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"Maybe you should move here sooner than later," I said, jostling her out of her reprieve. Startled, she opened her eyes and swung her head my way. Apprehension always found me when I couldn't keep a physical eye on her but being here and sensing my mother's love reminded me that sometimes being close to me meant hurting more than being away to avoid it altogether.
"What?"
My eyes scanned the lovely area of driven dirt near the main home before moving to see the rolling hills of grapevines. The quiet centering this place offered made me realize how badly we all needed to come here more often. Letting out a long breath, my chest still felt tight, knowing my mother would be near us to see the moment I relinquished my control over my sister's life.
"I think, when we return to the manor, you should pack and come back to stay here. You should stay here for as long as you need, Sofia."
"But you never let me out of your sight or the guards?" She eyed me like I had an agenda.
Holding up my hands in surrender, I lightly smiled. "You're not the only one taking Millie's words to heart. She keeps reminding me that you need to discover your own path. And while I agree, I also need to know you're safe. After we staff this villa a little more from the breach, I'll feel better about your arrival and stay, but I do expect updates, and I'll pop in when I can to check on you because I'm not a saint like my girlfriend."
"Girlfriend." She nodded her head. "I think that's the first time you've fully said her title to you out loud. Good."
Rolling my eyes, I swung my arm around her shoulders, guiding her to the grand porch I helped build over a decade ago with my uncle. It wrapped around the front and side, having a quaint and country feel for my Abuela to have her freedoms and view. "Now, I'm fine with it, but there's still one person you're going to have to ask to stay here."
Just as we neared the base of the wooden steps, my grandmother came out, cursing up a storm that she didn't need us to check in on her with her hands. Even without the sound of her voice, I smiled and wrapped my arms around her before kissing her forehead. Holding her close, she finally heeded with a sigh before embracing me too. Stepping back, she kept signing she was fine with her son by her side.
I observed her silver hair being swept back into a braid, curving around her neck to dangle at her side. Her body made me understand the years taking over her because she shortened and rounded with wrinkles. The wisdom of her life still displayed through the sharpness of her keen stare. In her colorful skirt and white blouse, she finally turned to sign similar things to my sister, giving me a moment to take in how much time I'd lost by not being here for her too.
Giuseppe kept trying to hide his own amusement about how his mother greeted her grandchildren, but I noticed how his smile dimmed when he saw Sofia at my side. His eyes racked over her taller form, seeing how much she had grown since the last time we were in their company. A darkness swept over his stare, knowing what happened because of her womanly form that began to take over her adolescent one. Righting himself, he glanced my way to see how I watched him. Tipping his chin to me, it was in thanks for killing Alexander for his crimes against our family.
Our stay wouldn't be long, but I knew the promise of more visits sat in our future once I handled the problems at hand. If Sofia came here, it would only ensure her safety that lurked too close to home. I'd have to fill in my uncle, but he'd understand. He'd also devote himself to Sofia's safety. Being guided in, for the first time, this vineyard felt like the last piece of my own unharmonious puzzle clicking into place. It felt like coming home even though I lived in the compound that saw me through my adolescent years. Before stepping through the threshold, the smell of fresh bread caught me by surprise. Abuela and my mother used to spend their weekends baking for all the workers to have a treat on a Monday. Even without my mom and her hearing, my Abuela never stopped showing she cared.
sixty-five
Millie
"Thank you for this." I waved my hand toward the lovely rolling cart filled with everything coffee related. Tony decided to come up to the library with me today now that Draven had gotten more comfortable with it again, but we would be going to the scenic room he painted for me. He stirred our cups, spending adequate time with me in Draven's absence because he ran to his vineyard to check on his Abuela. While I understood his need to go, I wished he would've let us join.
"We already told you that we love seeing you happy." His grin stretched a little more, but I could also see the worry on his face he didn't express so openly.
"You know, I love the smell, but it was that one time with you where I actually drank coffee," I chuckled, taking my cup from him.
"But did you drink the tea out of enjoyment or necessity?" He raised a brow, guiding me to sit in the other room on my special bench.
"I think it started out as necessity, but I grew a taste for it over time." Sipping my coffee, I hummed my approval of his fine craft in not making it too sweet while being sweet enough. "Your coffee skills are exceptional."
"Would you like a tea option?" he asked as we entered the neighboring room for our time.
"I'm sure they make the K-cups with tea? Or I can run some hot water from the machine and use tea bags too." Shrugging, I knew the cost of tea wouldn't be too much for any of us.
"Ugh, you sounded so American there." Shaking his head and making a sour face, he sat right beside me. "I will teach you to make proper tea, and I'll divulge my favorites I've tried and imported over the years from around the world."
"Well, thankfully, my American ways don't have as high of standards, so you don't need to spend too much. The word import alone sounds..."
"Expensive?" he laughed. "I won't say it’s not, but I will say your first sip of my secret treasures will open your eyes to the hidden bliss your mouth will beg for more of. There's this one from Peru that Draven devours the second we get some, and I have this one from India that has some extra spices and herbs in it. You're in for a treat, Emilia."
"It's just so much money," I breathed out, knowing two months ago I'd been afraid to not make ends meet.
"We find great joy in spending our fortune on you, Emilia. Please let us keep sharing that with you." Turning toward his way, I never thought about how my haggling for cheaper things would affect them, but in a way, it made him feel guilty. For the first time I could see it on his face. He wished I'd let them love me in the way they knew how.
Nodding my head, I then nestled into his side to get as close as possible to him before he needed to work today. "You're right. I shouldn't rob you of your joys when I've used my own money to buy elaborate gifts to show my affection as well. Thank you for all you've given me."
"Thank you for staying," he whispered back, kissing the side of my head.
***
"So you touched me while I slept?" I couldn't help but bring up what happened when I didn't know.
