213
Emilia’s POV
The idea of a girls’ day had been Rosa’s idea, of course. She’d declared it as soon as she’d waltzed into the house, full of energy after her blow up with Alaric, Allesio and I. I hadn’t even had time to argue before she swept Francesca into her arms and started planning a day out as though she lived here full-time.
“Emilia, you’re entirely too cooped up. A little shopping, some fresh air, and maybe some wine-what do you say?” she’d said, practically dragging me to the closet to pick out something “decent.”
And that’s how I found myself sandwiched between Rosa and Francesca in the backseat of one of Alaric’s cars, our driver watching the chaos unfold in the rearview mirror with thinly veiled amusement.
Francesca was perched on my lap, tugging at the edge of my coat. “Mommy, can I have ice cream? Pretty please?”
I smoothed a hand over her curls, laughing. “It’s not even lunchtime yet, baby.”
“But Mommy-”
“Francesca,” Rosa cut in, a playful warning in her voice. “You’re negotiating with the wrong woman. Me, however, I think ice cream before lunch is perfectly acceptable.”
I shot her a look. “Don’t you dare.”
She shrugged, grinning. “What? I’m just here to make sure my goddaughter is spoiled rotten.”
The first stop was a boutique Rosa had insisted on visiting. It was the kind of place where everything looked like it belonged on a runway, the price tags hidden like little landmines.
“Try this,” Rosa said, thrusting a sleek black dress into my hands.
“Rosa, I don’t need-”
“Nonsense. Alaric would love this on you.”
Francesca giggled from her perch in a velvet chair by the mirror. “Mommy, wear it!”
I sighed, giving in. It was easier than arguing with both of them.
When I emerged from the dressing room, Francesca clapped her hands, her little face lighting up. “You look so pretty, Mommy!”
Rosa smirked. “Told you.”
I turned to the mirror, smoothing the fabric over my hips. It was beautiful, sure, but also impractical for a life filled with kidnappings, mafia drama, and chasing after a three-year-old.
“It’s nice, but-”
“No buts,” Rosa interrupted. “We’re getting it.”
“I didn’t agree-”
She waved me off, already handing her credit card to the sales clerk.
Next, we wandered into a toy store, which was clearly Francesca’s idea of heaven. She darted from aisle to aisle, her eyes wide with wonder as she inspected everything from dolls to puzzles.
“Mommy, look!” she called, holding up a stuffed unicorn.
“It’s beautiful,” I said, crouching down to her level. “Do you want it?”
She nodded, clutching it tightly. “Can I name it Sparkles?”
“Of course you can.”
Rosa, meanwhile, had loaded a basket with enough toys to fill an entire playroom.
“Rosa, this is excessive,” I said, eyeing the pile.
“She’s a growing girl,” she replied with a shrug. “She needs options.”
Francesca giggled, her arms wrapped around Sparkles. “Auntie Rosa is the best!”
“I know,” Rosa said with a wink.
I rolled my eyes, walking over to the cashier to hand her my credit card.
By the time we stopped for lunch, I was exhausted. Francesca, on the other hand, was still full of energy, swinging her legs under the table as she sipped her juice.
“Mommy, can we go to the park after this?”
“We’ll see, sweetheart,” I said, cutting her sandwich into smaller pieces.
Rosa leaned back in her chair, sipping her wine. “She’s a handful, isn’t she?”
“She’s perfect,” I replied, smiling at Francesca.
Rosa’s expression softened, but her sharp wit wasn’t far behind. “You’re a natural at this, you know. Motherhood suits you.”
I wanted to remind her that I wasn’t Francesca’s mother, but I also wanted to have this moment to myself. There was no use in ruining it.
I felt a flush creep up my neck. “Thanks. It’s… a lot sometimes, but it’s worth it.”
Her gaze lingered on me for a moment, and I could tell she was thinking of something heavier than our lighthearted day out. But before she could speak, Francesca interrupted.
“Mommy, can Sparkles have some juice?”
Rosa laughed, and the tension broke.
“No, sweetie. Sparkles doesn’t like liquid. It gives him heartburn,” I answered her, patting her hair softly.
“Mommy, can we go to the new park please?” She requested.
“Fine, let’s go.”
The park was our final stop, it was a sprawling green space with a playground that Francesca couldn’t wait to conquer.
She darted toward the swings, and I followed close behind, Rosa sauntering along at her own pace.
“Push me, Mommy!” Francesca called, already climbing into one of the swings.
I obliged, her giggles filling the air as she soared higher and higher. Rosa watched from a nearby bench, her phone in hand but her attention clearly on us.
“You’re good at this,” she said when I joined her, Francesca still happily swinging.
“At what?”
“Being a mom. Being… happy.”
The words caught me off guard. “I’m not her mother, Rosa,” I reminded her. “And sometimes I still feel guilty for letting her call me thah. Call me Mommy. But I love her and well…It’s not always easy.”
“Nothing worth having is,” she replied, her tone uncharacteristically serious.
I nodded, watching Francesca as she jumped off the swing and ran toward the slide. “She makes it worth it, though.”
Rosa smiled, and for a moment, we sat in comfortable silence.
As the sun began to set, Francesca reluctantly agreed to leave the park, her new unicorn clutched tightly in one hand.
“Did you have fun, baby?” I asked as we walked back to the car.
“The best day ever!” she declared, her grin infectious.
Rosa nudged me. “See? Aren’t you glad I dragged you out?”
I rolled my eyes, but I couldn’t deny it. “Yeah, I am. Thanks, Rosa. But don’t let it get into your head.”
She smirked. ” Just don’t tell Alaric how much we spent.”
I laughed, knowing full well he’d find out anyway.