“Amore, what are you saying? This sounds like more than a boyfriend. It sounds like you’re staying there, making a life with this man,” my father said, concern written in his lowered brows when he appeared on the screen.
I looked over at Mike and nodded. I swallowed and prayed for God’s help. It sounded like I was going to need it.
“Well, before we go any further, I’d like to officially introduce you to Michael Walker, well, Mike. He, ah, he is my fiancé,” I said, my head held high, gathering my courage.
“That’s my girl,” Mike mouthed.
Trying to ignore the gasps and barrage of angry Italian words, his words and courage were just what I needed as he slid in next to me, still holding my hand. When my parents stopped speaking to glare at Mike, I was able to speak again.
“Mike, these are my parents, Lucia and Paolo Valenti.” My voice still had a slight tremor, but I gathered strength at his proximity, and I liked that. I liked that very much.
Mike gave my parents his best ‘Mike’ smile, the one I’m sure won over everyone.
“Good evening, Mr. and Mrs. Valenti. It’s nice to meet you both. Ren has told me so much about you.” When neither of them spoke, Mike continued. “I’m sure this comes as a surprise to you, but I want to help you understand.”
Mama scoffed and nearly rolled her eyes, which would have been beneath her. “Understandwhat, Mr. Walker?” she asked, her voice laced with venom. “That you’ve exploited our daughter’s vulnerability while abroad after the difficult experience that brought her there?”
Next to me, I sensed my fiancé wince without looking. My mother didn’t raise her voice, she didn’t have to. The authority in her tone made her words hit harder, each one landing like a slap.
Mike’s jaw tensed, and I saw how her words affected him. Before I could address her hurtful accusations, Mike spoke, calm and confident.
“With all due respect, Mrs. Valenti, you don’t know me at all. I know that doesn’t help my cause, but it’s an unfair assessment. My feelings for your daughter are genuine and sincere. As she told you, we both believe that God has brought us together, even though it was unexpected. For me, it was instant. Her beauty is only surpassed by her intelligence and the kindness she’s shown to my friends and grandmother. Your daughter is an incredible woman. I truly believe that Renata knowsexactlywho she is,and if she thought I was taking advantage of her, she would make sure I never spent another second with her.”
I smiled at him, my posture softening as my body leaned against his, shoulder to shoulder. The look he gave me was loud with unspoken words. Mike would let me lean on him and give me his strength if I needed it.
“I don’t understand when this happened, Michael. Ren?” my father asked. “You haven’t been there a week yet.”
“Papa, we first met on a video call a few months ago.” I chuckled. “Mike confessed that he was smitten with me from that moment.”
Mike’s smile was breathtaking as he listened to me.
“It wasn’t the same for me,” I said with a smirk. Mike and I shared a light laugh, and he brought my hand up to kiss the back of it. “But he’s exactly what I’d pray for in a husband.” I may have my own doubts about what I could give Mike, but my words couldn’t be truer. He was more than I could’ve dreamed or hoped for in a mate.
Mike looked back at my parents, who had matching shocked expressions. “Mr. and Mrs. Valenti, Ren is a gift. One I intend to cherish, and I’ve promised to spend the rest of my life making her happy. My life’s purpose, besides caring for my grandmother, is to walk alongside Ren, cheering her on, doing everything in my power to see her shine and succeed. Help her make all those dreams come true.
“I love my life here, sir. My parents, grandparents, close friends, and career make it fulfilled. But when I met Ren in person, something changed, shifted inside me. It was like coming alive for the first time, honestly. Asking her to marry me may seem impulsive to you, but there’s no other option. She’s the one for me.”
I added quickly, “Mike is right. Once I realized how much I wanted what I’ve found here, I knew staying was the right choicefor me. And he’s a huge part of that decision.” I wouldn’t lie to them and say I was in love, but I hoped my words were enough to make them understand how much I’d come to care for him.
“Renata, this makes no sense. You have a steady, established career in Tuscany. Friends, an apartment, your family. Whatmorecould you need?” Mama asked incredulously.
“Alife, Lucia,” Papa interjected, his face resolute as he turned to Mama. “Our daughter doesn’t have that here in Italy. If you looked hard enough, you’d see how unhappy she’s been. Ren wants and deserves more than working an eighty-hour week for a man who treats her like an assistant. You, of all people, should understand that. She’s found something she hasn’t been able to find here.”
“Papa, what are you saying?” I asked, leaning forward toward the phone, shocked that he’d noticed what I’d been feeling.
“Amore, I want more for you than what you’ve been living. You’ve confided in me that those so-called friends your mother mentioned are no more than acquaintances, not the kind of people you can share your heart with. Just looking at how relaxed and joyful you look right now is enough for me to give you my blessing,” he said, his eyes glassy.
“Lo dice davvero, Papa?” I asked, hopeful at his words.
“Yes, it’s the truth. I mean every word. If Michael is the one who has put that smile on your face again, the one I haven’t seen in years, then, yes. I mean it. And if he’s willing to help you chase your dreams, what can I say? I’m all for it.”
“Oh, Papa, grazie. Thank you.” I blinked away tears. “It will be a long process to start our business, but I’m alright taking a little time to rest and dream again.”
As I looked at my father through tears, I recognized how handsome he still was, but his face bore the sadness he’d lived with for years. It was a sadness I was well acquainted with. That was a revelation to me since being in San Diego, and it unnervedme to realize how long I’d allowed myself to live that way. I could only pray for a miracle for his and my mother’s life together.
“Mr. Valenti, thank you. Your blessing makes us both very happy,” Mike said, his signature smile wide, his words relieved.
Mama sighed heavily, as if she realized she had lost the fight.
