Chapter 9
Senior Year
"Luca told me you accepted Princeton, Levi," Jason, Evie's father, smiled proudly as he looked toward Levi across the dinner table.
"Yes," Levi nodded.
"That's amazing," Jason laughed. "Congratulations."
"Thank you," Levi said as he noticed the proud look on his father's face.
"And Mason?" Jason looked to Levi's twin. "What are your plans for the fall?"
"U- Penn," Mason replied.
"That's amazing," Debbi gushed. "Luca, Daisy, you two must be so proud. All of the boys off to college and Lily is doing so well in school. Just amazing."
"We're very happy," Luca nodded, taking Daisy's hand and placing a small kiss upon it. "And fortunate."
"Levi, maybe you can talk some sense into Evie," Jason suggested.
Levi looked up to the girl sitting directly across from him. Evie hadn't uttered a word to him since they arrived for dinner that evening. After saying hello to his parents and sister, she went directly into Mason's room and shut the door.
Things were..... awkward between Levi and Evie. After their trip to Princeton, Evie kept her distance. She didn't ignore him but she didn't talk to him either. She didn't go out of her way to make sure they were partners for their class projects, she didn't apply for student council or offer to be Levi's campaign manager, and she weasled out of spending the summer with his family in Del Mare.
Ever since they met, Evie has always spent the summer at Del Mare. It was strange not having her around, and Levi felt the void deeply. He missed her presence, her laughter, and the way she made everything seem more vibrant.
As Levi sat at the dinner table, a strange tightness appeared in his chest. He glanced across the table at her and saw a familiar face that now seemed distant and unreachable.
"What's going on?" Luca asked, his voice pulling Levi out of his head. "I thought you and Levi were set on Princeton."
Evie shook her head, "No......I....I accepted an offer from Cambridge."
"What?" Levi's brow raised before anyone else can say a word at the table. "Why? What about Princeton?"
Evie's gaze flickered toward him, "Yeah....I'm not accepting their offer."
"Why not?" Daisy frowned.
"She has her heart set on Cambridge," Jason informed.
"Cambridge?" Levi's brows furrowed farther, knowing damn well that was a lie.
"Can we not talk about this right now," Evie looked from Luca to Daisy. "We should be celebrating Levi and Mason."
"But, sweetheart-" Luca began but stopped as Daisy squeezed his hand.
Beside her, Evie's father sighed and picked up his glass of wine.
"Trust me," he said to Luca. "We've tried."
"Dad," Evie muttered under her breath as she rolled her eyes and went back to pushing around the peas on her plate.
Levi stared at her, waiting to catch her gaze so he could ask her if she was serious about rejecting an offer from Princeton. But it was as if she could read his mind. Evie did everything to distract herself. She was hellbend on no meeting Levi's gaze.
But after dinner, there was no escaping. As she sat on the kitchen counter chatting with Mason, Levi walked in and cleared his throat. He walked to the fridge and pulled out the carton of ice cream before speaking to his brother.
"Mom's looking for you," he lied. "They're in the backyard."
Mason nodded. He sat down the cupcake he was eating and turned on his heels to leave. Evie watched him go as she finished her own cupcake. She sat silently as Levi pulled out two spoons from the drawer and handed one to her.
"Thanks," Evie said quietly.
"I don't understand how you can eat this stuff," Levi shook his head as he held up the mint chocolate chip ice cream.
"It's not for everybody," Evie smiled as she pushed aside the chocolate chips for him. She sat aside her cupcake and made space for him on the counter beside her. Levi took a seat and scooped up the chocolate chips Evie moved to the corner for him.
"So...." he began. "England."
"Please don't," Evie groaned.
"I just want to understand," Levi said. "You got a perfect SAT score. Three different Ivy offers. What are you doing?"
"Believe it or not, Levi, not everyone wants the same things in life," Evie said.
"What do you want?"
"Cambridge," Evie laughed.
"I'm serious, Evelyn," Levi frowned. "Longterm. What are your goals?"
"I don't know," Evie shrugged. "I asked my parents to give me a year. Let's see how things go."
"That's not a very good plan."
"Can you please just accept the fact that I don't plan like you," Evie rolled her eyes. "You've had your plan since the fifth grade. My god, don't you ever want to change it?"
"No."
"So you're still set on becoming the Mayor of New York City and then senator before running for President?"
"My plans need some readjustments," Levi said. "Can you please take off this mint from my spoon?"
"It's not going to kill you," Evie licked off the mint. "And what adjustment?"
"I need to rethink my running mate," Levi said. "Because my vice president is running off to England."
"You want me to be your Vice President?" Evie's eyes widened.
"Why do you sound so surprised?" Levi asked. "You're exceptional. You're smart, intelligent, a bit messy, loud, and bold."
"I don't know if you just insulted me or complimented me," Evie laughed. "But I think that's the nicest thing anyone has ever said to me."
"That can't be true," Levi remarked. "I'm sure Tony says a lot of nice things to you."
"Tony?" Evie raised her brow.
"Aren't you two a thing?" Levi asked.
"No," Evie shook her head. "Where did you get that idea?"
"No, I just...." Levi shrugged. "He's always flirting with you."
"You need glasses again," Evie snorted. "And a hearing aid."
"So you two are not going out."
"No."
"What about Mason?"
"Mason who?" Evie asked with the spoon in her mouth. "Your brother Mason?"
"Yeah," Levi took the spoon out.
"I never thought about it like th-"
"And you shouldn't," Levi stopped her before pausing. "Unless you two are already hooking up."
"Why? Would you give us your blessing then?" Evie laughed.
"So is that a yes or no?" Levi asked. "Are you going out with Mason?"
"Have you asked Mason?"
"No, I'm asking you," Levi said. "And you're deflecting the question."
Evie lowered the ice cream cart and frowned. She peered at Levi with her bright blue eyes, her expression unreadable.
"No," Evie said. "I'm not dating Mason."
"Good."
"But if I was," Evie continued. "It would be none of your business."
"It would be very much my business," Levi remarked.
"What are you going to do? Come to Tibet and monitor my dating life?"
"Until you find a suitable guy," Levi laughed.
"You're obnoxious," Evie kicked him once more.
"No, but seriously," Levi hooked his leg around her to keep her from kicking or from jumping off the counter and walking away as he asked his next question. "Why England?"
Evie rolled her eyes. She didn't answer as she slowly picked at the chocolate chips.
"Is it because of what I said?" Levi asked, his voice quiet. "About....going somewhere else for college?"
Evie shook her head, "No."
Levi stared, "You do know that when you lie, you can't look me in the eye, right?"
"Get over yourself," Evie rolled her eyes. She unhooked their legs and hopped off the counter.
Levi followed her, effortlessly landing beside her. Despite his nonchalant attitude, he felt like he was about to explode. The tightness in his chest was unbearable, and he had no idea how to make it go away.
"Just be happy for me," Evie said. "Say good luck and move on."
Levi stared at her, not understanding her or himself. The sadness and guilt washed over him, making him feel like a weight was pressing down on his chest. He realized how much his words had hurt her, how they had made her feel unwanted.
"I'm happy for you," Evie continued. "You go into your dream school."
"Our dream school."
Evie smiled, "I don't know about that....."
"Evie," Levi began slowly. "I'm so sorr-"
"You can't change my mind," she said. "It's done."
Levi felt a lump in his throat. He wanted to tell her how sorry he was, how much he regretted making her feel like she didn't belong. The guilt gnawed at him, and he wished he could take back his words. But now, all he could do was watch as she distanced herself further, and the tightness in his chest grew heavier with each passing moment.
As Levi stood there, grappling with the weight of his emotions, Evie stepped closer. She looked at him with a mixture of sadness and determination, her eyes reflecting the pain of their strained relationship.
"I have to go," she said softly, her voice barely above a whisper.
Levi's heart clenched as he nodded, unable to find the right words. He wanted to hold onto her, to beg her to stay, but he knew he couldn't.
Evie leaned in, her breath warm against his skin. She placed a gentle, lingering kiss on his cheek, a touch so soft it felt like a whisper. The sensation sent a shiver down his spine, and for a moment, the tightness in his chest seemed to ease, replaced by a bittersweet ache.
"Goodbye, Levi," she murmured, her lips brushing against his ear as she pulled back.
Levi swallowed hard, his throat tight with unshed tears.
"Evelyn-," he tried.
Evie gave him a small, wistful smile before turning away. Levi watched her walk away, feeling a profound sense of loss. The kiss on his cheek lingered, a haunting reminder of what they once had and what they might never have again.
_______________________
Theo
Daphne sat in her cozy living room, the soft hum of her laptop filling the air as she clicked through her stock investment updates. The setting sunlight streamed in through the large bay windows, casting a warm glow on the hardwood floors and her plush, cream-colored sofa. A smile spread across her face as she saw the green arrows indicating that her investments were doing exceptionally well today. She leaned back, feeling a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment.
Just as she was about to close her laptop, her phone rang, vibrating softly against the glass coffee table. She glanced at the screen and saw Theo's name flashing. With a curious smile, she answered, "Hello?"
"I'm outside," Theo's voice came through.
"I'm inside."
Daphne walked to her window and peered out, her eyes landing on Theo. He was leaning against his sleek, black sports car. His workday attire, a crisp white shirt with the sleeves casually rolled up, revealed his muscular forearms. His dark sunglasses concealed his eyes, but did little to hide his striking features. The late afternoon sun glinted off the car's polished surface and highlighted the chiseled jawline of Theo's face.
"Come down," Theo looked up toward her window.
Daphne chuckled. "I remember my contract stated 48-hour notice."
"Send me an invoice," Theo smirked. "Two minutes."
"I'm not ready," Daphne said. "I need to dress."
"Wear whatever you're wearing," Theo said. "We're not going out."
"We're not?"
"No, we're staying in," Theo said. "Two minutes."
Daphne glanced down at herself, suddenly feeling self-conscious. She wore a pair of denim shorts that showed off her toned legs and an oversized white shirt that draped comfortably over her frame. At least her hair was brushed.
"I still see you standing by the window," Theo leaned in and honked his car.
"This will cost you."
"Put it on the tab," Theo said as he hung up.
Daphne quickly grabbed her keys and pulled on her sneakers. She grabbed her purse and a baseball cap before applying a thin layer of lip gloss and slipping out of her apartment. As she arrived downstairs, Theo opened the passenger door for her and smirked.
"Wow, your feet can touch the ground?" He teased. "You're a bit shorter than I expected."
"You're in a good mood today."
"It's Friday," Theo grinned. "Get in."
Daphne got into the passenger seat and pulled on her seatbelt as Theo closed her door and walked around to the driver's side. The sleek car was spotless inside. Daphne looked around and whistled.
"New car?" She asked. "It still smells like the showroom."
Theo laughed, "I don't drive it often."
"Why not?"
"I get driven most days."
"Oh, that's right," Daphne nodded. "What happened to your chauffeur?"
"He's attending his daughter's ballet recital," Theo said. "I told him to take the day off."
"That's kind of you," Daphne smiled. "I want to say I'm pleasantly surprised you're not a soulless corporate zombie."
"Don't go telling everyone that," Theo said. "I have a reputation."
"And it precedes you."
"As it should."
"Wow, aren't you humble."
"I work too hard to be humble," Theo remarked. "Subtle, sure. But not humble."
Daphne leaned back in her seat, her eyes gleaming with amusement. "I'll give you that. You're definitely not one to blend into the background."
"And why would I want to?" Theo shot back, his grin widening. "Standing out is half the fun."
Daphne raised an eyebrow. "Is that why you chose a car that practically screams 'look at me'?"
Theo shrugged nonchalantly. "Why not? If you've got it, flaunt it."
Daphne laughed, a soft, melodic sound that filled the car. "You really do have an answer for everything, don't you?"
"I try," Theo said, his tone playful but confident. "But don't act like you don't know what I'm talking about."
"No," Daphne shook her head with a smile on her face. "I have no idea what you're talking about."
"Please," Theo rolled his eyes. "You know exactly what I'm talking about because you like to flaunt too. I see the way you walk into a room."
Daphne's smile turned sly. "I just enjoy making an entrance. Keeps things interesting."
"Interesting is one way to put it," Theo said, glancing at her with a knowing look. "You turn heads and you know it."
Daphne tilted her head and her glossy dark hair fell over her shoulder as she considered his words
"Maybe," she said. "I just like to make sure people notice."
"t's all about making an impression," Theo replied, pulling off the the main road.
Daphne smirked. "And you're an expert at that, aren't you?"
"What do you mean?" Theo asked, his eyes flicking towards her.
"This isn't the Theo I met on the first day," Daphne waved with her hands. "You seemed so uptight at first. I was prepared for a very good challenge with you."
"As was I," Theo grinned.
"Was that your first impression of me?" Daphne asked. "Challenging?"
Theo laughed, "No.....It was more like confidence, charm, and wit."
She sighed dramatically. "Flattery will get you nowhere."
"Oh, I disagree," Theo countered smoothly. "It's gotten me this far, hasn't it?"
"Touché," Daphne conceded, leaning back once more. "So where are we headed, Mr. Driven Most Days?"
Theo flashed a grin. "I thought a supermarket run might be in order. Got to keep the fridge stocked."
Daphne raised an eyebrow in mock surprise. "A supermarket? You're full of surprises today."
"Just trying to keep you on your toes," Theo said, his grin never fading.
As they pulled into the parking lot of the supermarket, Daphne looked at Theo with a mix of curiosity and amusement but chose to keep her comments to herself. She watched him get out of the car and walk around to open her door.
"Do you always do your own groceries?" She asked as he grabbed a basket at the entrance.
"Whenever I can," Theo shrugged. "I like to pretend my life is normal."
"Hmm," Daphne nodded, following him down the aisle. "So what does a millionaire real estate mogul buy at a supermarket?"
"Billionaire," Theo corrected her, making Daphne snort. "You're slacking on your research."
"No, just testing to see how you flaunt," Daphne laughed.
"What's the score?"
"10 out of 10."
Theo nodded as if he was satisfied with his score. He turned to the next aisle and Daphne followed. They quietly made their way down as Theo filled his basket with cheese, basil, and tomatoes. As they neared the pasta and Daphne watched him grab some spaghetti, she picked up a bottle of tomato sauce and placed it in the basket.
"What are you doing?" Theo paused and looked down at the sauce.
"Tomato sauce," Daphne said. "Don't you need it?"
"Jar tomato sauce?" Theo asked, repulsed by the idea. "No, absolutely not. We make our own sauce."
"From scratch?" Daphne asked.
"Yes," Theo picked up the jar and placed it back on the shelf. "It's disrespectful to bring store-bought tomato sauce to an Italian household."
"You can't be serious," Daphne laughed. "My grandma never cared about that."
"You're Italian?" Theo raised his brow.
"You're slacking on your research," Daphne grinned, tilting her head back to look at Theo from under her baseball cap. "My maternal side of the family is from Italy."
"Oh, where in Italy?"
"I have no idea," Daphne shrugged. "They immigrated in the 1920's and that was that. No one has ever gone back since."
"That's a shame," Theo replied.
"Not everyone can afford to whisk away to foreign countries whenever they please," Daphne frowned. "I'm sure my great grandparents had a family to think about here."
"I wasn't talking about that," Theo said. "I meant more like it's a shame you haven't experienced the richness of our culture."
"I think I got the jist of it," Daphne laughed, picking up a jar of sauce again.
Theo rolled his eyes, "Come along. And put that back."
"So bossy," Daphne teased as she continued down the aisle.
"What's your favorite flavor of ice cream?" Theo asked, looking over his shoulder.
Daphne pressed her lips together and lied, "I don't have on."
"You don't like ice cream?"
Daphne shook her head, "No."
"Come on," Theo laughed. "Everybody likes ice cream."
"Well, I don't," Daphne frowned.
"Then what do you like?" Theo asked. "What's your favorite dessert?"
"I don't have one."
"Oh, come on," Theo laughed once again. "That's ridiculous. What about chocolate cake? Pie? S'mores?"
"Are you done pretend-playing middle-class man or do I need to start charging you by the hour?" Daphne clicked her tongue.
"No, I'm not done yet," Theo turned and opened the refrigerator door. Daphne stood back and watched as he picked out three different flavors. She peered at the basket and noted that the man had good taste in clothes, cars, and ice creams.
"Just a few more things," Theo said.
"I'll go wait in the car," Daphne held out her hands for the keys.
"I'm almost done," Theo nudged her toward the registers. "Go wait in line."
Feeling irritated, Daphne marched down the aisle to the back of the checkout line. She folded her arms over her shoulder as she impatiently tapped her foot and shifted her weight around. The lady in front of her looked back as if to see what the hurry was. Daphne flashed her a mocking smile and went back to tapping her foot. After several minutes, Theo quietly slid into the line behind her. Daphne looked down at his basket and scowled.
"Are you throwing a birthday party for five-year-olds?" She asked, noticing the chips, cupcakes, candy, and cookies.
"There's a reason I got to the gym three times a week," Theo said.
Daphne looked away from the basket and focused on the neon light above the cashier's head. She could feel the way her stomach churned by the smell of the baked goods in the bakery. Chewing on her lips, she fidgeted around restlessly until she placed her hand under her nose and covered her nostrils. As Theo paid and bagged the groceries, Daphne was already waiting outside the supermarket for him.
"Ready?" Theo asked, wondering why she was suddenly so restless.
"What's the plan?" Daphne asked, looking at him over the roof of the car. "What was the point of this?"
"You'll see," Theo motioned for her to get in.
Daphne swallowed a groan and climbed into the car once again. She jerked the seatbelt and clipped it in before folding her arms over her chest and turning away toward the window.
"What's the matter?" Theo asked.
"Nothing," Daphne shrugged.
"Are you letting your anger brew?"
"I'm not angry."
"You seem angry," Theo remarked.
"I don't have time to be running errands with you," Daphne said. "This was not part of the contract. Do you need company or something? Is that why I'm here on a Friday evening grocery shopping with you?"
"I should be the only plan you have on your agenda," Theo said. "If there's anyone else on the schedule, I suggest you clear it off."
"That's more days you're acquiring," Daphne said.
"What does it matter to you?" Theo asked. "You're getting paid either way."
"If I had known you would be so greedy, I would have upped my charges."
"Speaking of charges," Theo's gaze shifted toward Daphne. "Look in the glove compartment."
"What? Why?" Daphne's brows furrowed.
"Your first check is sitting in there," Theo said.
Daphne paused and looked toward the glove compartment. She slowly opened it and pulled out the envelope sitting inside.
"Is the amount okay?" Theo asked as Daphne pulled out the check.
A hint of a smile appeared at the corner of Daphne's lips as she looked at all the zeros on the check.
"You're not bad at math," she said.
"Unfortunately for you."
"Unfortunately," Daphne chuckled.
"Was that all I had to do to get you to be less cranky?" Theo laughed.
"Shut up," Daphne rolled her eyes and placed the check inside her purse. "I worked hard for my money."
"Hmm, I'm so sorry to have put you through such troubled times," Theo teased. "Must have been so difficult to put on make up, wear a pretty dress and rub shoulders with the elites of New York all evening."
"You have no idea," Daphne sighed.
Theo looked toward her and smiled. Daphne was slouching in her seat, her long legs drawn up and pressed against the dashboard. She picked at her nails as she peered out the window at all the passing city lights. Theo wondered what she was thinking as he pulled into the parking lot of his apartment complex. There was a crease on her forehead, slightly visible under her baseball cap. He wanted to take the cap off and examine her face. He was intrigued by the distraction in her eyes.
Without a word, Daphne followed Theo into the lobby and rode the elevator up to the top floor. She stood back as he unlocked his door and stepped aside to let her in.
"Shoes on or shoes off?" Daphne asked from the doorway.
"Doesn't matter to me," Theo said, tossing his key onto the foyer table.
"What do you do?" Daphne asked.
"I wear my shoes."
"Inside the house?"
"Yes..."
"That's disgusting," Daphne removed her baseball cap and placed it beside the keys. "You walk around with those shoes all day and then you wear them inside your house too?"
"The floors get cleaned every day," Theo rolled his eyes.
"Ugh, your poor housekeeper," Daphne shook her head as she slipped off her sneakers. When she looked up, she caught Theo's eyes traveling up her legs with a small smile on his lips. "What?"
"You look comfortable here," he said.
"What does that mean?" Daphne walked in and grabbed one of the grocery bags from his arms.
"You'll see in a few," Theo followed her. "The kitchen is to the left."
Daphne turned and placed the bag of groceries on the spotless counter. She pulled back a chair and took a seat as Theo began to unload the contents of the bags.
"Do you want to help?" He asked, looking at Daphne.
"I don't get paid for that," Daphne huffed.
"You can put it on my tab," Theo tossed her a bag of chips. "The bowls are in the cabinet."
"You're racking up quite a bill," Daphne said as she hopped off her chair and walked over to the cabinets.
"Do I get a discount for being such a good customer?" Theo asked.
"So cheap," Daphne laughed. "You're such a penny pincher."
"And you're expensive," Theo complained. "How did you get into this business, by the way?"
"Through a friend," Daphne opened the bag of chips and poured it into the bowl. "I needed to make some income on the side and this was a pretty sweet offer."
"Was Goldmen Sachs not paying you enough?" Theo wondered.
"After taxes?" Daphne paused. "Oh, wait. You probably don't know what taxes are."
"Very funny," Theo grinned, pulling on an apron and washing his hands. "Do you like pizza?"
"No," Daphne shook her head.
"What do you like?" Theo asked.
"Wine," Daphne said, spotting his wine fridge.
Theo chuckled, "Help yourself."
"Will do," Daphne walked over to the fridge and looked through the shelves. "Any preference or recommendations?"
"Whatever you want," Theo said. "Surprise me."
Daphne smiled as she looked through the bottles before settling on one she knew she would enjoy.
"Romanée-Conti 1945," Theo smiled. "I'm not surprised by your taste, Ms. Dashwood."
"Hmm," Daphne smiled, walking around him and retrieving two wine glasses.
For a few seconds, the kitchen fell into a comfortable silence. Theo chopped veggies by the sink, Daphne opened the wine and poured him a glass, the golden rays of the sun retreating from the apartment, and the dim lights took over. It was a quiet scene as Theo prepared dinner and Daphne watched him from where she sat on the other side of the counter. After several minutes, a small smile appeared on Theo's face as the doorbell rang.
"What?" Daphne asked, her eyes narrowing at the sly smile on the man's face.
"Can you get that for me?" Theo pointed to the door.
"O-kay," Daphne rose from her seat suspiciously and walked over to the door.
"I'm putting extra cheese on your pizza," Theo called out from the kitchen.
"Don't you dare!" Daphne yelled back as she pulled the door open.
"Oh," Ava froze, surprised by Daphne's sudden appearance. "Sorry....I...um."
Daphne stared back at the girl, "Hi."
"Hi," Ava cleared her throat. "Wh-what are you doing here?"
Everything suddenly began to click in Daphne's mind. She smiled and leaned against the door casually, "Theo's making dinner. What are you doing here..."
Ava slowly took in a deep breath. Her face was pinched as she looked Daisy up and down, no doubt judging her oversized t-shirt and shorts.
"I came to grab a few of my things that were left here," Ava announced.
"Oh, great," Daphne stepped back. "Come on in."
With her nose up in the air, Ava walked in. She hurried right to the kitchen and paused by the door, her eyes narrowing and grilling Theo.
"I told you I was coming up to pick up my things," she said.
"And here you are," Theo replied.
Daphne followed the girl into the kitchen and walked around the counter to go stand beside Theo. She leaned against him and rubbed his back before placing a small kiss on his arm.
"Can we offer you some wine, Ava?" She asked.
"No, thank you," Ava said. "I would like to collect my things."
"By all means," Theo smiled. "I hate to see Daphne not have enough space here for her things."
Ava stared at the pair for a few seconds before turning and walking out to the lavish living room. Once she was out of sight, Daphne stepped back and punched Theo's arm.
"You knew she was coming?" She whispered.
Theo chuckled as she continued to assemble the pizza he was working on.
"You could have given me a heads up," Daphne folded her arms over her chest.
Theo paused and turned toward her. His eyes roamed over her face as he lifted his flour-covered hand and grabbed her chin.
"I'm keeping you on your toes," he said, pulling her closer.
Daphne stumbled forward and her hands dropped to her sides. She felt her chest tighten as Theo leaned down and brushed his lips over her forehead.
"Now, stop pouting," he whispered.
For a split second, Daphne froze. She forgot where they were as Theo let his mouth linger on her skin. She could feel his warm breath on her as her body betrayed her and leaned forward.
But the moment was disturbed as Ava cleared her throat from the entrance. Reluctantly, Theo pulled back and Daphne quickly brushed the flour off her chin.
"This is my frame," Ava said, holding up a white picture frame with Daphne's photo inside.
"Is it?" Theo asked. "I could have sworn that was a gift."
"It was," Ava said. "From me. Did you want to keep it?"
"The picture looks so good in there," Theo said. "I would like to hold on to it until I find a more suitable frame."
"Keep it," Ava placed the frame on the counter. "My gift to the happy couple."
Oh, the Silvano boys *sigh* I absolutely LOVE reading your comments!