Tina looked around at all the people there to celebrate her birthday and smiled. She’d lived a good life. She’d made a good life. With Carmelo and their family.
She couldn’t help but think about him on every birthday, but her ninetieth was even more of a reminder. When they were on their trip to the United States, he talked about when they were both ninety. He said they’d have a home filled with children and grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He couldn’t wait to see all of them.
Tina never once doubted their decision to leave. The life they built together, the love they shared, it made so many things possible.
“You doing okay, Ma?” Jo asked, coming to stand by her.
Tina nodded. “Just thinking about your father.”
Jo smiled. “He would have loved this.”
“He was a sucker for a big pa
