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Lou immediately backs off, looking guilty. “Oh, yeah. Sorry, I forgot.”
“It’s okay, Louisville,” I assure her, ruffling her hair. “I’m just glad to see you too.”
With Fee and Lou’s help, I make my way to the couch, easing myself down with a sigh of relief.
“How are you doing, Lou?” I ask, patting the spot next to me.
She sits down, her face growing serious. “I’m okay. But… I’ve been having nightmares.”
My heart clenches. Fuck, this kid has been through so much in her short life. “That’s normal after what you went through. Want to know a trick that might help?”
Lou nods eagerly.
“When you have a nightmare, try to change the ending. Make yourself the hero of the story. It might not work right away, but with practice, it can help.”
Lou’s eyes light up. “Like how you and Mom were the heroes?”
I smile, touched by her words. “Exactly like that.”
There’s a moment of silence, then Lou speaks again, her voice soft. “Angelo… you’ve always been there for me. Even when things were scary. You’re… you’re like a dad to me.”
My breath catches in my throat. Lou continues, her eyes meeting mine. “Would it be okay if… if I called you Dad?”
I feel tears prick at my eyes. All my life, I’ve pushed love away, thinking it made me weak, thinking I didn’t deserve it. But in this moment, I realize how wrong I've been.
“Lou,” I say, my voice thick with emotion, “I would behonoredif you called me Dad.”
She throws her arms around me, gentler this time. As I hold her close, I catch Fee’s eye. She’s watching us, tears streaming down her face.
In that moment, I know.Thisis what I’ve been fighting for all along. This family, this love. It doesn’t make me weak. It makes me stronger than I’ve ever been.
And I’ll spend the rest of my life protecting and cherishing it.
EPILOGUE
Two years later
I stand in front of the full-length mirror, hardly recognizing the woman staring back at me. Two years ago, I never would have imagined this day would come.
Lou catches my eye in the reflection, her face beaming with pride. At eleven, she’s growing into a beautiful young woman. Her junior maid of honor gown, a soft lavender that complements her blonde hair, makes her look older than her years. She’s been buzzing with excitement all morning, taking her role very seriously.
“Mom, you look like a princess,” she says, her eyes shining.
Shawn, resplendent in her deep purple maid of honor dress, nods in agreement. “She’s right, Fee. You’re stunning.”
As Shawn fusses with my veil, I can’t help but reflect on the past two years. They’ve been a whirlwind of joy, healing, and new beginnings.
After the showdown with Gino, Victor, Angelo’s shark of a lawyer, tore into Lou’s old school. His righteous fury was a sight to behold. Within weeks, Lou was enrolled in a prestigiousprivate school where she’s thrived. She’s on the debate team now, her quick wit and sharp mind serving her well.
The therapy has helped immensely. For her and for me.
There are still nights when Lou wakes up from nightmares, but they’re becoming fewer and farther between. Angelo’s suggestion of reimagining the endings has worked wonders. Now, in her dreams, Lou often finds herself as the hero, facing down her fears with courage.
I try to do the same thing. It helps… most of the time. But I’m not sure I’ll ever be over killing two people.
Karate classes have been another source of healing for her. The discipline and self-defense skills have boosted her confidence tremendously. It warms my heart to see her so passionate about something.
There’s a knock at the door, and Shawn stiffens. “I swear to God, if it’s Angelo, I’m going to be so mad.”
