“With pleasure. But seriously, Zaira, are you all right? They didn’t hurt you, did they?” he asks, and I can hear the concern in his voice.”
“They didn’t hurt me. Put me in some uncomfortable situations, but nothing I couldn’t deal with.” I’m not going to give him details of my abduction. He doesn’t need to know them.
“That’s good to hear. And you are sure about Michael?”
“Oh, Vince, I’ve never been more sure of anything before. I forgive him and you. I know it was the right thing for you both to do, and I’ve accepted it.”
“Well, it’s about time,” he replies. “I’ll make sure everything is taken care of today.”
“Thank you. I’ll be back shortly to pick up some things to get me by until all my things get moved.”
“I’m working from home today, so I’m sure I’ll see you.”
“Sounds great. Talk to you later.”
He says good-bye, and I disconnect the line.
I make my way into Michael’s closet and set to arranging things to make room. He was right. There are a lot of empty spaces, but his things are scattered throughout the closet. I work to move his things on one side, and my things will go on the other. That will keep it organized and in order.
Once the closet is ready, I make my way downstairs and to the dining room for breakfast. Domenic and Francesca are just finishing up their breakfast when I walk in.
“Ah, there’s my girl,” Domenic says.
“Hello. You are looking much better today,” I reply. I give him a kiss on the cheek as well as Francesca. I love them both so much and am so happy I have been lucky enough to gain them as in-laws. They both have always treated me as if I was their own daughter, and now, I am.
“I am feeling better, but then again, I have a good nurse.” He looks at his wife and smiles sweetly. “So Michael tells me you are staying.”
“I am,” I reply. “I hope you both are good with that.”
“Oh, darling, we couldn’t be happier,” Francesca says. “You are back home where you belong.”
“Thank you. I’m sorry if I caused any problems over the course of the last couple of months.”
“Other than Michael being a royal pain in the ass, there have not been any problems,” Domenic says with a laugh.
“Well, I’ll be sure to keep him in line from now on,” I tease.
“See that you do. I’m too old to deal with a love-sick puppy,” Domenic replies, and we all laugh.
I get my breakfast, and they both stay with me until I am finished. We chat, and it’s like I never left. I’m home.
Vince wasted no time in getting my things moved, and they arrived a couple of hours after breakfast. I spent the rest of the day putting things away and settling in. It’s getting close to dinner time, and I realize I haven’t seen Michael since this morning. I finish and make my way to find him.
