I smile and go to offer a hug to Mrs. Farina, who is in a hospital gown in the bed. “It’s so lovely to meet you.”
“Yes, you have no idea! Please, call me Nella.” Her blue-green eyes shine with warmth.
DiAngelo returns to my side, his arm protectively around my back. I’m not sure if it’s a statement to his parents or support in what could be an awkward situation, but I love it all the same.
“Everything good for the surgery today?” he asks.
“We got a big thumbs-up from the doctor,” Nella assures us. “They’re still filtering in with paperwork and all that crap, but we should be good to get started on time. What about you? Have things finally settled down for you, or are you still hosting that friend of yours?”
Heat singes my cheeks.
D gives me a little squeeze. “That friend is right here, and while she’s still staying with me, the danger is over. Everything is much better now.”
Nella’s mouth rounds as she tips her head back in a now-I-get-it expression. “So that’s where you two met.”
“She’s Renzo’s sister,” he explains.
Dear God, if my cheeks get any hotter, they’ll start smoking, and I’m not even sure why. We’re adults. But these are his parents. I can’t help but feel awkward.
“You’ve done an amazing job as parents. D has helped me through a rough time, and I’ll always be incredibly grateful.”
Nella’s chin quivers. “Thank you, sweetie. Oh, D, you did so good.”
I peer up at DiAngelo, who looks visibly choked up when he nods. “Thanks, Ma.” He crosses and gives her a long hug. “I love you. We’re gonna wait with Dad until you’re in the clear, then we’ll come by again tomorrow to check on you.”
Now, all four of us are sniffling back tears.
We exchange another round of hugs before D and I head to the waiting room.
“They seem like wonderful people,” I tell him, my fingers still woven with his when we sit.
“They are. I’d say I don’t deserve them, but I know you’d only argue.”
I give him a playful glower. “You’re damn skippy I would.”
He lifts our joined hands and places a kiss on my knuckles. “I’m not sure I’d believe it, though, if it weren’t for you.”
“I can be pretty convincing when I want to be.”
“Yes, but that’s not what I mean.”
My brows furrow in confusion as I wait for an explanation.
“No matter how much I try to blame myself for the past, I know I must have done something right or the universe wouldn’t have given me you.”
And, there goes the waterworks. Again.
Tears blur my vision. “You didn’t have to do anything but be yourself. I never stood a chance.”
“And now you’re mine forever.” A lighthearted smile kisses his lips, drawing the same from me.
“So long as you’ll have me.”
“Always, firefly.”
CHAPTER 62
DIANGELO
