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“I think it’s great. Grandma Cap would be thrilled that you’re going to raise your children in her house.”

“I’ll be here for Mom and Dad too.” Connie bites her lip. “When do you plan to go back to Italy?”

“I have an open return.” I like the way that sounds. Open. Can it be I’m getting it right at last? Stay open. Stay in the moment.

I follow Connie into the kitchen.

“I smell French toast.” Joe and Katie enter from the foyer.

“Did you tell Katie and Joe yet?” I ask Connie.

She nods that she has. “Joe is helping Diego with his exit contract.”

“Isn’t it great?” Katie says. “I think you will love it on the lake. The kids have the lake and the beach. What could be better?”

“Nothing,” I assure her.

The doorbell rings.

“I got it,” I call out on my way through the dining room. I throw open the front door. Angelo and Mauro are on the doorstep. “Ciao!Italians from the other side!” I call out, and lead Angelo and Mauro into the dining room.

“Zia Philomena,” Mauro greets my mother.

“I still can’t believe I’m an aunt,” Mom says.

“And I can’t believe I have an American family from this side.” Mauro beams. “When Angelo said he was coming to New Jersey, I knew I had to meet you all.”

“We are so happy you made the trip,” my mother says. “We have many points of interest here in the Garden State to share with you.”

“I am all yours,” Mauro assures her.

“I like your name,” Katie says to Mauro.

“Grazie.I am named for my mother’s father.”

“I like the name Maura for a girl.” Katie looks at Joe.

“Don’t tell me.” My mother puts down her fork.

“Yes, baby number three!”

My parents cry out with joy. We all do.

“We were also thinking of a family name this time,” Joe says. “Giuseppina.”

Katie smiles. “After you, Jess. Who better? A girl needs guts in this world.”

“I am honored, but please do not name that child Giuseppina.”

“What’s wrong with your name?” my mother cries. “It’s Italian, isn’t it? And didn’t you end up in Italy? Give me a little credit. Maybe I’m psychic.”

“Josephine?” Katie counters.

“That’s the French translation. In honor of my French toast,” Dad jokes.

“A new baby brings good luck.” Mauro raises his glass.

Angelo is oddly quiet. I serve him French toast and continue with the platter around the table.