Chapter 9 - The Birthday We Missed
Two months later, the first heavy snow of January coated the manicured grounds of the Ferraro estate in a blanket of pristine, sparkling white. The sprawling mansion, once a cold and echoing museum of marble and dark wood, was unrecognizable. In the grand foyer, where I had once collapsed in the freezing rain, colorful woven rugs covered the slick stone floors, and a bright red wooden toy train set was assembled around the base of the winding staircase.
Leo was running down the hallway in wool socks and a oversized green sweater, his cheeks flushed with healthy, rosy color, and a full head of soft, dark curls already growing back thick and wild.
""Daddy! Look! The snow made an ice bridge on the fountain!"" Leo shouted, skidding to a halt before jumping directly into Luca's waiting arms.
Luca caught him effortlessly, swinging him high into the air before settling him on his broad shoulders. Luca was wearing a simple cable-knit sweater, his face tanned and completely relaxed, the dark shadows beneath his eyes replaced by lines of deep, genuine laughter.
""We'll inspect the structural integrity after breakfast, Chief Engineer,"" Luca teased, tapping Leo's nose before setting him down near the kitchen island. ""Now go wash up. Your mother made blueberry pancakes, and if you're late, I'm eating your share.""
""Mommy said you can't have my berries!"" Leo giggled, dashing off toward the powder room with the boundless energy of a boy who had completely forgotten what hospital corridors smelled like.
I stood by the marble stove, flipping a pancake onto a porcelain plate, when a pair of strong, familiar arms slid gently around my waist from behind. Luca rested his chin on my shoulder, his warm breath tickling my ear as he pulled me back against his chest.
""You look beautiful this morning,"" he murmured, his hands resting over mine.
""I'm wearing flour-stained sweatpants, Luca,"" I laughed, leaning my head back against his shoulder.
""You could wear a burlap sack, and I'd still think you're the most stunning woman on this earth,"" he replied, kissing the sensitive spot beneath my ear. Then his tone grew softer, filled with that tender reverence that had become his second nature. ""Do you have plans for tonight?""
I raised an eyebrow, turning in his embrace to face him. ""Are you inviting me to dinner, Mr. Ferraro? Do I need to book an appointment with your executive secretary?""
Luca winced playfully, though a flicker of old regret still crossed his hazel eyes. ""I fired my secretary, remember? I schedule my own life now. And yes, I'm inviting you to dinner. Just the two of us, while Marco and Mrs. Gable take Leo to the animated movie premiere in the city.""
""Where are we going?""
""You'll see,"" he whispered, kissing my lips with a slow, lingering passion that left my knees weak.
That evening, Luca didn't hire a driver. He opened the passenger door of his vintage dark green roadster himself, tucking a heavy cashmere blanket over my lap before pulling down the long, snow-dusted driveway. He drove us through the quiet city streets until he pulled up to the curb of a small, warm Italian bistro tucked into a cobblestone alley—the exact restaurant where I had sat alone in my blue dress two months ago.
The restaurant was completely empty, closed to the public, but the interior was glowing with hundreds of soft white candles. In the center of the dining room sat a table for two, set with fresh white lilies, two untouched place settings, and a bottle of vintage sparkling cider.
In the center of the table sat a small, perfect chocolate cake.
Piped in delicate white frosting were the words: Happy Belated 29th Birthday, My Wife, My Life.
May you like
I turned to Luca, my eyes shimmering with tears. ""You rented the whole restaurant?""
""I bought the restaurant, Nora,"" Luca corrected gently, stepping behind my chair and pulling it out for me with absolute devotion. ""Because I swore to God that every memory of pain I ever gave you in this city would be rewritten until there was nothing left but joy.""
