Page 125 of Haunted

Luca steps forward and offers his hand. I hold still, my body tense, as I wait for their reaction. Finally taking her eyes off Aria, Mom comes forward first and places her hand in Luca’s.

“It’s nice to see you again, Luca,” she says, and I can see in her eyes, she means it. I smile gratefully at her.

“It’s a pleasure to see you too, Mrs. Rozero,” Luca greets in his deep baritone.

“Please, call me Ivy.” She smiles past her tears.

Luca nods.

My eyes move to Dad, and I send up a silent prayer. A rush of air leaves my lips when he offers Luca his hand.

“Luca,” he says gruffly. “It’s good to see you.” Dadis more reserved, but it’s definitely a step in the right direction. I know over time he’ll fully accept him.

“Likewise, Mr. Rozero.”

“Like my wife, call me William.”

Another nod from Luca.

“And w-who….” Mom stops for a moment. “Who is this beautiful little girl?”

Luca scoops Aria into his arms and faces Mom and Dad.

“This is Aria,” I tell them. “Our daughter.”

My parents aren’t stupid, they already knew the moment they saw her. Why else would I bring a little girl to meet them on our reunion visit? But the confirmation is still a shock. Dad hides his well, but Mom begins to break down again. It’s only Dad’s comforting arm going around her waist that holds her together.

Dad clears his throat. “You’re just as gorgeous as your mother.”

Aria beams a proud smile. “I know. And I’m just as handsome as my dad too.”

We all laugh and some of the tension leaves the air.

“Girls aren’t handsome, boo,” Luca enlightens her. “They’re pretty, beautiful, gorgeous, or stunning.”

She pokes out her lips. “Well, you’re handsome, and I look just like you, so that must mean I’m handsome too.”

“Or maybe Daddy is just beautiful?” I suggest with a smile.

Dad and Luca grunt at that. I look at Mom and we both laugh.

Mom steps closer and runs a shaky hand down the back of Aria’s hair. “You’ve got the best of both of your parents and that makes you look perfectly beautiful.”

Aria looks at her, her brows pinching down. “You’re my grandma and grandpa, right?”

Mom’s eyes close for a brief moment, pain etching her features, before she opens them again.

“Yes, we are, sweetie.”

“And you missed Momma while she was sleeping?”

Mom’s eyes jump to mine with a frown.

“I’ll explain later,” I tell her.

She looks back at Aria and answers. “We missed her very much.”

“And can I come stay with you sometimes?”

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