Daniele looked down at my chin. “Can I call you mom?”
I choked and tears sprang into my eyes at his unexpected request.
Cassio’s face became still.
I kissed Daniele’s cheek then crushed him to me once more. “Yes. Nothing would make me happier. I love you.”
He began to sniffle, and I couldn’t hold back either. Cassio averted his eyes, his Adam’s apple bobbing as he swallowed. After a moment, he came over to us and knelt beside us, hugging us both. I pressed my face into his chest, feeling his heartbeat thundering in his ribcage. Cassio kissed the top of my head then Daniele’s.
Daniele called me mom every chance he got that day, shyly at first, but later with adorable giddiness.
In the evening, Cassio and I sat on the swing in front of the house, watching the sunset. We hadn’t talked about today’s events yet. With Daniele and Simona around, there hadn’t been time.
“I didn’t expect it,” I said. Cassio knew what I was referring to without me stating it outright. His arm around my shoulders tightened, holding me even closer to his side.
“Me neither. He’s old enough to remember his mother, but I suppose even the memory will fade with time. He was too young to form a strong bond with her. I guess it’s a blessing after all.”
“I suppose so.” It seemed horribly cruel to be glad for Gaia’s early death, but for Simona and Daniele, it was probably easier that way. Had they both been older at the time of her suicide, they would have struggled even more. “Eventually, Daniele and Simona will ask questions about Gaia. It’s natural to want to know more about your birth mother.”
Cassio breathed out. “Until they do, I won’t talk about her. Everything I’ll tell them will be a lie anyway.”
“Not everything.”
“When we married, I thought I was doing damage control.”
My eyebrows climbed my forehead. Cassio chuckled seeing it. “I know. Not very romantic. But you were meant to make my life easier.”
“You expected to get a nanny with some sexy times thrown in the mix.”
“I can’t deny it. I didn’t consider the option that we would become partners, that I would enjoy your presence outside of the bedroom, and even that seemed unlikely after I first met you.”
“You know how to turn this romantic sunset, even more romantic,” I teased.
“Romantic isn’t my strong suit.”
“You don’t say?”
Cassio turned to me and cupped my cheek. “You surprised me and keep surprising me.”
“That’s good… right?”
“More than good.”
“Do you think you’ll ever fully trust me? Ever not expect I’ll cheat on you?”
“I trust you.” At my doubtful expression, he added, “I do, but I’m not sure if the nagging doubt at the back of my head will ever fully leave. Catching Gaia like that...” He shook his head then peered out toward the ocean. “I know most people are capable of doing very bad things. I see it every day. It’s difficult not to always expect the worst.”
I understood him. I couldn’t imagine how it must have felt to catch your partner cheating on you, especially with family. “I won’t cheat. I’ll work for your trust every day no matter how long it takes for your nagging voice to shut up. I love you.”
Cassio bent down, his lips touching mine. “If anyone can shut up my nagging voice, then it’s you. You’ve breathed new life into me.”
“You mean your newfound virility?” I teased, grinning.
Cassio didn’t smile. He stroked my hair, his eyes following his fingers as they slid down. “Into everything. I was dead inside, going through the motions of every day, living for work, for building a future for my kids. While doing that I forgot about the present, about living. You showed me how important it is to live in the moment, to experience my children’s life and not just plan for their future.” He kissed me. Then his smile became darker. “But my newfound virility is definitely another perk of your presence in my life.”
His hand slipped under my shirt. I looked around.
“Nobody can see us here.”
“I know,” I said. Then I stood and took a step back. “But I was thinking of trying out the beach…”
Cassio got up. “You’ll have sand everywhere.”
I took another step back and pulled my shirt over my head. “Maybe I’ll like the additional friction, old man.”
Cassio’s smile turned wolfish. “I think I need to dunk you in the ocean first to punish you for your insolence.”
I backed away, down the stairs, and Cassio stalked me like a hunter after his prey. “Run, little girl, run.”
“I’m not—” He lunged for me but with a choked screech, I jumped back, whirled around, and dashed away. My feet sunk into the soft sand and the cool evening breeze whipped at my hair. I threw a glance over my shoulder, finding Cassio taking off his shoes, shirt, and pants. Rolling my eyes, I dropped my bra and called, “You’ll never catch up with me, old man!”