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I look at Daniel and Asa again as I hear the baby starting to wake. When I shift my gaze back to Romy, I see she’s focused on them, too.
I give her a minute before lightly tapping her hand and signing my response.It was wonderful. I learned sign language at the same pace as I learned to talk.My dad is my hero. He’s the strongest person I know.
Tears well in her eyes again, as she signs with effortless grace.I want Asa to be proud of me, too. I want that more than anything.
He will be.I assure her before I shed a tear, too, thinking about the special moments I had growing up and how my dad was front and center for all of them.
She looks at her baby again before she turns back to me.Thank you, Gina. I’m shocked that you’re standing here. I never thought I’d have the chance to meet you.
I watch her hands closely, before I raise mine.I’m honored to have met you.Maybe when you’re back in New York, we can have lunch at my grandma’s restaurant?
Her entire face lights up as her hands move swiftly in response.Are you serious? I love Calvetti’s. Your grandma is always so kind to me.
Marti is kind to everyone, but she takes extra care with her deaf customers. She makes sure they feel welcome and comfortable.
I nod.My grandma is the best.
I turn when I hear the front door open. A brown-haired woman around Romy’s age walks in carrying a tote bag over one shoulder.
Her eyes widen when she spots Daniel holding the baby, and when her gaze lands on me, she lets out a small shriek. “You’re Gina Calvetti!”
I nod, making sure to not only speak but also sign my response. “I am. It’s nice to meet you…”
“Bria,” she says and signs her name before continuing, ensuring she’s standing where Romy can see her. “I’m Asa’s nanny and Romy’s bestie. I can’t believe you’re standing here.”
Believe it.Romy signs.
I volley my gaze between both women as they grin at each other.
“That video of you and your dad touched Romy,” Bria says as she signs each word. “It helped her through her pregnancy, and now it’s a dream for her to meet you. I know it is.”
Romy nods as she signs her reply.It is a big dream.
I’ve posted tens of thousands of images and videos. Yet, right now, it feels like a stranger’s video showcasing a private moment between my dad and I made the biggest impact of anything related to me online.
I hug Romy before I sign something I’ve never said to any of my followers before.Let me give you my number. I want you to text me if you need someone to tell you how lucky Asa is to have you as a mom.
Her hands tremble as she raises them.Really?
I sign back.Really.
Bria moves closer to us, her hands moving as she speaks, “You seem pretty lucky too, Gina. Your boyfriend is hot with a capital H.”
Romy shakes her head, responding for me.He’s just her friend.
“Too bad,” Bria says, signing so Romy can follow. “He looks like a catch, and judging by the way he’s handling Asa, I think he’s going to be a great husband and baby daddy to someone one day.”
CHAPTERTHIRTY-FOUR
Daniel
I glanceat Gina as I steer the car around a corner, headed to our next destination. “Bria was right. I am a catch.”
She keeps her gaze straight ahead. I suspect she’s trying not to give me the satisfaction of seeing the smile on her face, but I know her. I know how her cheeks lift when happiness lights up her face. “Bria doesn’t know you, Daniel.”
“You do,” I point out. “I didn’t see or hear you disagreeing with her assessment of me.”
She leans her head back on the seat but doesn’t say anything, so I take that as a win.
