Page 189 of Green Eyed Devil

"We should head to breakfast now that you're all up." I take a step forward, Enzo following with Rissa.

Luca lags behind, a small frown of consternation on his features.

"Luca?" I stop to ask, realizing he's not coming.

"I got it now," he says, blinking twice.

"What is it, dear?"

"Diotima. I know where you got the name," he says, lifting his book up so we can see the title.

I look at Enzo, and for the first time, I note a faint blush on his cheeks.

"That's right, son," he replies, his eyes seeking mine.

"Why?" Luca asks, his curiosity innocent when the answer is anything but.

"Enzo, why don't you take the girls inside? I'll have a small chat with Luca," I gently urge him, depositing Diotima in his arms.

"Good luck," he says, giving me a quick kiss before leaving, relieved he's not the one who has to do the explaining.

Placing my hand on Luca's back, I try to find the best words to describe the situation, especially since this isn't a text for someone his age.

"In here," I say, pointing to his book, "Diotima is the last one to speak, and her idea of love is that it's all-encompassing."

He nods, watching me attentively.

"That's how yourpapaand I feel about each other. Your sister is the result of that love, so as an homage, we named her after Diotima."

He regards me thoughtfully, digesting the information.

"Do you lovepapaa lot?" he suddenly asks, and a smile spreads across my face.

"‘A lot’ is an understatement," I tell him. "Yourpapais my other half."

Luca purses his lips, narrowing his eyes at me before slowly nodding.

"I see," he replies, tilting his head to the side. "I want that too… a second half."

Fighting tears of happiness, I bring him to my chest for a hug, already so very proud of him.

"You'll find yours too, dear. Just keep your eyes open. Sometimes it happens when you least expect it."

I never imagined I'd be here today when I saidI doin front of that priest fifteen years ago. But for all the heartache, abuse, and loss I've endured, I also received the biggest gift of all—love. Between Enzo and the kids, I'm simply spoiled for love.

If I was once the most wretched girl on earth, now I'm simply the most fortunate.