Chapter 13 - THE FIRST KISS IN THE GARDEN
Our first date wasn't extravagant.
I refused the private jet.
The exclusive restaurant.
The security convoy.
Instead, we had dinner in the estate garden after Emma went to sleep.
Mrs. Alvarez prepared pasta.
Luca discreetly kept the grounds secure.
And Alessandro wore a simple white shirt.
He looked nervous.
I smiled.
"Relax."
He laughed.
"You're the second person who's ever told me that."
"Who's the first?"
"Emma."
I laughed.
We talked for hours.
About our childhoods.
Our fears.
Our regrets.
He told me about the years after his injury.
The loneliness.
The humiliation of being treated as though he was no longer capable of making his own decisions.
I told him about Emma's father.
How he'd left when I was pregnant.
How I'd worked two jobs.
How I'd spent nights wondering whether I was enough for my daughter.
Alessandro listened.
Then said quietly:
"Emma is lucky to have you."
My eyes filled.
I shook my head.
"I'm lucky to have her."
He smiled.
"Both can be true."
Later, we walked—he rolled beside me—through the garden.
The roses were blooming.
The air smelled of summer.
He stopped near a fountain.
"Claire."
I turned.
"Yes?"
"May I kiss you?"
My heart raced.
I smiled.
"Yes."
He reached for my hand.
I leaned down.
And kissed him.
It was gentle.
Unhurried.
A promise rather than a demand.
When we pulled apart, he rested his forehead against mine.
"I've wanted to do that for a long time."
I laughed softly.
"Me too."
Then a tiny voice called from the terrace.
"Mommy!"
We turned.
Emma stood in her pajamas, holding Buttons.
She looked at us.
Then smiled.
"Are you kissing the sad man?"
I burst out laughing.
Alessandro covered his face.
"Apparently."
Emma considered this.
May you like
Then nodded approvingly.
"Good."
