Alina's heart melted softly at their innocence.
She looked at them, two little boys hoping with everything inside them, and then at Dante, who sat with a posture so calm and dignified, yet his eyes held a softness just beneath the surface. He looked like a man who had never asked for help in his life but secretly hoped she would say yes too.
Finally she exhaled softly, her cheeks warming. "If your father agrees," she said, glancing at Dante shyly, "then… I can come."
Both babies gasped loudly, bouncing in place.
"Dad!" Lucien grabbed Dante's sleeve with excitement. "Say yes!"
Sable tugged Dante's other hand. "Please, Father."
Dante looked at his children, then at Alina, then back at his children, as if weighing the entire universe in his mind.
And then, very slowly and very softly, his lips curved.
"I would be honored if you joined us," he said, his voice warm like sunlight falling across her floor.
