“I really do, Mom. He makes me feel like I’m the only one in the world when we’re together. I feel like I can breathe when he’s around. Something always settles in my chest and I know I’m safe. Plus, he already lives in our world, so it’s not like I have to explain that. I never have to worry about being afraid, because I know he’ll always be there for me.” I grasped my mom’s hand. “I always wanted the love that you and Daddy have, and I’ve found it.”
She looked at me with a coy smile. “And it doesn’t hurt that he’s devastatingly gorgeous,” she said with a wink. “Well, just wait until your dad finds out.” She laughed. “He might be the one you have to convince.”
“Who’s devastatingly gorgeous?” My dad’s voice boomed as he walked in the room.
“Well, speak of the Italian devil himself,” Mom said on a chuckle.
“Aw, thanks, angel.” He leaned over to kiss her deeply.
Making a gagging sound, I waved them away. “Gross, guys. That’s enough!” I beamed up at him. “Hi, Daddy.” I gave him my mega-watt smile.
Just behind him, the most magnificent man ever strolled in and walked right up to me. He kissed my forehead. “How was your sleep, my angel?”
Stretching, I scooted up in the bed. “Good. I was just telling Mom my plans for when they spring me from this joint.” I popped my eyebrows.
The smirk on Mom’s face made me laugh out loud. Then I sobered up as I prepared to break the news to my father that I was moving in with Dom.
Dom surprised me with the smirk on his face and the twinkle in his dark eyes. “Baby, don’t worry. Your dad knows. He’s actually going to help me move your stuff to our place.”
With my mouth gaping, I looked at my mom. She was in the same state of shock I was.
My dad kissed the top of my head. “I wouldn’t allow it if I didn’t think I could trust him with your life, baby girl.” Turning to my mom and taking her hand, he pulled her up and into his arms, her mouth flopping like a fish while she shot him a shocked look.
I just laughed at my parents. Dom stepped out to take a call, and a thought came to me. Now would be the time to ask them.
I cleared my throat. “Hey guys, there’s an idea Dom and I have been tossing around. I have a question. I need you to really think about this, because it could change someone’s life.”
My mom untangled from dad. “What is it, honey?”
“I was wondering how you would feel about taking Grace in as a part of our family. She has nobody. She’s a runaway from a group home.” Blinking back tears, I pleaded with them. “She really needs people to love her and care for her, to show her what it means to be a family. She’s going to need a lot of help after she gets out.”
“Oh, honey. Your dad and I will have to discuss it. That’s a lot to take on, especially with the life we lead.”
I sat up straighter, ready to fight for my new friend. “We would take her in, but Dom and I are going to bring Storm home with us when she’s done with the inpatient clinic. So, I can’t spend the one on one that Grace will need.” Reaching for their hands, I met their eyes. “Please, just talk about it. I mean, think about the fact you won’t have that empty nest issue anymore, Mom.” I gave her my best smile, trying to play on her need to mother everybody.
My dad nodded. “We’ll think about it.” He kissed my forehead and tugged Mom toward the door. “Let’s give them time to talk, Cara.” He guided her out of the room.
After my parents left, Dom came back in, finished on the phone. He settled next to me on the bed, careful not to jostle me.
I cuddled into him. My favorite spot in the world. “So, I talked to my parents, and they want to discuss Grace going to live with them. Hopefully they’ll do it.”
“Yeah. She needs a break from the world giving her the big F U, nobody loves you bit,” Dom said dryly.
“She deserves love and a family. Especially after what she’s been through.”
“Yeah, baby, she does.” Pressing a kiss into my palm, he tightened his arm around me. “What did I do so right to be gifted with such a remarkably wonderful, beautiful angel?” He asked softly.
I grinned. “Just lucky, I guess.” I kissed him, then followed it up with a blinding smile.
As far as I was concerned, I was the lucky one.
17
Jules
Next day when Mom came, and she had Grace with her. I’d known it wouldn’t take that long to convince her and Dad to take Grace in. I smiled as I scooted up to a sitting position in the bed and Mom wheeled Grace’s chair next to me.
Mom returned my smile and then took Grace’s hand. “Grace, Jules’ dad, Sal, and I were wanting to know if, after you are released, you’d want to come live with us.” Mom spoke softly.
I looked over at Grace and she had her head down.
Mom reached for her other hand cupping them both in hers. “Honey, it’s okay, really. We’d love it. Sal is talking to the social worker, and if you say yes, they can start the paperwork.”
Jerking her head up, Grace had tears in her eyes. “But why would you want me?”
Mom touched Grace’s cheek, her eyes misty. “Because, you deserve someone to love you. Someone to give you a chance to be the wonderful person I know is in there.”
Grace broke down into full sobs and leaned into my mom. Mom held her, whispering softly as she rubbed her hair, telling her it would all be okay.
That was
