No one knew that Valeria and Richard had spent less than forty-eight hours in New York. And they definitely slept a full day after returning home. Just in time to welcome Elliot, who came back from the hospital.

Three days later, Valeria went out to pick up her half dozen pink roses, which this time arrived with the words “LOVE YOU” written on the note.

“Are you going out?” asked her father, watching her pour coffee into a to-go cup.

“Yes, tomorrow is the Bennet Designs’ fashion show, and I'm