“I felt terrible that I didn’t acknowledge you. Like I was betraying my own sister.” Lines marred his forehead, his dark eyes anxious.
“It’s all right. With Papà there, you couldn’t risk causing a scene in front of everyone.” She smiled. “I’m just glad you’re here now. I’ve missed you so much.” Her throat cinched closed. She would not cry any more tears today.
“It took me a while to get Mamma to admit why you went away, and when I found out what Papà had done . . .” His jaw clenched. “I’ve never been so angry with anyone.”
Relief spilled through her, so incredibly thankful that her brother didn’t despise her as she’d feared. “I know,” she said softly. “I’m trying hard to forgive him for what he put me through, but it’s not easy.”
Sal shifted to face her, his expression solemn. “What about the baby? What happened to him?”
She drew in a breath, steeling herself against the pain that caught her unaware at times. “Children’s Aid took him. I imagine some couple has adopted him by now.” She swallowed hard. “I can’t believe Matteo’s over a year old already. I only pray he has parents who will give him the love he deserves.” Her voice broke.
Sal reached for her hand and squeezed. “Oh, Liv. That must have been so hard.”
“Harder than anything I’ve ever had to do. Even harder than saying good-bye to Rory.”
He let out a sigh. “I heard what happened to him too. Such a shame the way things turned out.”
Shame didn’t begin to describe the situation. “I have to believe that God has a reason for everything,” she said. “And that one day it will all make sense.”
Sal nodded and squeezed her fingers again. “I’ve been praying for you and your son every day since I found out. And I want you to know that no matter what Papà says, I will never disown you.” His brown eyes grew damp. “I love you, Liv. You’re my sister, and I will always be here for you.”
She reached over to wrap him in a hug. This boy—now man—who’d shared her childhood and was now an ordained servant of God. “I love you too, Sal. Just knowing you’re on my side makes all the difference.”
He cleared his throat and looked around the room. She tried to picture the house as he was seeing it. The rich carpet, the fancy furnishings. What would he think of all this luxury?
“Are you happy here?” he asked, his eyes searching hers.
“I am, Sal.” Despite her heartache over Abigail, it was true. “Ruth has been so kind, and helping these women makes me feel useful. Like something good has come from my ordeal.”
He nodded. “Serving others is a good step toward healing. I’m proud of you, Liv.”
“Thank you.” Her lips trembled. “It’s been a long time since anyone said that to me.”
He gave her another quick hug, then got to his feet. “I should get back to the rectory now.”
Reluctantly, she rose as well. “I wish you could stay longer, but I’m so happy you came.” She managed a faint smile. “When you see Mamma, tell her I’m all right and that I love her.”
“I will.”
In the front entry, Sal paused. “Who was that Darius fellow you were with? Is he a suitor?”
Her cheeks burned at the memory of the kiss they’d shared. “I’m not sure. Right now, he’s a good friend.”
“Friends are important.”
“Especially ones who know your mistakes and accept you anyway.”
His expression turned grave, his brows scrunching together. “I’d be neglecting my duty if I didn’t ask you this.” He looked her in the eye. “Have you been to confession, Olivia?”
If anyone other than Sal had asked her that question, she’d have unleashed her Italian temper. But she knew her brother’s heart, knew he was genuinely concerned for the state of her soul. “Yes, Sal, I have.” She didn’t tell him how unpleasant the experience had been and that she hadn’t been back to their church because she no longer felt welcome there.
“Remember, Liv, God loves you no matter what. I hope you believe that, because you deserve to find happiness in your life.”
“Thank you, Sal. And who knows, maybe I’ll come to hear you say Mass one Sunday.” She winked at him.
“I’d like that.” With a laugh, he bent to kiss her forehead. “I hope to see you again soon.”
After Olivia had walked him down the sidewalk, she returned to the house and let out a sigh. “Thank you, Lord, for your gifts today,” she whispered. “It was just what I needed.”
She touched her lips with a smile, the memory of Darius’s kiss spreading warmth all the way to her core. And for the first time in a very long while, Olivia dared to believe that her shattered heart might survive after all.
The next morning, Darius walked into the kitchen, filled with the delicious scent of bacon and freshly brewed coffee, and grabbed his mother in a bear hug. “Good morning, Mamá. Isn’t it a beautiful day?”
“Darius, you squeeze me like a lemon.” She batted him with a dish towel, but her eyes danced with delight. “Why are you so happy today?”
Because I kissed Olivia. And she kissed me back.
“Do I need a reason?” He tossed her a grin.
She narrowed her eyes at him. “You have a new girlfriend?”
He ducked his head into the icebox and took out the orange juice. “Just because I’m in a good mood doesn’t mean I have a girlfriend.” But his pulse scrambled at the image of Olivia’s warm brown eyes and full lips.
“Sofia says you were kissing a lady in the park yesterday.”
He choked on a swallow of juice, and liquid spilled down his chin. He grabbed a cloth from the sink to wipe his face, and when he turned around, his mother was watching him, one hand on her hip.
“Sofia needs to learn when
