Page 112 of Good Sisters

‘Are you ready?’

She nodded.

‘Okay then. Let’s open the door.’

My heart was thumping and I felt as if I might pass out. This was such a huge moment in Clara’s life. Please, God, may it go well.

Clara followed me out to the front door, holding Luna to her chest as a shield. As I opened the door, Clara moved behind me.

Marco stood at the door, as I had told him to, not rushing in, not making a fuss and not going directly to Clara.

‘Hello, Louisa,’ he said calmly, although the flowers in his hands were shaking. Then, without looking at Clara directly, as instructed, he said, ‘I am Marco. I am so, so happy to meet you, Clara, and also leetle Luna.’

I took the flowers from his hands and stood back, so he could see his daughter properly. Clara stared down at Luna and petted her.

Silence. Marco looked to me for direction. I indicated that he stay still.

Then, Clara quietly said, ‘Buongiorno, Marco, and Luna says hello too.’

Marco’s voice dripped with emotion: ‘Buongiorno, bellissimaClara andbellissimaLuna.’

Clara turned and said over her shoulder, ‘Come into the kitchen. We have scones.’

Marco looked at me. ‘Is okay?’

‘Yes, you’re doing well. Keep really calm and don’t reach out. Let her come to you.’

‘I want to hold her so much.’ His eyes filled with tears.

‘I know, but you mustn’t. Take a deep breath. You have to be calm.’

He exhaled. ‘I understand.’

We followed Clara into the kitchen. She put Luna down and busied herself placing scones on our plates and telling Marco where to sit, which mug to use.

Marco petted Luna and sat down.

‘Do you like cats?’ Clara asked.

‘I love cats. I have four in my farm.’

‘On my farm,’ Clara corrected him. ‘What are their names?’

‘Rivera, Rossi, Zoff and Baggio. All Italian football players.’

‘Are the cats all boys?’

‘No, two boys and two girls.’

‘Then why did you give the girl cats boys’ names?’

‘The names are not the first name. The names are the second name. Like I am Marco Romano. You are Clara Devlin. I call my cat Devlin if a boy or a girl. No?’

‘Oh,’ Clara said, finally looking at Marco directly. ‘I see. They’re surnames.’

‘Yes, surname.’ Marco smiled. ‘My English is not so good.’

‘Tuo inglese è buono,’ Clara encouraged him.

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