Page 137 of Lupo

By evening, the chickens are settled. Elena's room is arranged with her things. Isabella's room has her clothes put away.

We're home.

That night at bedtime, Elena yells for me. "Will you read me stories, Daddy?"

"As many as you want,” I say.

She chooses her favorite three books. I read them all, doing the voices, making her giggle. When I finish, I expect her to ask for another.

But instead, she looks at me seriously. "Daddy? Are we safe here? Really safe?"

The question catches me off guard. "Yes, baby. Really safe. The safest place I know."

"But what if the bad men come back?"

"They won't. I promise." I brush her hair back. "And even if they tried, they couldn't get past the gates. Couldn't get past the guards. Couldn't get to you."

"Because you'd stop them?"

"That’s right." My voice is absolutely certain. "No one will ever hurt you again, Elena. No one will ever take you. You're mine to protect. Mine and Mama's. And we'll always keep you safe."

She thinks about this, then nods. "Okay. I believe you."

I tuck her in, making sure her rabbit is positioned just right. "Sleep now. Tomorrow we'll check on the chickens first thing."

"And then swimming lessons?"

"Soon. We have to make sure you're ready first. But soon."

"Okay." She yawns hugely. "Goodnight, Daddy. I love you."

"I love you too. Sweet dreams."

I turn off the light and step out, leaving the door cracked like she likes it.

Isabella is waiting in the hall. "Is she okay?"

"She asked if we're safe here. I told her yes."

"And we are?"

"As safe as I can make you." I take her hand. "Come on. I want to show you something."

I lead her downstairs, through the house, out to the patio.

The city spreads out below us, lights twinkling. The bay is dark except for boat lights. Above us, stars are starting to appear.

"It's beautiful out here," Isabella breathes.

"This is yours now. All of it. Everything I have—it's yours and Elena's." I turn to face her. "I know it's not the life you chose. Iknow it's not what you wanted. But I'm going to do everything I can to make you happy here."

"You already have." She steps closer. "The princess bedspread. The chickens. Giving me my own room. Not pressuring me. Just being you. The man I love."

"I'm trying to be the man you need. The father Elena needs."

"You already are." She kisses me softly. "You're exactly who we need."

We stand there on the patio, holding each other, looking out at our new life.