Page 38 of A Valentine's Day Gift
“Loretta, we still want you to be part of things.”
“You don’t need me.”
“The kids do.”
She shook her head. “Not like they used to.”
He couldn’t make this choice between two people who were so important to him. It wasn’t fair.
He clenched his jaw. “Is this because of Allie?”
She patted his cheek. “You’re a good man. And now that I’ve met Allie, I’m satisfied. I give you my blessing.”
His jaw dropped.
She laughed. “Why so shocked?”
“Because you’re leaving.”
“It’s for Rob. He had his first baby. A little girl.” That was Maria’s younger brother.
“Little Robbie?”
“Not so little anymore. He’s been married five years now. He and his wife both work full time and asked me to move in with them. I’ll still visit you, but I see now that you’re in good hands with Allie.”
“Loretta, I don’t know what to say. This is all so sudden. Are you sure?”
She sighed. “I’m ready for a fresh start. This old house has so many memories, ghosts of a life that has long passed.”
He could see that. This was the house Maria had been raised in. “I understand.” He instantly felt lighter. “Your blessing means a lot to me, Loretta.”
“She’s a good woman. Did you see how she refused wine out of responsibility for her children?”
“You pushed her on that, testing her.”
“Maybe. I can tell she’s a good mom, a good woman.” She gave him a watery smile. “Perhaps my grandchildren might have a mom to look after them.”
His blood thrummed through his veins, all of his nerve endings electric and alive just at the thought of having Allie join his family. “She’s a great woman.”
“I see a long and happy future for you and Allie.”
Joy rushed through him, everything in him ready for Allie, ready to love her, to bring her in close and keep her there. “Thank you, Loretta, for everything you’ve done for me and the boys. I couldn’t have—”
“It’s family,” she said with a note of finality. “No thanks necessary.”
“Thank you all the same. Anything you need anytime, you just call…” He got choked up.
She took his hand, kissed it and held it to her soft cheek. He bowed his head, closing his stinging eyes.
Vince’s voice startled him. “Yo, Dad, can we stay a while longer? Angel and Jared screwed up the train set layout, and me and Nico wanna fix it.”
“You boys stay as long as you like,” Loretta said.
“Sure,” Vinny told him. Their days at their Nonna’s house were numbered.
“Thanks, Nonna! Thanks, Dad!” Vince turned, hollering, “Nico, Dad said okay! Angel, you watch and don’t touch nothing.”
When it was just the two of them again, Vinny asked, “When do you move?”
