Chapter 17
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
Renata
“I’m not sure what there is to discuss, Renata. It’s a simple question. When are you returning home? Your boss, as ignorant as he is, won’t hold your job forever. You should go back a week or so earlier and let him see how much you want to stay on,” Mama said with an air of authority.
“Lucia. She knows what she’s doing,” Papa said firmly.
“Ah, well, that’s why I need to talk to you, because my plans have changed.” I took a deep breath, my chest filling up and releasing. Mike squeezed my hand a little tighter. “And I have some good news for you.”
Mama scowled even more, making my stomach churn. “What kind of news?”
“I, ah, I met someone. Well, we actually met a while back through Vicky and her friends. His name is Michael Walker and—.”
“Please don’t tell me you’re thinking of staying there because of a man,” she hissed, her voice and body language easily displaying her disapproval.
Mama wore black almost exclusively, as if she were in mourning.
Whenever we would go out together, she was always a stark contrast to my louder colors and prints.
“Let her talk, Lucia,” Papa said sternly. Mama looked back at him with such disdain that I felt sorry for him. He wasn’t perfect, but he always seemed to be the one who got the majority of her harsh words.
“Mama, listen. I believe God brought Mike into my life. He’s a wonderful man, and I know you’re going to love him.
He is a Senior Product researcher for a holistic company called Lumina, so he’s a scientist. His parents are missionaries, and his grandmother lives here in San Diego near him.
We met through Vicky. She, Miles, and their friends know him very well.
He’s kind, respectful, sweet, and my favorite thing about him is that he’s a believer. ” I was babbling, and I knew it.
Her face seemed to close up on itself as I spoke, and I knew this was going to be painful for Mike to be a part of.
“This is outrageous. Outrageous. Stai buttando via tutta la tua vita per lui!” she yelled, making Mike and me jump.
“Mama, that’s not true. I’m not throwing my whole life away for a man.
Please give me a chance to explain what has happened.
Mike respects me and supports my dream of starting a business with Vicky, which I’d like to do here, in San Diego,” I pleaded.
I didn’t need their approval, but I wanted it so much.
“Amore, what are you saying? This sounds like more than a boyfriend. It sounds like you’re staying there, making a life with this man,” my father said, concern written in his lowered brows when he appeared on the screen.
I looked over at Mike and nodded. I swallowed and prayed for God’s help. It sounded like I was going to need it.
“Well, before we go any further, I’d like to officially introduce you to Michael Walker, well, Mike. He, ah, he is my fiancé,” I said, my head held high, gathering my courage.
“That’s my girl,” Mike mouthed.
Trying to ignore the gasps and barrage of angry Italian words, his words and courage were just what I needed as he slid in next to me, still holding my hand. When my parents stopped speaking to glare at Mike, I was able to speak again.
“Mike, these are my parents, Lucia and Paolo Valenti.” My voice still had a slight tremor, but I gathered strength at his proximity, and I liked that. I liked that very much.
Mike gave my parents his best ‘Mike’ smile, the one I’m sure won over everyone.
“Good evening, Mr. and Mrs. Valenti. It’s nice to meet you both. Ren has told me so much about you.” When neither of them spoke, Mike continued. “I’m sure this comes as a surprise to you, but I want to help you understand.”
Mama scoffed and nearly rolled her eyes, which would have been beneath her. “Understand what, Mr. Walker?” she asked, her voice laced with venom. “That you’ve exploited our daughter’s vulnerability while abroad after the difficult experience that brought her there?”
Next to me, I sensed my fiancé wince without looking. My mother didn’t raise her voice, she didn’t have to. The authority in her tone made her words hit harder, each one landing like a slap.
Mike’s jaw tensed, and I saw how her words affected him. Before I could address her hurtful accusations, Mike spoke, calm and confident.
“With all due respect, Mrs. Valenti, you don’t know me at all.
I know that doesn’t help my cause, but it’s an unfair assessment.
My feelings for your daughter are genuine and sincere.
As she told you, we both believe that God has brought us together, even though it was unexpected.
For me, it was instant. Her beauty is only surpassed by her intelligence and the kindness she’s shown to my friends and grandmother.
Your daughter is an incredible woman. I truly believe that Renata knows exactly who she is, and if she thought I was taking advantage of her, she would make sure I never spent another second with her. ”
I smiled at him, my posture softening as my body leaned against his, shoulder to shoulder. The look he gave me was loud with unspoken words. Mike would let me lean on him and give me his strength if I needed it.
“I don’t understand when this happened, Michael. Ren?” my father asked. “You haven’t been there a week yet.”
“Papa, we first met on a video call a few months ago.” I chuckled. “Mike confessed that he was smitten with me from that moment.”
Mike’s smile was breathtaking as he listened to me.
“It wasn’t the same for me,” I said with a smirk.
Mike and I shared a light laugh, and he brought my hand up to kiss the back of it.
“But he’s exactly what I’d pray for in a husband.
” I may have my own doubts about what I could give Mike, but my words couldn’t be truer.
He was more than I could’ve dreamed or hoped for in a mate.
Mike looked back at my parents, who had matching shocked expressions.
“Mr. and Mrs. Valenti, Ren is a gift. One I intend to cherish, and I’ve promised to spend the rest of my life making her happy.
My life’s purpose, besides caring for my grandmother, is to walk alongside Ren, cheering her on, doing everything in my power to see her shine and succeed.
Help her make all those dreams come true.
“I love my life here, sir. My parents, grandparents, close friends, and career make it fulfilled. But when I met Ren in person, something changed, shifted inside me. It was like coming alive for the first time, honestly. Asking her to marry me may seem impulsive to you, but there’s no other option. She’s the one for me.”
I added quickly, “Mike is right. Once I realized how much I wanted what I’ve found here, I knew staying was the right choice for me.
And he’s a huge part of that decision.” I wouldn’t lie to them and say I was in love, but I hoped my words were enough to make them understand how much I’d come to care for him.
“Renata, this makes no sense. You have a steady, established career in Tuscany. Friends, an apartment, your family. What more could you need?” Mama asked incredulously.
“A life, Lucia,” Papa interjected, his face resolute as he turned to Mama.
“Our daughter doesn’t have that here in Italy.
If you looked hard enough, you’d see how unhappy she’s been.
Ren wants and deserves more than working an eighty-hour week for a man who treats her like an assistant.
You, of all people, should understand that.
She’s found something she hasn’t been able to find here. ”
“Papa, what are you saying?” I asked, leaning forward toward the phone, shocked that he’d noticed what I’d been feeling.
“Amore, I want more for you than what you’ve been living.
You’ve confided in me that those so-called friends your mother mentioned are no more than acquaintances, not the kind of people you can share your heart with.
Just looking at how relaxed and joyful you look right now is enough for me to give you my blessing,” he said, his eyes glassy.
“Lo dice davvero, Papa?” I asked, hopeful at his words.
“Yes, it’s the truth. I mean every word. If Michael is the one who has put that smile on your face again, the one I haven’t seen in years, then, yes. I mean it. And if he’s willing to help you chase your dreams, what can I say? I’m all for it.”
“Oh, Papa, grazie. Thank you.” I blinked away tears. “It will be a long process to start our business, but I’m alright taking a little time to rest and dream again.”
As I looked at my father through tears, I recognized how handsome he still was, but his face bore the sadness he’d lived with for years.
It was a sadness I was well acquainted with.
That was a revelation to me since being in San Diego, and it unnerved me to realize how long I’d allowed myself to live that way.
I could only pray for a miracle for his and my mother’s life together.
“Mr. Valenti, thank you. Your blessing makes us both very happy,” Mike said, his signature smile wide, his words relieved.
Mama sighed heavily, as if she realized she had lost the fight.
“Mama? May I get yours as well? I asked, holding my breath. “Please?”
After a long silence, she just stared at us, frustration written across her face, but my father said something under his breath that I couldn’t hear. She trained her expression and spoke with a little less hostile tone.
“I don’t agree with this, Renata. I won’t lie to you.
I think this is a mistake. But your father is right.
You do look different, content. Happy.” She sat taller, her head held high as she continued.
“I’ve raised you to be independent, and I can’t tell you what to do.
You’re a grown woman. Just make sure you are smart concerning melding your lives together, including your future business,” she said, still not softening to our plans but not fighting us either.
“Please understand that I want nothing from Ren. Once her business is up and running, I am happy to sign anything that would make her comfortable. I want to provide for her while letting her spread her wings and fly. We are equals in every way. Her independence will only be enhanced by my commitment to see her make all her dreams come true,” Mike said with confidence, making my heart soar.
Mama scoffed again. “Men make all kinds of promises until that ring is on their finger.”
Once again, her words hit like a physical blow, this time to my father, who closed his eyes.
“I am not all men, Mrs. Valenti,” Mike said softly, pausing to find the right words.
“I may not be perfect, but I was raised to be honorable, and I will honor Ren in every way. I don’t want to take from her.
I want to give her a home where I will always be waiting for her.
I want to make her laugh, wipe her tears, cheer her on through it all.
I’m sure Mr. Valenti knows exactly what I mean. ”
Mama turned her head as Papa nodded his silent thanks to Mike. If Mike hadn’t won him over before, he had in that moment. Papa was a wonderful man. Whatever happened between him and my mother didn’t change that.
I took a breath before speaking. “There is one other thing we need you to know. We’re getting married soon. Mike’s grandmother is ill, and we would both like her to be present. And of course, you as well.”
Mama faced the phone again, her eyebrows lifted, nearly disappearing into her hairline. I braced myself for the next blow.
“How soon are you talking about, Renata?” she asked, twisting on the sofa, as if positioning herself for another fight. Papa listened intently.
I looked at Mike, and he answered, “My grandmother has to stay at the hospital for a few more days. She suffered a heart attack, and that’s when I found out how advanced her condition had become.
Ren has graciously agreed to have a simple ceremony as soon as she is home and settled.
We’re thinking about having it in the next couple of weeks.
And yes, we would love for you to be here with us to celebrate. ”
“Wow, that’s short notice, and we don’t have many options to keep our business running while we’re gone,” Papa said, cutting Mama off as she looked poised to object to the speed of our plans.
“But you’re our only daughter. No one will give you away but me.
We will be there. I’ll start looking at flights tonight, but let us know the exact date as soon as you know it. Right, Lucia?”
He looked at her expectantly, and I saw her jaw tighten as a muscle flexed. She did not like it when my father took over things like this, as she loved being in control.
She finally nodded and said, “Yes, of course. It’s late and we have a lot of preparations to make in such a short time. Ciao.” She stood as Mike and I sat staring at my father, who was quiet.
“I’m happy for you, amore. For both of you. Michael, you understand that you’re asking me to entrust and transfer my role in her life to you. I pray you haven’t taken that lightly.”
Mike leaned forward. “No, sir, I haven’t and never will take that responsibility lightly. Again, as much as Ren is her own woman, I want to offer her a safe place in me. I don’t want to control her. I want us to offer each other our strengths and support each other in our weaknesses.”
Papa smiled weakly and said, “I pray you are more successful than I’ve been.” He stood up, taking the phone with him. “It’s getting late here, as your mother said. We have so much to do. I’ll talk to you both soon. Ren, I love you very much. Michael, take care of my girl.”
“You have my word, sir.”
“Good night, Papa, I love you too,” I said softly, my heart aching from his words about my mother. Seeing them created some doubt about being able to love Mike once again, and I prayed I was wrong.