Page 34 of Harvest of Love
“That’s good to know,” Yoly says calmly.
I’m surprised by how maturely she’s taking it, but I’m sure she wants what’s best for Tommy—and if she fights this, it’ll backfire. Tommy’s been very vocal about how much he likes Daisy.
“I’m looking forward to meeting you too,” Yoly says, then quickly turns her eyes to me. “By the way, Manny, are you okay with me sending Tommy Saturday instead of Sunday?”
My son immediately deflates, knowing his mom already made plans that don’t include him.
Not even thinking about how it’ll sound, I tell her sharply, “No need to send him. Daisy and I will go pick him up Saturday afternoon.”
Yoly’s smile is bright, and I want to lash out at her for being so oblivious. But when I see my son jumping up and down, happy to see us sooner than expected, I let it go.
“Okay, bud. Enjoy today with your mom, and we’ll see you tomorrow.”
“Yeah, Papi. I love you.”
“I love you too, champ.”
“Love you Daisy!” he blurts before the video call disconnects.
“Did he really say he loves me?” Daisy asks, a stray tear slipping down her cheek.
“Yes, baby. He did.” I give her one quick peck on the lips.
After wiping the moisture from her face, I jump from the bed. The idea that popped into my head last night doesn’t feel so crazy anymore. I need to make it happen.
“Where are you going?” Daisy calls from the bed.
“I need to ask Gio a favor. We have a plane to catch.”
Hurried footsteps follow me into the kitchen. I need coffee for the day I have planned.
“A plane? I thought we were picking Tommy up tomorrow,” she says, wrapping her arms around my middle.
“We are picking him up tomorrow. But you and I are spending today and tomorrow morning in Miami. Gio said if I ever needed anything, just to let him know. And he owns a private jet, so…” I let my words trail off.
Daisy screeches with excitement, and I can’t help but feel full—of happiness, love, and hope—for the first time in a long, long time.
Ever since I met this woman, her light has started to shine through the gloom. Bit by bit, she brought color back into my life.
Like planting seeds, she grew roots in my heart.
And now that she’s by my side, it’s harvest time—
a harvest of love,
where the best is yet to come.
THE END
Epilogue
Tommy
One Year Later
Thanksgiving’s almost here, and I’m hyped ’cause we’re off from school the whole week. Finally, time to chill and get my energy back.
Middle school’s been… wild. Total roller coaster. Lots of homework and quizzes. Dad says I gotta keep my grades up if I wanna keep playing hockey. And I don’t mess around when it comes to hockey. I love that sport more than anything in this world. Okay, maybe notanything. But still. You get the point.
