Chapter 14 - THE FAMILY CATHERINE WOULD HAVE WANTED
Two years later, Vincent's life had changed in ways he never expected.
He had separated his legitimate businesses from the criminal operations that once defined his power.
The transition had been difficult.
But he was determined to build a future Luca could be proud of.
Emily had returned to school.
With her own savings and a scholarship, she began training in child development.
She wanted to help children who struggled to communicate after traumatic experiences.
Vincent supported her.
But he never tried to control her choices.
Luca was eight.
He talked constantly.
About dinosaurs.
Space.
School.
Baseball.
And pancakes.
Especially pancakes.
One Saturday morning, Vincent took Emily and Luca back to Rosy's.
Rosie greeted them at the door.
“Well, if it isn't my favorite troublemakers.”
Luca laughed.
“Hi, Rosie!”
She hugged him.
“Look at you. Getting taller every week.”
Emily smiled.
“It's the pancakes.”
Rosie winked.
“Obviously.”
They sat in the same booth.
The same red vinyl.
The same view of the parking lot.
But everything felt different.
Vincent looked at Luca.
“Remember this place?”
Luca nodded.
“Emily gave me a green crayon.”
Emily smiled.
“That's right.”
Luca looked at her.
“You helped me talk.”
Emily shook her head gently.
“No, sweetheart.”
She touched his hand.
“You found your voice. I just gave you a place where you felt safe using it.”
May you like
Vincent looked at her.
And knew he wanted to spend the rest of his life beside her.
