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“Ready?” I ask, looking from one to the other. They both nod, and the game begins. We exchange cards and take turns asking for matches, each trying to be strategic while simultaneously attempting to keep our plans hidden.
“Got any queens, Mommy?” our daughter asks, her voice steady and sure. She’s getting better at this – not only in terms of skill but also confidence.
“Ah, you got me,” I say, feigning disappointment as I hand over the card she requested. She grins triumphantly, clearly pleased with herself.
“Your turn, Daddy,” she prompts, looking expectantly at Enzo.
“Alright, let’s see,” he drawls, tapping his chin thoughtfully. “Do either of you lovely ladies have any... eights?”
“Sorry, no eight here,” I reply, trying to keep my face neutral as I watch him shift his attention to our daughter.
“Me neither,” she says, shaking her head solemnly. Enzo raises his eyebrows in mock surprise before drawing a card from the deck.
“Looks like I’ll have to try my luck with the deck,” he sighs dramatically, and I know I am the luckiest woman in the world.
Enzo has kept every promise to me and made my life beautiful despite the danger we live with. I take his free hand and squeeze it. “Thank you.”
“For what?”
“This.”
“Eeew. Don’t start kissing. You two do it too much.”
“No such thing.” Enzo leans over and kisses me deeply.
“Cards.” She waves them around. “Focus Dad.”
“Alright.”
We start another game, and our banter grows more animated, each of us playfully trash-talking the others in a lighthearted attempt to gain the upper hand. The room is filled with teasing, creating an atmosphere of love I wouldn’t trade for the world.
“Watch out, Mommy,” Enzo warns me, his voice dripping with faux menace. “I’m coming for your cards.”
“Bring it on,” I challenge, giving him a saucy wink. “But just remember – I taught you everything you know.”
“True,” he concedes, grinning. “But you haven’t seen all my tricks yet.” His words send a thrill down my spine, reminding me of the many layers of this man I have come to love so deeply.
“Mommy, Daddy,” our daughter interrupts with an impish grin. “You’re both going down!”
“Big talk for such a little shark,” I tease, ruffling her hair affectionately.
“Exactly,” Enzo agrees, his eyes twinkling with pride as he watches our daughter hold her own against us. “But don’t underestimate her, Abby. She’s got her mother’s brains and her father’s cunning.”
“Indeed,” I murmur as I watch my daughter’s eyes dart between Enzo and me. She giggles, mischief dancing in her gaze.
“Okay,” she declares, her little voice filled with determination. “I’m going to ask...Daddy! Do you have any threes?”
Enzo feigns surprise, his eyes widening theatrically. “Why, yes, I do!” he exclaims, handing over a single card. “But don’t get too comfortable, kiddo.”
“Your turn, Mommy,” she reminds me, and I take a moment to scan the cards before deciding.
“Sweetheart, do you have any sevens?” I ask, trying to keep my tone light despite the competitive fire burning inside me. She grins and hands over two of them, and I can’t help but be impressed at her ability to read the game so well already.
“Looks like we’ve got ourselves a prodigy here,” Enzo teases, his eyes shining with admiration for our little girl.
“I think you’re right.” After the final cards are played, Enzo sweeps our daughter into his arms, showering her with praise and affection.
“Well done, sweetheart,” he tells her, his voice warm and proud. “You were amazing!”
