Epilogue

EPILOGUE

MATTEO

Five Years Later

W e sit quietly in the dimly lit concert hall, the buzz of anticipation filling the air. Our son tugs on my sleeve and leans in close, his wide eyes sparkling with curiosity. He looks just like Bella when she finds a rare piece of music she hasn't played before.

"Daddy, is Mom really good at playing the violin?" he whispers.

I smile, glancing down at him. His question tugs at my heart. "Yes, buddy, she's amazing. When she plays, she tells a story with her music. Every note, every movement of her bow …" My mind flits to so many scenes of Bella and Sofia playing together. "It's all so beautiful." I give him a nudge. "But you've heard her play before."

He gazes around at the enormous hall. "Not like this ." He looks thoughtful momentarily, then asks, "Do you think she'll be nervous?"

I chuckle softly, patting his hand. When he was born, and I held him, I couldn't believe how small he felt. How vulnerable. I knew right away I'd always protect him. It was primal, instant. "Maybe a little, but she's done this before. When she steps onto that stage, she forgets about being nervous. It sounds cheesy, but she becomes one with the music." I'm sounding like Elio.

He nods, trying to understand. "What's her favorite song to play?"

"That's a tough one," I whisper back. "She loves so many pieces, but I think one of her favorites is the one she's playing tonight. It's special to her." It's the same piece she played in that video she sent me, the one that tugged at my heart and my lust.

The lights dim further, and the start of the performance draws closer. I gently squeeze our son's hand and murmur, "It's showtime."

He grins up at me, then turns back to the curtain, totally captivated.

As the curtain rises and the first notes of Bella's violin fill the room, I see his eyes widen in awe. The world fades away, and it's just us listening to the magic she creates with her music. At this moment, everything feels perfect, and I can see Jack beginning to understand just how special his mother truly is.