Page 217 of Love Arranged

I return to looking at the photo with a smile and take in the way Lorenzo cradles me to his chest, the pose matching how he is holding me now.

When I agreed to our original arrangement, I never imagined we would end up together. At one point, I nearlygave up on finding my own happily-ever-after, but Lorenzo reminded me what it felt like to dream.

It might’ve taken twenty-plus years for my first wish to come true, but now I have what I wanted most.

A family to call my own, and a husband to share it with.

My father might not be physically here, but I’ll keep his memory alive by taking my children to the fountain and telling them all about their grandpa and the gold coins he gave me.

And one day, when they’re old enough, I’ll tell them exactly what he told me.

To wish is to hope, and that’s the one thing no one can take away from you.

The End