Page 77 of Amore
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After we debarkedfrom the plane, a car drove us to our childhood homes. The sun had started to set, and after we had dinner with Frankie’s parents, she would find out the real reason we were back where we grew up.
Taking Amore’s leash, I got him out of the car, then laced my fingers with Frankie’s as we made our way to the front door. “Should I knock?” she asked, still unsure of what we were doing.
“I think so.”
“You think so?”
“Well, we’re having dinner with them.”
Frankie balked. “We are?”
“Yep.”
“We flew all the way here to have dinner with my parents?”
“Stop asking questions and just go with it.” I knocked on the door for us.
A few seconds later, it opened, and both her parents were there to greet us. “Frankie!” Her mother, Jennifer, beamed. “I’m so excited you’re here.”
“Hey, Mom. Dad.” She hugged her mother.
“We’ve missed you, piccola,” her father said, opening his arms for a hug. They embraced.
“Me too.”
“And Luke.” Jennifer smiled. “It’s wonderful to see you.”
“You too, Jennifer.” I hugged her. Francesco stuck out his hand, and we shook. “Frank, you as well.”
“I think we need to have a little chat before dinner.”
I swallowed and nodded. “Yes, sir.”
Jennifer wrapped an arm around Frankie’s shoulder and steered her into the house. “Tell me more aboutSnowballs in December. How was Canada?”
Frankie looked over her shoulder at me with concern on her face. I handed her Amore’s leash, but I knew why Frank wanted to speak with me, and I was ready for the conversation.
I’d been ready since I was twelve.
“Your father called me,” Frank stated as we walked to the sidewalk.
“I know.” I’d asked my dad to call and give Frankie’s parents a heads up because I couldn’t do it without Frankie knowing. There was no way I was going to text Frank and tell him I wanted to marry his daughter, either.
“Are you sure about this? You haven’t been dating long.”
“With all due respect, I’ve loved your daughter since I was twelve.”
He looked at his house where Frankie and her mom were. The front door was shut so they couldn’t hear. “And I can honestly say I wouldn’t want her with anyone else.”
I smiled at Frank. “Thank you.”
He reached into his pocket and pulled out the velvet box I’d asked Emily to give to him so Frankie wouldn’t find it. “Guess you’ll need this.”
I took it from him. “Thank you.”
“Let’s eat, and then Jenn and I will make ourselves scarce for a while.”
