Page 144 of My Solemn Vow

Antonella signs the paperwork, and I don’t miss that she signs Cavanagh. “You can if you want, but you don’t have to.”

The paperwork barely makes it to the coffee table before Kerrianne attacks Antonella. They’re hugging, and Antonella is holding her close. When Antonella opens her eyes, she locks them on me, and I know the feeling. The feeling of getting to hold your daughter for the first time. It maybe came seven years apart for both of us, but it doesn’t change the way it feels.

“I promise.” Embarrassingly, my voice cracks, and I wipe a tear off my cheek. “I promise the next one isn’t as urgent.”

At a loss for words, I hand her the cylindrical one.

“Is it a telescope?” Kerrianne asks, taking in the long tube.

“Hmmm.” Antonella raises it up like she’s going to look through it. “Only one way to find out. Wanna help with that end?”

Antonella pretty much lets Kerrianne pull the outside layer off, and it reveals the architect’s case. Then she works the buckles open to reveal the predictable blue paper.

“These were the alternate plans for the first floor and basement,” I explain. “The footprint of the house stays the same, but we can move things around, make it new, and —”

“Wipe away all the spaces that I hurt you in.”I push through the bond.

“Well, as long as it has a bigger kitchen.” Antonella closes the case. “I’d like that very much. A fresh start with my new family.”

“Is it my turn now?” Kerrianne snuggles in next to Antonella, arms open for a present.

“Yeah, little raptor, I think we can get you a present now.”