Chapter 49
LORENZO
Later that night, Emily and I stand once again on our private terrace, looking out over the Atlantic.
Teddy is fast asleep in the resort suite behind us.
We watch the pale, brilliant moonlight settle over the dark, rolling water of the Atlantic.
“I am still thinking about what Teddy said today,” I say quietly, breaking the silence as we look out over the waves.
“About being a father, I want to do right by him, Emily,” I say.
Even as I speak the words, I know I’m thinking of my own childhood and how I was shortchanged a parent by my mother’s early death.
“And I want to do right by you.”
She smiles at me. Then she slides her warm, small hands up my chest and snuggles deeply into my arm.
When she buries her face against my neck, I enjoy the moment.
Then I turn to her.
“I’d like to adopt him. Make him formally my son. Is that okay for you?”
She turns to me. “He couldn’t ask for a better father. I love you so much.”
I tighten my grip on her waist, pulling her flush against me.
“But that doesn’t preclude me from taking you on a romantic vacation in Capri, does it? Having you all to myself for a week doesn’t make me a selfish dad, right?”
“Oh! Lorenzo!”
Emily throws her arms around me again.
For the first time in our lives, the future is ours.