I’d set an impeccable table on the back veranda, taking advantage of the soft night breeze and the scent of the garden flowers she loved. Candles glowed across the table. Soft music—her music—played quietly in the background.
Everything in that scene was deliberate. Built to reach her heart.
I’d left Valentina and Clara alone for bedtime.
As much as I’d missed Clara after nearly two full days away—missed her as sharply as Valentina had—I wanted them to have that moment to themselves. Valentina needed that reconnection desperately.
I could wait.
For them, I’d do anything.
I’d never believed it was possible to love someone so intensely and purely, but what I felt for my daughter… it was inexplicable. I loved her smiles, the sound of her voice—even her stubbornness, because being her mother’s daughter, of course my girl would have a strong will.
“It’s just dinner,” I said to Valentina, who was still standing in the doorway. I pulled out her chair and offered my hand. “One I made for you.”
She stared at me for a few seconds, hesitant, then finally took the invitation and stepped onto the veranda, moonlight and candlelight washing over her.
She sat slowly, taking everything in.
“You didn’t have to do all this,” she murmured.
I smiled as I poured her favorite wine, then sat across from her, my eyes locked on hers.
“I know,” I said. “But I wanted to.”
“I want to do this for you, Valentina. I want to do anything that makes you smile—and I’m not wasting a single opportunity. The simple ones or the grand ones.”
She inhaled, briefly lost in thought, then took a slow sip of wine, trying to rein in whatever she was feeling.
“This is dangerous,” she whispered, meeting my gaze again. “Everything you’re doing is dangerous.”
I raised an eyebrow.
“Dangerous how?”
She bit her lower lip, then answered honestly.
“Because it makes me want to believe you again. And that… isn’t something I planned on allowing.”
I held her gaze, steady, grateful for her honesty even in fear.
“I’ve always liked danger,” I murmured.
Valentina let out a small laugh.
“Just tonight,” she warned.
I smiled broadly—because I knew.
This was only the first of many nights I intended to fight for.
“Of course, love. Just tonight,” I lied shamelessly.
Valentina’s narrowed look told me she knew exactly what I was doing.
And still…
She stayed.
