She said it’s her favorite cake because her grandma taught her how to make it, Aofie said. She was crying while we made it. I think she misses her, daid.
Liam, just sit with Suarez and watch Aofie.
I got it, cousin. Go make sure she’s okay.
I walked upstairs and knew she’d probably be in her room, so I knocked twice before walking in. She was sitting on her bed with the picture of her grandma in her hand. She didn’t look up when I came and sat down next to her.
I miss my family. She sniffled. She traced over the picture of them together and closed her eyes tight, causing more tears to fall down her face. I miss my nonna. I miss her face, her smile, her voice. I miss seeing her and cooking with her.
I’m sorry you’re feeling so upset.
I made that cake with Aofie, like how my nonna made it with me. And it burnt. It’s ruined. It’s stupid to cry over the cake, but I can’t seem to stop.
She lifted her head to look at me, and my heart broke seeing her like this. It hurt knowing that she missed her family, that I was the one to take her from them. It hurt more knowing she’d never be able to go and see them.
With the upcoming war, it wasn’t safe for her to leave the house, and I didn’t trust her brother to let her leave and visit them.
It’s not stupid. I’m sorry the cake burnt. Maybe tomorrow, me, you, and Aofie can make it together. Replace it with a better memory than right now.
She looked at me through teary eyes, and it felt like knives stabbing through my chest.
You’d bake with me ? She asked through a cry.
If that’s what you want, then yes.
She smiled, and she looked mercilessly beautiful, even like this, even when she was so upset. She still took my very breath away.
I’m going to wash up and fix my face, then come downstairs. She set the frame down behind her on the bed. Go. I’ll meet you downstairs in a little.
Are you sure ? I don’t want to leave you if you’re upset.
I’m not. I feel like a child for how I overreacted. I just want to wash the snot away, redo my makeup, and then come downstairs.
You didn’t overreact, mo ghra amhain. You were upset, and you reacted.
I like that you always talk to me like this. She spoke softly. Thank you for allowing me to feel whatever I want, for never dismissing my feelings. It’s nice. She kissed my cheek and stood up. Now go.
She ran to the bathroom, and with a defeated sigh, I got up and walked back downstairs.
Is she okay ? Fiona whispered to me as I passed by her.
She is.
I headed to the dining room table and sat down. I didn’t want to eat until Elena came downstairs, so I sat there and waited. Aofie was sitting next to Liam, who, like Suarez, was eating up the food Elena made rapidly.
Your wife is the one that cooked all this, yes ? Suarez asked.
Yes.
It’s very delicious. I don’t usually like Italian food, but it’s all very well-cooked.
I’m glad you’re enjoying yourself.
It didn’t take ten minutes for Elena’s presence to become known. I stood up when I spotted her coming from across the room. Now that she wasn’t upset and her confidence was back, I could finally admire what she was wearing.
An elegant, silk dark-green, almost teal-colored dress with sophisticated sleeves, a not-too-deep v-neckline, and reached mid-thigh.
I didn’t even care if it was short. Hell, I wanted to show off this woman, to let everyone know she was my wife. The dress had some wrapping design that cinched around her waist.
She tamed her curls so they weren’t as frizzy but controlled, and she had half her hair up in some hold while the rest was down.
The curls bounced and swayed with every poised step she took. Her makeup was lighter than before, yet she was still glowing and mind-blowing. Her ankle strap heels clicked and clacked against the marble floor as she neared, I couldn’t help but meet her halfway.
It was then that I realized she was wearing her wedding ring. I was so happy that I couldn’t stop grinning as I stared at the diamond. Joy and pride surged through my veins, and I grabbed her hand to lead her back to the table.
Do I look okay ? She whispered.
You’re fucking beautiful. I brought her hand to my mouth and left a kiss there.
I stopped to pull out her chair and pushed her back in once I helped her sit. Next, I grabbed two plates and prepared them before placing them in front of us. Then I took the seat next to her.
Elena, this is Suarez. I extended my hand toward the man at the end of the table. Suarez, this is my wife, Elena.
A pleasure, Elena said politely. I’ve heard great things about you.
I should hope so. He chuckled. Thank you for the delicious meal.
Of course, enjoy, Elena said, reaching for her fork.
Elena, Aofie called, and we both looked up from our plates.
Yeah, cara mia ?
You look very beautiful.
Elena placed her hand over her heart and gushed. Not as beautiful as you.
I couldn’t even enjoy my meal because I couldn’t stop staring at her. I love seeing her interact with Aofie. It brimmed me with happiness and love. I liked seeing them grow closer to each other and seeing their relationship blossom.
I knew she wasn’t her daughter, but Elena always treated her as if she was. She took care of her, and it just powered my urge to fuck her raw and bareback so she could get pregnant.
She’d look so fucking beautiful pregnant, all swollen with my baby inside her, and her breasts would get so much bigger.
Fuck.
Elena turned to face me with pinched brows.
What ?
I’m just thinking how beautiful you would look pregnant with my baby.
Her fork clattered on the table, and she mumbled an apology before reaching for it again.
Stop thinking. She muttered. She looked down at my plate and frowned. You don’t like it ?
I do. I’m just distracted.
Or maybe you just don’t like my cooking. She pouted.
I ate the plate up in a minute. Then proceeded to reach for seconds. She giggled as she continued to eat her plate slowly, and I wasn’t eating fast and a lot to try and impress her. Her food was delicious, and I enjoyed the way everything came together.
The garlic bread was fresh and so buttery. The salad was crisp, the baked ziti was perfectly cooked, and I didn’t care much for asparagus, but I loved how she roasted them in the oven. Everything was delicious, and I was so proud of her for cooking everything.
She went out of her way and outdone herself by making this meal for us. Aofie finished, and Liam helped her get off her chair. Then, she went to Fiona, who took her to the bathroom to wash her hands. Liam and Suarez got up when they were finished eating.
Elena, dinner was delicious, Liam said as he reached for his plate. Thank you.
My wife beamed at the compliment. You’re welcome. I’m happy you liked it.
Liked it ? I ate a whole loaf of garlic bread. He laughed. I think it’s safe to say I loved it.
Really ? I’m glad. She squeaked, her face splitting as she smiled.
I put my hand up to cover her face. Okay, stop fucking smiling at him. Go put your plate away.
They both laughed, and she turned to give me an annoyed look.
You’re crazy.
I think we’ve established just how crazy I am. Don’t tell me you’re not used to it yet.
She shrugged her shoulders. Slowly but surely.
Elena helped Fiona clear the table, but Fiona refused to let her do the dishes and get her dress wet.
I already ruined your cake. So the least I can do is not have you ruining your dress.
It’s okay. I’m okay. That’s why we have aprons. Elena reached for one, but Fiona snatched it.
Go. I can do them alone. Fiona insisted.
I’ll feel bad if I don’t help you, Elena mumbled.
Don’t feel bad. It’s not a big deal. Maybe the both of you can tuck Aofie into bed and read her a story.
Elena looked up at me. Is that okay ? That I tuck her in with you ?
Of course, it’s okay, mo ghra amhain. I encouraged her by taking her hand.
I ran my thumb over her wedding ring, and I swear it was so fucking sexy seeing her wear it. I led her upstairs, and her hand stayed locked in mine as we walked to Aofie’s room. I knocked on her door.
Aofie, it’s Elena and daid.
Then I opened the door, and we walked in to see her already in her pajamas, with her hair brushed, and by the bookshelves as she picked one out.
Daid, I want this one.