Page 114 of Of Oaths and Secrets

Lucia stares at me, stunned. “Are you serious?”

“Of course,” I say with a soft smile. “You saved my life, Lucia. I know you’d do anything for her.”

Her tears flow freely now, and she nods quickly. “I’d be honored.”

Aurora stirs, her tiny face scrunching slightly as if in agreement, and we all laugh quietly. Rafaele steps closer, placing a protective hand on Lucia’s shoulder.

“She’s in good hands with you,” he says, his voice unusually tender.

Lucia wipes at her tears, sniffling. “Okay, enough crying. Show me this little angel properly.”

We step inside, and Fate comes bounding toward us, her tail wagging furiously. She stops short of me, her nose twitching as she takes in Aurora. Then, with a soft huff, she tilts her head curiously.

Lucia scoops up Fate, holding her close.

“Oh, sweet girl, I missed you! Here—meet your new best friend.” I step closer, and Aurora’s tiny hand shifts, and Fatelicks her fingers gently, making me laugh. “She approves,” I say, looking up at Rafaele, who’s grinning.

“She knows Aurora is part of the family,” he says, scratching behind Fate’s ears. “Good girl.”

We make our way to the kitchen, where Teresa practically bursts into the room. Her face lights up as she spots us. “Oh, here is the little treasure!” she coos, rushing over.

Before I can protest, she ushers me and Lucia into chairs, fussing over us as she brings herbal tea and cookies to the table. “Sit, sit! You’ve been through so much, Nora. Let me take care of you.”

Rafaele steps forward, holding out his hands. “Give me my daughter,” he says with mock seriousness, “and I’ll show her the house while you ladies catch up.”

I smile as I watch him go, Aurora cradled tenderly in his arms.

“He’s so enamored with her,” Lucia says.

“Yes,” I agree, my heart full. “He’s the perfect father. I never doubted he would be.”

Lucia looks down at her tea, her smile fading slightly. “Nora… how are you really?”

I take her hand. “I’m okay, but I want to know howyouare.”

She hesitates, then sighs. “It’s hard. Sofia… Aunt Maria… their deaths are difficult to process. I feel guilty sometimes, but I know it was necessary. Loyalty is everything.”

I squeeze her hand. “You’ve been so brave. Don’t carry that unnecessary guilt.”

She nods, her eyes glassy, and I decide to lighten the mood. “You know,” I say with a grin, “you’re going to be Aurora’s godmother. And Paolo’s going to be her godfather. Seems like the perfect excuse for you two to get closer.”

Her cheeks flush, and she shakes her head, laughing. “Nora, stop.”

“What? I’m just saying—you’d make a cute pair.”

Before she can retort, Rafaele reappears, Aurora squirming slightly in his arms. “She’s hungry,” he announces, his gaze softening as he looks at me. “She needs her mamma.”

I glance at Lucia.

“I have to go now, but I’ll come visit you girls tomorrow, okay?”

“Not me?” Rafaele asks, raising an eyebrow. I love this lighter version of my husband and how he opens up to other people in our circle.

Lucia snorts. “As if you could outweigh my girls!” She kisses my cheek before kissing Aurora’s hand. “See you!”

I take Aurora, her tiny weight settling perfectly against me, and Rafaele helps me to the library downstairs to nurse her. After feeding her, I step out, finding Leo waiting in the living room.

He stands awkwardly by the door, his hands shoved into his pockets. His eyes dart toward Aurora, then back to me.

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