"Thank you for always being so thoughtful."
He reached out to take Leo, and the baby immediately threw himself into Lorenzo's arms with delight.
Watching their closeness, I suddenly thought of that voyeur. Since Kholod insisted on watching, I'd give him something worth seeing.
I walked over to Lorenzo and deliberately slipped my arm through his.
"Lorenzo." I looked up at him.
"Yeah?" He seemed surprised—this was the first time I'd been so forward.
"I've made up my mind," I said. "About what you asked me before."
"Really?" His eyes lit up. "You mean..."
"I'm willing to try." I deliberately raised my voice. "To give Leo a complete family."
Lorenzo was speechless with joy.
"Tara..." He held Leo with one arm, wanting to embrace me with the other. "You... you really mean it?"
I didn't answer with words. Instead, I stood on my tiptoes and kissed his cheek.
Lorenzo's face turned crimson instantly. "Tara, you..."
"What, I can't do that?" I asked teasingly.
"No! Of course you can!" He pulled me close excitedly. "I... I'm so happy! Tara, I'll be good to you, I'll take care of you and Leo, I swear—"
"I know." I cut him off. "I trust you."
We stood there in the shop, sunlight streaming through the window. The scene probably looked heartwarming, like genuine lovers.
But only I knew how frantically my heart was beating, how cold my palms were.
Though I wasn't completely ready, I really didn't want to face Kholod anymore.
"The weather's lovely today. Want to take Leo to the beach?" Lorenzo suggested the next morning while helping me hang tapestries.
We strolled slowly along the boardwalk. Lorenzo pushed the stroller while seagulls circled overhead, crying out.
"Tara," he suddenly stopped walking. "Do you really want to be with me?"
"Yes," I nodded. "I want to give Leo a stable home."
"Just for the baby?" He studied my face. "Do you have feelings for me?"
I was quiet for several seconds. How should I answer? Say yes? That would be lying to him. Say no? That would be too cruel.
"I'll try my best." I finally said. "Lorenzo, I'll try to love you. At least right now, being with you makes me feel safe."
"That's enough for me." He smiled. "I just want you to be happy."
He gently took my hand. I didn't pull away, allowing that warmth to flow between us. Leo slept peacefully in his stroller. This momentof tranquility made me think that maybe life could continue like this forever.
Out of the corner of my eye, I caught sight of a figure standing on the distant rocks. Kholod stood there, the sea breeze lifting his coat, his silhouette isolated and forlorn.
I deliberately moved closer to Lorenzo.
