Page 119 of Conquering Oz

She angled her head. “That’s a pretty big offer, Sal.”

“Yeah, well, I’m offering.”

Here goes…

She swallowed the lump in her throat. “How could you be sure I wouldn’t say anything?”

Sal’s back straightened and he sighed.

“I wasn’t.”

“Then why take the risk?”

“You were just a little girl.” His voice cracked. “Even the worst of the worst of us have our boundaries. I’ve done a lot of things I’m not proud of. Especially now, looking back. It’s a different perspective.” Sal paused, clasping his hands. “Never once did I look at you all those years ago and think ‘I matter more than this little girl.’ And I have no regrets. Never did.”

“You never told anyone you saw me that day, did you?”

“No.” Sal shook his head and clasped his hands. “Not everyone kept to my boundaries. I wasn’t going to risk you with anyone else’s views on how I handled it.”

She stared at Sal’s profile. A somber gaze refusing to meet hers.

“Protecting me?”

Sal sighed, shifted his gaze to her, and his eyes softened. “In my own way, yes.”

My father’s executioner. And my savior.

“Thank you.”

He cupped his mouth and turned toward the grass. Elodie settled in her chair, taking in the same view as Sal. She could’ve left. They’d made amends. She wasn’t sure why she stayed. But it was comfortable sitting in silence with him.

“Think of any names?” Sal asked, and she immediately rested her hand on her stomach.

It was still early. Some might say too early to make plans. Still, it hadn’t stopped her.

“I like Abigail for a girl.”

Sal smiled. “I like that too. Beautiful name, just like her mama’s.”

Elodie smiled. “Boy names are harder. I was thinking Lorenzo junior, maybe call him LJ. But something tells me Oz won’t go for that.”

Sal burst out laughing. It was a minute before he could gather himself and respond. Elodie liked the sound and his easiness. This was good. They’d put the past behind them and forged forward into the future. Sal would be a part of not only her life, but the baby’s.

“You know my boy. He wouldn’t go for that.” Sal chuckled, shaking his head.

“Any suggestions?” Elodie asked.

Sal stared off in the distance. “You need a name that holds prestige and honor. A name all those around respect. Maybe one that’s been handed down for generations.” Sal paused, his lips tugging down in a frown. “Had an older brother. He died a few days after birth. He was named after my dad, and his father before him. Would have been a great man had he lived, following in the footsteps of my dad and grandfather.”

“What was his name?” Elodie asked.

“Luka.”

Perfect!

“Well, I should be going. I’m packing up the last of my stuff to move into Oz’s house. I’m having a last supper of sorts on Thursday in the apartment. I’d love it if you came, and bring Tom.”

Sal smiled. “We’ll be there.”

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