CHAPTER 21
Jason
V alentina stays to celebrate Easter with us. She truly forgave me. Now, as she and Eden enter the kitchen, her presence soothes my lingering tension, and her beauty lights up the morning. Her dark hair cascades around her shoulders, a rich contrast to her white dress with blue print. Likewise, Eden’s golden hair swooshes free over her new floral-pink dress.
“You look... beautiful.”
“Val helped me shop.” Eden’s smile reaches her eyes, lighting up her face.
Valentina sweeps her flowy hair aside, and my hands itch to touch the tresses.
I then mouth a thanks. My accountant keeps track of my expenses, so I haven’t checked to make sure Valentina is using the card rather than spending her money. Maybe I’d better look into that. For now, I call the boys, and they come racing down the hallway. I let everyone go first, and in the garage, I hold the passenger door to my SUV for Valentina while the kids get into their seats in the back. We’re like a family once more.
Being a special holiday, there’s no children's service so we all sit together in the church. Ethan speaks of Jesus’s resurrection bringing new beginnings. His words weave a gentle reminder of my new beginning. Forgiving Daisy is a necessity, even if she has no idea I’m mad at her. I even convince myself I’m not bothered by her decision to take off and leave us behind.
At the end of the day, she was the one pregnant, and I had no idea how hard being a mom was for her. I have no right to harbor anger.
My heart feels strangely open, vulnerable to the Easter message of redemption and love.
After the service, Ethan insists we stay and chat with other church members for community connection. I’ve been here a few times, enough to see and greet familiar faces. Several members cast curious glances our way. Some even approach to ask if Valentina is the children’s mother.
She’s blended into our lives, her role expanding in ways I hadn’t anticipated, so little wonder she sparks such assumptions. The question doesn’t bother me as much as it might have. Instead, part of me is oddly pleased.
When we leave, the guys and I drive our families to Chuck’s sprawling farm for the Easter celebration. Aside from the guys around us, Chuck is our closest neighbor, even though he’s several acres beyond us. The breeze is slightly chilly, even with the sun peeking through. Still, my friends and I hover around as our kids feed the goats. My eyes betray me and seek the two-story white house with its blue shutters in search of her.
Chuck is standing behind the grill. Smoke drifts from it as women from church hand him items.
Then Valentina emerges, swinging a spatula, and my heart plummets, then thumps as if it’s a drumbeat. With her broad smile, she says something that draws Chuck’s and the women’s attention. When he responds, her shoulders shake with her laugh.
The sight stirs the admiration and affection I’m grappling with. It’s not just her beauty that captivates me—it’s her warmth, her ease with everyone.
A slap jostles my shoulder. “Have you told her yet how you feel?”
At Ethan’s amusement, I frown to mask my embarrassment. What I feel for Valentina challenges me to confront feelings I hadn’t expected. It’s exhilarating and daunting.
But I scowl at him and edge away. I keep my distance from him and her for the rest of the outing. But there’s no avoiding her later in the comfort of our home as we play board games, eat our dinner, and even journal about our day around the kitchen island.
Then the kids insist we watch the third movie. “We fell asleep before we could watch The Voyage of the Dawn Treader .” Eden pleads with Valentina, clearly aware she’ll yield.
She shrugs, then eyes me for a response. “I wouldn’t mind watching that movie.”
“If it’s okay with you—”
“Popcorn time!” Atticus leaps for the pantry.
Felix holds up a hand. “Let’s watch downstairs. I’ll set up the projector.”
“Felix can set up a projector?” Valentina lets out a low whistle.
“That’s my boy.” My chest swells. “Anything with electronics, he’s always our man.”
It’s been a long day, and starting a movie at eight doesn’t seem right. But I’ll go to work late tomorrow. The kids don’t have school. It’s teacher planning day.
Even with plenty of space to spread out in the basement, all three kids huddle around Valentina, and déjà vu sets in.
Then, after The Voyage of the Dawn Treader , they insist we watch Peter Rabbit .
“Val has never seen it before, but she’s read the book,” Eden insists.
“Guys.” I flick on the lights and try to usher them to their feet. “It’s almost ten, well past bedtime, and we’ve seen the movie already.”
The kids make no move to rise.
“It’s Easter .” Atticus folds his arms.
“We shouldn’t have a bedtime on Easter .” Felix gives me puppy-dog eyes.
And Eden cinches it. “Resurrection Day is all about getting up, not lying in any beds or tombs. The bunny stuff is just fluff today, but it’s still the perfect day to watch Peter Rabbit .”
The boys back her up. “You’ve gotta let Val see it, Dad.”
But by the time the closing credits roll, all three kids have fallen asleep. Eden on Valentina’s shoulder, and Atticus on her other shoulder. Felix is leaning against Atticus, but Valentina’s carrying all their weight.
My hands brush over her rib cage as I try to lift Eden. Then my fingers get stuck between the buttons on her overalls. How many of these overalls does she own? I’m frozen in place, strength draining when her gaze lifts, her face inches below mine.
Her free hand covers mine, her breath warm against my face, her fingers aiding to disentangle us with a delicate touch. Our gazes dance, and our breaths mingle in the blaring silence. Her dark lashes frame the sweetest pair of dark-brown eyes, so wide and innocent. Her face alone could bring me to my knees.
“So... sorry.” I breathe out, unsure if that’s what I’m supposed to be saying.
“It’s... okay.” Her breath is a whisper.
The fleeting touch and moment send warmth rushing through me, a pulse so strong it robs me of breath. Physically free, I lift Eden, her small form light in my arms, and I carry her up to her room, my heart beating a frantic rhythm in the calm night.
What was that all about?