Chapter 13 - THE SISTER WHO CAME HOME
Lucia's recovery was gradual.
She did not suddenly remember everything.
Some memories returned.
Others remained lost.
But she began rebuilding a relationship with Gabriel.
They visited museums.
Walked through gardens.
Shared stories.
Sometimes Lucia remembered Mara.
Sometimes she didn't.
Gabriel learned to accept that healing wasn't a straight line.
Paige became close to Lucia as well.
One afternoon, the three of them sat beside a lake.
Lucia looked at Paige.
“Are you going to marry my brother?”
Paige nearly dropped her coffee.
Gabriel stared.
“Lucia.”
She shrugged.
“What?”
Paige laughed.
Then looked at Gabriel.
“I don't know.”
Lucia nodded.
“Well, he likes you.”
Gabriel closed his eyes.
Paige grinned.
“Does he?”
Lucia smiled.
“He talks about you all the time.”
Gabriel groaned.
Paige laughed.
And for a moment, the years of grief seemed to loosen their hold.
Later, Gabriel walked Paige to her car.
He looked nervous.
“I'm sorry about Lucia.”
Paige smiled.
“Don't be.”
He hesitated.
“Would marriage be something you'd ever consider?”
Paige studied him.
Then took his hand.
“With the right person.”
Gabriel smiled faintly.
“And am I the right person?”
May you like
She leaned closer.
“Keep proving it.”
