Page 69 of Baby for my Daddy's Best Friend

“Luciana, please, that’s—”

“It’s a yes or no question, Dad. I know you wouldn’t be this distraught if it was just someone you casually liked. So, answer it.”

“If I say no…” I inhale a deep breath. “That would be a lie.”

Luciana gasps and wraps me into a hug. “Then you’re making a mistake by wasting your time talking to me. You should be going after her.”

“It’s not so easy. She’s leaving anyway. I think I should keep my feelings to myself.” I force a thick swallow.

“And then what? Live with the regret of letting someone walk away forever?” she chides. “I think that would be incredibly unfair to the both of you.”

“It’s for the best.”

“You always told us that we should fight for the things we want,” she reminds me. “Now it’s time I ask you to do the same. If she’s really that special to you, you should fight for the chance to be with her.”

As she speaks, I catch of glimpse of Valentina. She has the same determination in her eyes.

“When did you get so smart and grown up?” I tuck away a piece of her hair behind her ear, “You’re sounding more like your mom each day.”

“As mom would say, a life full of what-ifs is not a life lived…”

I open my mouth to respond, but the words dissolve into the thickening air as the sharp crackle of my radio cuts through the moment.

Devina's voice, usually so calm and composed, is laced with panic. "Enzo, you need to get here now! One of the vineyards—it's on fire! We’re fighting to put it out, but you need to get here now."

I get to my feet immediately.

"Stay inside, Luciana," I bark out, my voice tinged with a father's fear. "Find Valentino, make sure everyone's safe."

“What, no? Let me come with you.” Luciana tries to follow me out.

“You are to do as you’re told,” I shout, the urgency in my voice brooking no argument.

Alessio emerges, looking panicked. “Dad, I just heard…”

"Call the fire department!" I yell over at him, and he’s already on his phone, his fingers flying over the screen. “I’m heading there now.”

“I’m coming with you.”

Alessio follows me out to the carts, and we both get on. The blood is rushing through my ears, making everything but the road ahead of me a dizzying blur.

The vineyard is all I have for my family. I cannot let anything happen to it.

21

QUINN

Iescapetotheprivacy of my room, having had enough networking for the day. My interaction with Enzo has left me with a heavy heart, and the wound is too fresh for me to plaster on a smile in front of others.

I slump onto the plush, cream-colored bedspread of my hotel room. My fingers hover over my phone before I finally dial Laurie’s number. She’s the one person who has always managed to piece me back together.

The camera turns on, and her voice pours through the speaker.

“Quinn, are you crying? What’s wrong?”

I let out a shaky laugh, more out of nerves than amusement. "Where do I even start, Laurie? Everything's a mess. I told Enzo I’m leaving; I’m coming home."

The line goes silent for a moment. "What happened, Q? Last I heard you were living the dream. What changed?"

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