Chapter 79 - THE LAST DINNER
When Lorenzo turned seventy, the entire family surprised him.
He had expected a quiet dinner.
Instead, the house was filled with people.
Matteo arrived from Seattle.
Noah and Claire brought their children.
Ava flew in.
Mara came with her family.
Grace brought homemade cake.
Lily decorated the dining room.
Lorenzo stood at the doorway stunned.
“You planned this?”
Emma smiled.
“Everyone did.”
He looked around.
“I hate surprises.”
“No, you don't.”
“I do.”
“You're smiling.”
“I can smile and hate something.”
Everyone laughed.
During dinner, Lily stood.
“I want to say something.”
She raised her glass.
“To Lorenzo.”
“To Lorenzo!”
He looked uncomfortable.
Lily continued.
“You taught our family that changing isn't weakness.”
She glanced at Emma.
“And she taught you that.”
Lorenzo smiled.
Emma reached for his hand beneath the table.
Lily raised her glass again.
“To the man who stopped being afraid of kindness.”
Everyone drank.
Later, when the house was quiet, Lorenzo and Emma sat outside.
“You remember when you first met me?” he asked.
“Yes.”
“You were terrified.”
“So were you.”
He laughed.
“I hid it better.”
Emma leaned against him.
“No.”
“What?”
“You didn't.”
She rested her head on his shoulder.
May you like
“I just didn't know you yet.”
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