Page 60 of Choosing Hope

“Any single?”

“Yes, but I wouldn’t suggest you go anywhere near her.”

“Why? Do you think she’ll be too much for me?” he probes sarcastically.

We’re both aware he’s a lot to cope with, and that was before he got his piercings.

Bored with our conversation, Lily slopes off toward the TV.

I roll my eyes at him and move over to the fridge to examine the contents and decide what to cook for us.

“That wasn’t what I meant,” I say. “I’d be more concerned that you’d never get rid of her. Especially if she learns how wealthy you are.”

When he doesn’t respond, I turn to look at him and catch his heated stare checking me out.

“Did you have fun last night?” I ask tentatively.

I’m dying to know if he has any news but equally aware of how inappropriate my question is.

“It was fucking amazing,” he murmurs quietly enough that Lily can’t hear.

“Uncle Carlo,” Lily calls from the den, gradually approaching us.

“Yes, Princessa.”

“When is my daddy coming home?” she asks, standing before him with her head tilted. Her pose reminds me so much of her father and makes my stomach clench.

“I’m not sure, honey.” He crouches down before her. “I’m sure he’ll make it back before you go to bed, though.”

She looks out at the castle. “I want to show him my princess’s castle.”

My eyes burn with the emotion of her words. She’s speaking to the right person. After being virtually abandoned by his parents at six years old, Carlo knows how it feels to celebrate special occasions without family.

“I know, Princessa, I’m sure we’ll see him this weekend. Okay?” he asks, in the usual gentle manner he adopts when he speaks to her. She bobs her head and steps forward, putting her arms around his neck.

“Thank you for coming to my party. I love you, Uncle Carlo.”

“I love you more, Princessa.”

“I love you most,” she says, through a big smile, quoting one of her favorite lines from another Disney classic.

Forcing the corners of my mouth up into a smile, I swallow down the lump in my throat as I turn to prepare a salad for lunch.

“What do you need me to do, Bella?” Carlo asks, once Lily’s gone back to the couch.

“I’m under control here, but Lily would love a playmate?” I glance over my shoulder; “Lunch will be ready in half an hour.”

While I’m organizing some food, I can hear the two of them bouncing and laughing. It’s nice to hear such happy, relaxed sounds. We haven’t heard them in this house for a while.

After our meal, I place my knife and fork down on my plate and glance at the clock. It’s almost one, and Lily’s cake hasn’t arrived.

I gasp.

“What’s wrong, Bella?” Carlo asks.

I peer down at Lily’s plate. She’s almost finished eating. Now she’s just pushing the small pieces of tomato around her plate. Our daughter has never been fond of fresh tomatoes, but I’m sure today getting her to eat them won’t be hard.

“I’ve just seen the time. Your friends are going to be here soon, Lily. We’d better get you washed and in your party dress.”