..."
Leo listened intently, his little eyes fixed on him without blinking.
"What happened next?" I walked over and sat beside them.
"Then the little rabbit met a big bad wolf." Lorenzo continued. "Butthe little rabbit was very clever. It hid in a tree hole where the big bad wolf couldn't catch it..."
"Ee ya!" Leo clapped his little hands, seeming very happy.
Watching this scene, I suddenly felt moved. If I hadn't married Kholod back then, Lorenzo and I might really have formed a family. He would patiently play with Leo, tell him stories, be gentle and considerate with me—he'd definitely make a good father.
"Tara?" Lorenzo's voice interrupted my thoughts. "What are you thinking about?"
"Nothing." I shook my head. "Just thinking how good you are to Leo."
"He's a lovely child." Lorenzo smiled. "Besides, I like children."
"Tara," he suddenly grew serious, "have you thought about it?"
"About what?"
"What I told you last time." He looked at me. "About us."
I stayed silent as he continued gently. "I know I shouldn't rush you, but I want you to know—I truly want to marry you, want to give Leo a complete family."
"Lorenzo..."
"You don't have to answer me now." He gazed at me. "I can wait, until the day you're ready."
His eyes were so sincere, completely different from Kholod's burning possessive gaze—full of respect and acceptance.
"Lorenzo," I took a deep breath, "you know my past. You know about Leo's parentage... you really don't mind?"
"What I mind is the suffering you endured." He said firmly. "Tara, none of that matters. What matters is that I love you and am willing to accept everything about you."
His words made my eyes well up.
"But I..."
"You don't love me, I know." He interrupted. "But love can grow. As long as you're willing to give me a chance, I'll spend my whole life making you fall in love with me."
I looked at him, at this man with scars on his face but gentle eyes.
"Give me a little more time."
"We have all the time in the world." He smiled. "Take it slow, no rush."
Leo crawled onto my lap then, his little hands grabbing at my clothes.
