Chapter 26
TWENTY-SIX
ETHAN
Six Months Later
The day of our departure had finally arrived.
Frank and Mamma had taken us to the airport, and we were huddled together waiting for our boarding call.
Mamma’s eyes were already watery even though we’d stayed at their house for a long weekend while the movers came and took everything to the storage facility.
Jude and I had stood in the empty apartment with our arms around each other’s waists.
“Who knew?” He said, sounding weepy. “This was where we began our life together.”
“We’ve done well, tesoro,” I said and kissed his temple.
“We have, Daddy. Do you remember trying to figure out what names we’d teach Isa for each of us? I refused to relinquish my hold on calling you Daddy…”
“Which I supported one hundred percent,” I said, pulling into his chest so I could hold him tight, my head pressed against his.
We’d finally decided on Papá for me and Babbo for Jude. We were going to give Isa the option when she got older to call him Dad.
Gabby had been eager to sign the adoption papers, making the whole process go smoothly.
She was not herself yet and hardly visited, but I made a point of having breakfast with her both with and without Jude.
I’d encouraged her to visit Italy for a new start.
Like me, she was fluent both in our Southern dialect and formal Italian.
As for Jude’s parents, he sent monthly photos to his dad via text with a short message.
He’d reply with an equally succinct message with no interest in meeting Isa, which drove Jude crazy.
I’d warned him that he needed to cease all communication if he was going to act out on a monthly basis.
He’d finally agreed. They fucking did not deserve to see our daughter grow if they had no real interest.
But fuck, Jude was an incredible parent, taking up the responsibility for Isa as if he’d been doing it for years. God, he loved her. Beside me, she was truly his joy.
“Mamma,” I said. “We’re getting close to boarding time.”
Reluctantly, she handed Isa to Jude, and I helped situate her in the baby carrier Jude wore with pride. He liked the front-carry style, and he’d always touch her. He’d become more tactile with me, too, since she came into our lives fluttering her little wings, as Jude loved to say.
“Mamma, we’ll see you in one month,” Jude said, “and we’ll do video chats every day just as if Isa and I were sitting in your kitchen.”
“I know,” she said, weeping. “It’s just that you’re so far away.”
Frank swung his arm over her shoulder. “Viv, before you know it, I’ll be taking you to the airport.” He turned to me. “You’re going to do great, Ethan. I can’t wait to hear about the new cars on the line for next year.”
“Thanks, Frank. You’ve made my dream come true.
I promised Jude he’d get to walk on the beaches of the Tyrrhenian Sea, but you actually made it happen.
When you come in the spring, we’ll have a reason to visit there.
” He gave me a warm smile, knowing that Jude and I were planning to get married when they came.
The speaker blared as the airline representative called for the boarding of guests with children or in first class. We had both. When I told Artemis about adopting Isabella, he’d bumped us into first class, knowing we could use the room with a jiggly six-month old.
Frank replied, “I’d love that.” And then he hugged me for all he was worth, wishing us safe travels as teary eyed as Mamma. “Buon viaggio, figliolo.”
Jude let Mamma have a half-dozen more kisses before he gingerly pulled away with my help.
We both hugged her and blew kisses. Before Jude and I disappeared from sight, he waved Isa’s hand to the two people who I called my parents.
Jude had been right about one thing: When Mamma and I were discussing adoption and worrying about Gabby’s feelings, Jude had brought us back to the most important person—Isabella.
He knew intuitively that we’d be parents who’d give her the most important thing in life.
Love. And that’s exactly what we did every day without sparing ourselves time for just Jude and me.
Once in our seats with the diaper bag under the seat in front of us and everything imaginable we’d need for the baby, Jude and I settled back in our seats.
I reached for Jude’s hand on the armrest between us and rotated his engagement band.
We shopped for it together and Jude chose what I would have, a black titanium band with gold liner that was the rim of the ring.
My wedding band would be similar, but we hadn’t decided on the engraving yet. I’d be happy with simply, Ti amo.
“This is really happening,” Jude said, bouncing his knee. Isa’s eyes were wide, taking in the noises and lights.
“It is,” I said, kissing his ring finger. “I always wanted to come back but never imagined it would be with a fiancé and a daughter.”
“I can’t wait to be your husband, Daddy. Even if technically, it’s a civil union. To us, we’ll be married and just do it again legally in California.”
“What would you think of an intimate dinner afterward, with Artemis and his wife and a few people from work?”
“I love the idea. We can include Hawk and his wife and of course our surrogate family. Did Teddy respond yet about coming to our Italian wedding?”
“Yes, he said he wouldn’t miss it. He’ll be in touch when he and his girlfriend are back from Greece.”
A flight attendant came by asking for our drink order. “Water for me, please.”
“Me, too,” Jude said. “And extra for this one, please.”
“She’s priceless.” She looked between me and Isa. “She got lucky with the green eyes. They’re striking.”
“Thank you,” I said.
When she went farther down the aisle, Jude nudged me. “Did I call the color of her eyes or not? Our little bird is going to be a knockout, just like her papá.
I leaned over and pressed my lips to Jude’s. “You’re my knockout, baby. And I can’t wait to start this adventure with you.” Then I kissed him for real, keeping it short, claiming him with my tongue. When Jude was breathing heavy, I pulled back and whispered, “I love you so fucking much, tesoro.”
Before Jude could respond, Isa stuck her fingers into his mouth, pulling at his bottom lip. On a soft chuckle, Jude clasped her hands in his and pressing his face to hers, he cooed as if talking to her. “We love you, too, Daddy. Forever and ever.”
Isabella gurgled happily as I kissed the top of her head.
Forever sounded just about right.
THE END
Thank you for reading The Confessional. Or if you enjoy audiobooks, listening to Michael Dean’s wonderfully emotional and seductive narration. If you enjoyed either—or both—I’d appreciate you commenting in stars or leaving a review on your favorite platform! Until next time…
Love, Annie