I nodded.
“Yes.”
“And you don’t get to tell this story like I broke your heart for no reason.”
“I won’t,” I said.
Rose fussed softly.
For the first time, I did not reach out as if love gave me the right.
I asked.
“May I meet her?”
Livia looked at Mitchell. He nodded, but she took another moment before stepping forward.
“Her name is Rose,” she said, placing the baby in my arms.
I looked down at my granddaughter’s tiny face.
“Hi, Rose,” I whispered. “I’m Camila. Your grandma.”
A week later, I called Livia.
“Would dinner at our house feel okay?” I asked. “You can say no.”
“Who’s coming?” she asked.
“Whoever you want.”
She came with Mitchell, Rose, and Natalie. Liam sat beside her. I asked Natalie if she wanted coffee. John cooked because I knew I would try to control every plate.
