Chapter 8 - The Man Who Finally Learned to Laugh
Months passed.
The Vitali organization changed.
Lorenzo dismantled several illegal operations.
He sold businesses connected to violence.
He turned others legitimate.
People called him foolish.
Weak.
Changed.
He didn't care.
He had something more important than reputation.
He had Rosie.
Every morning, Rosie ran into his office without knocking.
Every morning, she climbed into his chair.
Every morning, she asked the same question.
"Did you practice your angry face?"
Lorenzo would glare.
Rosie would copy him.
Then they would both laugh.
Clara watched from the doorway.
Sometimes she still couldn't believe this was the same man she had once feared losing.
One evening, Lorenzo found Clara in the kitchen.
She was making bread.
He stood behind her.
"What are you making?"
"Something you aren't allowed to touch."
"I own the kitchen."
"You don't own the bread."
"Technically—"
She turned.
"Don't start."
He smiled.
"I missed this."
"What?"
"Arguing with you."
She laughed.
He reached for her hand.
"Clara."
She looked at him.
"I love you."
She went still.
He continued.
"I loved you before I knew what love meant. I loved you when I thought you hated me. I loved you when I believed you'd left forever."
Her eyes filled.
"And now?"
"Now I know better."
He pulled a small box from his pocket.
Clara stared.
"Lorenzo."
"I don't expect you to answer tonight."
He opened it.
A simple ring.
"I just want you to know that I'm not asking you to return to the life we had."
He took her hand.
"I'm asking you to build a new one with me."
Clara cried.
Then she laughed through her tears.
"You're terrible at proposals."
"I've never proposed before."
"Clearly."
He smiled.
"Is that a yes?"
She looked toward the doorway.
Rosie stood there.
She was holding a bouquet of flowers.
"Mommy."
Clara laughed.
Rosie walked toward them.
"Daddy asked?"
Clara crouched.
"Yes."
"What did you say?"
Clara looked at Lorenzo.
"Yes."
Rosie screamed.
Then she threw the flowers into the air.
The petals landed everywhere.
Lorenzo laughed.
Really laughed.
Not the brief laugh Clara remembered from years ago.
A real laugh.
Warm.
Uncontrolled.
Rosie stared at him.
"You're not angry."
"No."
"Why?"
He picked her up.
"Because I'm happy."
Rosie thought about that.
Then whispered:
"I like happy Daddy."
May you like
Lorenzo kissed her forehead.
"So do I."
