If she says no, she’s taking Leon away from the father who saved his life.
I watch her realize that the trap is closing around her.
“For how long?” she asks hesitantly.
“As long as it takes.”
“As long aswhattakes?”
“As long as it takes for Leon to recover fully. As long as it takes for me to recover, and for us to figure out what happens next.”
She’s silent for a long moment. I can see her weighing her options, searching for an escape route, but finding none.
“And if I refuse? You’ll withdraw your offer to donate part of your liver?”
“No.” I let the word sit between us. “I would never use Leon’s life as leverage. The surgery happens regardless. But I’m asking you, Mina. Come home with me. Let me take care of both of you.”
Home.I see the word land, and she flinches at the implication.
“It’s not my home.”
“It used to be. It could be again.”
She looks away, her jaw tight. “You’re asking me to move into the house that I fled, where I was reminded every day that I wasn’t good enough.”
“You were always good enough. Better than good enough. Better than anyone.”
Her eyes snap back to mine.
“You were the only good thing in that house,” I say quietly. “The only warmth. The only kindness. I want to give that back to you.”
“Cristiano…” Her eyes dance over my face. I can feel her softening.
“Say yes.”
She closes her eyes. When she opens them again, they’re bright with unshed tears.
“Yes,” she whispers. “Okay. Yes.”
I wrap my arms around her and hold her tight to my chest before she sees the blaze of triumph in my face.
Mine. Finally, finally mine.
They admitme at nine o’clock that night.
A nurse arrives in Leon’s room with a clipboard. “Mr. Montoni, we have a room ready for you just down the corridor. You’ll be close by, and—”
“I’d rather stay here.” I look at Mina. “If that’s all right with you.”
She blinks, clearly not expecting this. For a moment she just stares at me, and I can see her considering what’s best for Leon.
“I want to be near you tonight,” I say. “Both of you.”
The nurse shifts uncomfortably. “It’s not standard procedure for adult patients to share a pediatric room.”
“It’s fine, if you’re able to make an exception,” Mina says quietly. She’s still watching me with that wary expression. “He’s Leon’s father.”
Warmth floods my chest at the words.
