Page 170 of Lightning Struck

“Lucy’s water broke. Branwell took her to the hospital. I’m gonna be an AUNT!”

Chiara took off down the street, tugging me behind her, laughing maniacally the entire time.

Eight long hours later, Branwell and Lucy welcomed Alessio Cesare D’Angelo and Bronte Judith D’Angelo into their family. The twins were healthy and strong.

We crowded into Lucy’s hospital room—Chiara and I, Dante and Claire, Nonna, Tennyson and Judith—all celebrating the new family additions.

Chiara cuddled tiny Bronte, stroking a finger over the sleeping baby’s fuzzy cheek. I wrapped my arms around both of them.

“She’s so perfect, Jack.” Chiara smiled up at me. “I love that Branwell kept with the Victorian artist theme with one of the babies, at least.”

She cooed at Baby Bronte. My heart felt ready to burst. This maternal side of Chiara was new to me. Image after image darted through my brain. Chiara holding our own child. Chiara laughing and tickling a pair of red-headed imps. Chiara and I relaxing on a couch, children cuddled next to us.

Yes. That would be our future. She and I. I would accept no other outcome.

Chiara lifted Baby Bronte closer, placing a gentle kiss on her forehead. “Ciao,bellina. I’m your favorite aunt, Chiara. I’m going to be the one who teaches you all about makeup and boys and how not to date jerks. You are going to love me, you know. But not as much as I already love you,mia passerotta.”

I had to look away. My throat felt uncomfortably tight and rapid blinking wasn’t helping the situation.

Chiara’s elbow nudged me. “You big softy, Jack. You’re not fooling anyone. Here.” Chiara gently transferred Bronte into my arms.

I looked down at the precious babe, remembering all the nieces and nephews I had held so many years ago. I had lost so much. Perhaps I should join Chiara in her sessions with Dr. Cacciatore.

Chiara wiped a tear off my cheek. “It’s okay, Jack,” she whispered. “We can’t change the past, but we can make memories in our new future.”

I managed a wan smile. “When did you become so wise?”

“Me?” She laughed incredulously. “That was all Dr. Cacciatore. I’m an idiot with this stuff.”

I kissed her. I couldn’t stop myself.

“Thank you,” I murmured.

A new future? I liked the sound of that.

We would live happily ever after, Chiara and I.

Why did I know that?

Because we were both committed to becoming our best, most-whole selves.

If I have learned anything from my time as a ghost, it is this: when you truly love someone, don’t waste a single moment.

To paraphrase a well-known quote—

Life is such stuff as dreams are made on.

So get living it.