The exchange is indeed rather peaceful, and the Han dynasty piece of jade gets us a pretty penny.
It's only later, when we're back at the hotel, that I take my son aside to have a small talk.
"This money is yours, Luca," I say, showing him the account I'd opened in his name. "You won't be able to access it just yet, but you've done most of the research work for this sale, so it's only fair you get the biggest cut."
I explain to him how the money will be there until he's of age and that every job he contributes to will yield him more money.
He nods thoughtfully.
"Thank you,papa," he replies, giving me a hug before retiring to his room.
When I also go to my room, I'm met with my little tigress spread out on the bed and grinning at me.
"Have I ever told you that you're a great father? No, not great—the best," she says, wrapping her arms around my neck as I join her in bed.
"Is that so?" I ask, wrapping my arms around her middle and bringing her into me.
"It's important for him to recognize the value of money and that he has to work for it first. So yes, you're the best father," she says, taking my lips for a kiss.
"Should we…" I trail off, my hand on her stomach, "have another one?"
She tilts her head to the side, studying me.
"Not now," she whispers, her hand caressing my cheek, "maybe when Luca and the girls are older."
"Your wish is my command. Always."
EPILOGUE II—ALLEGRA
One Year Later, Gozo, Malta
Closing my eyes, I breathe in the morning breeze and the smell of the sea.
"Hey, you'll catch a cold," Enzo says from behind me, wrapping a blanket around my shoulders.
"Sometimes I wish we'd never leave here," I say just as his arms come around me, holding me to him.
"Me too, little tigress, but we need the world just as much as it needs us." I feel his breath against my skin and a shiver goes down my spine. He's never failed to make me feel like this, no matter how many years pass.
"Can you believe it's our fifteenth wedding anniversary?" he asks, looking toward the horizon.
"Who would have thought we'd be here today?" I muse out loud.
Certainly not me, given the rocky start of our marriage or the subsequent problems we encountered. But we pushed through, and against all odds, we managed to build a life for ourselves.
"Mamma," a voice calls. I turn to see Diotima followed by Nerissa as they race toward us. Luca is slowly trailing behind them, his gaze on the book in his hands.
"Come here." I stoop down to pick up Diotima in my arms while Enzo takes Nerissa.
"How come you two are up so early?" I raise an eyebrow at them.
"Rissa was bored," Diotima points to her sister.
"Not me!" She's quick to defend herself. "Dio wanted to go out." Our youngest pouts, looking so innocent but so, so cunning.
I turn to Enzo and I can see he's struggling not to smile.
According to our girls, it's always the other who instigates everything. We've had enough experience with their antics to realize it's usually by common agreement. They just like to tease each other to see who is more likely to get in trouble.
