Chapter 13 - THE WOMAN WHO FOUND HER DREAM AGAIN
Emily returned to school.
Vincent had encouraged her, but she made the decision herself.
She enrolled in a program that allowed her to complete her degree in early childhood education.
She continued working part-time at Rosy's.
The diner remained special to her.
It was where she'd met Luca.
Where she'd watched a grieving little boy smile.
Where her own life had begun to change.
Vincent supported her studies.
He listened when she talked about assignments.
Helped her practice presentations.
And learned not to offer solutions when she simply needed encouragement.
One evening, Emily sat at the kitchen table surrounded by textbooks.
Vincent brought tea.
“Long night?”
She laughed.
“Very.”
He smiled.
“Need help?”
She looked up.
“Can you explain developmental play theory?”
Vincent stared.
Then laughed.
“Absolutely not.”
Emily burst out laughing.
Luca appeared in the doorway.
“What's funny?”
Vincent looked at him.
“Your dad doesn't know everything.”
Luca grinned.
“I know.”
Emily laughed harder.
Vincent shook his head.
May you like
“Wonderful. I'm outnumbered.”
For the first time, the Romano house echoed with ordinary family laughter.
