Epilogue

EPILOGUE

ROSA

Five Years Later

I throw Chessie in the air, catching her in my arms, feeling so strong I can hardly believe it. My grandniece giggles as I hold her, then I throw her again.

“Flying, flying,” she giggles. “Rosa makin’ me fly!”

Elena sits on the plush armchair, her hand resting on her pregnant belly, her eyes fixated on the screen as she watches the preview copy of her debut movie. After a run in theater, she’s finally making her way onto the big screen.

“I think Mommy needs some Chessie cuddles,” I smile, putting her down.

Chessie traipses over to Elena. My heart warms when I see how carefully my grandniece cuddles up next to her mom—so cautious not to bump the bump that will become her brother or sister.

I sit down next to Elena, taking her hand. Since Dario’s doctors put me on track for recovery, I’ve started lifting weights, taking so much pride in being able to do things . It’s a miracle. Every day, Dario proves how much he loves Elena and how dedicated he is. If I ever had any doubts, they’re all gone now.

“You don’t need to be nervous,” I say. “You always do an incredible job.”

Elena smiles at me. Her pregnancy glow makes her look even more magnetic and vivacious. “You sound like Dario.”

“Well, he hasn’t been wrong yet.”

Her smile widens. “Sometimes, it’s still crazy to hear you say stuff like that.”

“Daddy the bestest!” Chessie beams.

“Look at this life you’ve built together,” I say, gesturing around their spacious, homey living room. “Look at little Chessie and another one on the way. Isn’t an aunt allowed to be wrong?”

“Am I late?” Dario walks into the room, sitting on his wife’s other side. Seeing the way he makes Elena light up just makes my day.

“No,” Elena says, leaning across for a kiss. “You’re right on time.”