Page 77 of Lorenzo & Lily

“You’d have to teach her more than art, as she’ll be starting proper school next year and both Lily and I want to make sure she’s prepared.”

“But I’m not certified to teach.”

“You don’t need to be certified unless we’re claiming school credit and, as she isn’t in proper school yet, it’s not needed. I know it’s a lot to ask. You’d need to stay here with us through next summer. I know you’ve got your art and–”

“I’d love to.”

“Really?”

“Yes. I would like to be certified, though, so I’ll look into that to see if it’s feasible. It’s funny. I was just thinking today about my plans for next year. I’m just finishing up my most recent piece now, and I hadn’t decided what to work on next.”

She glanced out the window, towards the sea. “I always feel inspired here. I don’t know why, but I’ve wanted to spend a good, solid chunk of time here to paint.”

“You’d still be able to do that. Tutoring Liliana wouldn’t take up your entire day. I could talk to Lily about hiring a nanny–”

“Don’t even think about it.”

“Leena,” he began, using a nickname they rarely used anymore. “There might be days you need a break. There’s nothing wrong with that.”

“You see me too clearly sometimes.”

He gestured with his head down the hall. “And the others barely see you at all. I know.”

She sighed. “I was with Arianna until about a week or two ago, helping her with Eloisa. I don’t think she and Finn understood those days I kept to myself, and why it was hard to socialize sometimes. All right. Talk to your Lily. I’ll meet Liliana and, if she’s comfortable with me, we can make some plans. I don’t think I could start right away.”

“That’s fine. Do you want to stay with us through the holidays?”

“You won’t be going to Valentia for Christmas?”

“No, I want to spend our first holiday as a family here in our home. I thought we could go up the day after, and then spend a few days there. I’d want to be back by New Year’s, though.”

“And you wouldn’t mind my intruding?”

“No. I want both Lily and Liliana to get used to our extremely large family. I just want it to happen slowly.”

“I’ll think about it.”

He kissed her cheek. “Good. Now, you can go back in there and tell everyone about my request now, or you can do it later when they badger you at dinner.”

“Tough choice.”

“Isn’t it always?”

“I’ll let them badger me now.”

“If you can, keep a lid on Christmas. I feel guilty for not spending it with Papa, but…”

“He’ll understand. Don’t worry.”

He nodded. Then she smiled and walked back towards their family.

He walked towards his own.

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