Just about shocking me out of the wheelchair, Rosaria leaned down and kissed the top of my head, her hand squeezing my good shoulder.
Rocco’s eyes flared before he attempted to sit up by himself. He made a noise that made me think he was putting on, trying to get Rosaria’s attention.
He’d never seen her kiss me that way before—she never had the courage to, not when I was able to move quick enough.
Neither had Scarlett, and she didn’t like it. I could tell she wanted to dust off my head with her hand. I almost laughed when she came behind me, quickly fixing my hair, right over the spot Rosaria had kissed, before she pushed me into the room.
“Grazie,” Rocco whispered to Rosaria after she helped him up. He pointed to his lips, and she leaned down, giving him a kiss.
A slick smile came to her face and she sat down, getting comfortable.
That game wouldn’t last long. Neither Scarlett nor I would play it.
A marital moment passed through me to Scarlett, and as if I’d spoken the thoughts in her ear, she squeezed my shoulder, right where Rosaria had.
Drawn like moths to a fire, Dario staggered in, followed by Romeo. Then our father.
I’d never seen his hair so disheveled before. I wondered if Maggie Beautiful ever had. Or did he wake up before her every morning and fix it into place?
It was odd, seeing him like this. Almost human.
All the chairs were soon occupied. The women made room for the wounded men. All but me. I had my own ride in and out.
Scarlett mentioned that she was going to check in with her parents, see how our kids were doing, take a shower, and then read some of her book. She hadn’t been sleeping well. She never did when I was in the hospital.
Taking her wrist, not letting her leave, I pulled her face close to mine. “Don’t ever leave me that way again.”
“You were in a deep sleep,” she whispered. “When I move, you move. I didn’t want to disturb you. Rosaria needed a break. It worked out.” She kissed my nose.
“For who?”
“You missed me?” She smiled, but then it faded when she realized how serious I was. She squeezed my good shoulder. “Bad dream?”
“Whenever you’re not next to me.”
“I’m sorry,” she breathed. “I didn’t mean to worry you.”
“I can’t do much in this state, ah?”
“I won’tletyou.” This time her smile was wide, and it warmed my heart.
“Kiss me, my wife.”
She did, placing her mouth against mine, real soft. “I’ll be back to get you in a bit. Stay put.”
“You’re going to give me a ride.” I grinned.
“I’m going to give you the ride ofyour life.” She winked, standing straight.
“Come on,” Juliette said, taking Scarlett by the shoulder. “Robin Hood: Prince of Thievesis on. In Italian! Let’s go watch some men in tights while we eat ice cream.”
I refused to let go of my wife’s hand, though, and when Juliette pushed her forward, our hold lingered.
The women laughed, all filing out.
“What is this about?” Luca demanded to know in Italian. “Men in tights?”
Romeo grinned before he sat up straighter. His eyes were glazed, probably from the pain medicine.“It is a movie, father. Robin of the Hood.”
