We reburied Geno Russo as Vittoria wanted. We did it for her, not for him. And I’m glad it’s done, and she can move on. We all can. In the end, he’s no less guilty of any crime in my eyes. His cowardice cost us all so much, Vittoria especially, and I won’t forgive him those things.

I turn away from the window when Bastian and Vittoria enter the house and I hear her giggle as they approach the open study door.

“Isn’t it getting cold for you to swim?” I ask Vittoria. My brother will keep this up year-round. You can’t talk sense into him.

“A little,” she says, wrapping herself around me and kissing me.

“Christ, you’re freezing,” I say, hugging her to me.

“It feels good to swim out in the sea at night,” she says, looking up at me. “Clears my head.”

“A cold shower will do the same.” I wink and poke her nose. “Let’s go get you into a hot bath.” We have a routine. She swims with Bastian then I bathe her to warm her up. Win-win-win.

“Not yet,” she says, her expression growing serious.

I exchange a glance with my brother as she takes my hand and Bastian’s and sits up both down on the couch. She perches on my lap, sets her legs over Bastian’s and leans her head into my chest.

“I’m happy, you know,” she says. “I didn’t realize I didn’t know what to be happy meant all those years.”

I kiss the top of her head tasting the salt of the sea. “I’m glad but we need to get you warmed up before you catch a cold.”

“He’s right,” Bastian says, rubbing her feet.

“Are you happy?” she asks us, looking at us with what is almost worry in her eyes.

Again, Bastian and I exchange a glance. “What’s going on, Dandelion?” Bastian asks.

“I’m asking if you’re happy.”

“Yes. I’m happy. You, brother?” he asks me.

I nod, rub her back. “What’s on your mind, Vittoria?”

“You’re both so great with Emma.”

I raise my eyebrows.

“And she loves you both so much. I’m glad she has you in her life.”

Bastian and I wait because she has something to say.

“She’s young to be an aunt and I know it’s soon. We haven’t even talked about it, but…”

Shock stops my heart. It takes me a full minute to process. I stare at her, and she can’t seem to stop smiling.

“What are you saying?” Bastian finally asks, sounding off, not quite himself.

“I’m pregnant.”

EPILOGUE 3

VITTORIA

Five Months Later