Chapter 14 - LILY HOUSE
One year later, children ran through the mansion.
The marble halls that once carried armed footsteps now carried laughter.
The former Rossi estate had become Lily House.
A refuge for mothers and children escaping domestic violence.
Hunter stood outside beneath the sign.
LILY HOUSE.
FOR WOMEN WHO NEED A DOOR THAT LOCKS FROM THE INSIDE.
She cried when she first saw it.
Lorenzo stood beside her holding Leo.
"You hate it?"
Hunter laughed through her tears.
"I love it."
Leo was walking now.
Badly.
He escaped Lorenzo's arms and waddled toward Hunter.
"Mama!"
Everything stopped.
Hunter stared.
Lorenzo stared.
Leo lifted his arms.
"Mama!"
Hunter covered her mouth.
She picked him up.
"No one taught him that."
Lorenzo said.
Hunter kissed Leo's curls.
She cried against his forehead.
Later that evening, Hunter stood beside Lily's memorial garden.
A small stone carried her daughter's name.
LILY VANCE.
SHE WAS HERE.
SHE MATTERED.
Lorenzo approached.
For a while, they said nothing.
"I still miss Sophia."
He said.
Hunter nodded.
"You should."
Hunter looked at Lily's name.
"I still talk to her."
"Lily?"
"Every day."
Lorenzo took Hunter's hand.
Neither of them pretended their dead had disappeared.
That was why what came next felt possible.
"I love you."
Lorenzo said.
Hunter closed her eyes.
He didn't ask for anything.
Didn't kiss her.
Didn't demand an answer.
He simply told the truth.
Hunter looked at him.
"I know."
Lorenzo smiled sadly.
Then Hunter squeezed his hand.
"I'm getting there."
His smile changed.
May you like
"That's enough."
Six months later, Hunter was the one who kissed him first.
