Contents
Chapter 58
Overview
Four months later, Keres shares a warm Sunday with the Moretti family, solidifying her place among them. Watching Mia feed baby Angelo prompts Ace and Romeo to ask about having children. Keres isn’t ready but considers fostering or one day parenting, affirming trust and an open, shared future with both men.
Summary
Four months after the Phoenix Center opened, Keres spends a routine Sunday lunch at the Moretti house. She returns infant Angelo to Mia, and the family’s easy teasing—especially from Max—underscores that Keres has been welcomed as one of them. She reflects on strengthening ties with Joey, Toni, Kat, and especially Mia, despite their painful past.
Sitting between Ace and Romeo, Keres quietly watches Mia feed Angelo. Ace unexpectedly asks if she wants a baby. Romeo joins, half-playful and half-hopeful, turning the moment into a candid conversation about family and the future.
Keres pushes back, citing their workload at the shelter and fundraising, and admits she’s never envisioned herself as a mother. Romeo gently argues she’d be an incredible mom, while Ace emphasizes he wants what makes Keres happy, reaffirming their consent-first dynamic.
Considering the many children who need homes, Keres acknowledges fostering or adoption as possibilities and leaves open the idea of having a baby one day. The chapter closes with Keres feeling content: their future isn’t fixed, but she’s certain Ace and Romeo will be beside her for whatever comes.
Who Appears
- KeresNarrator; embraced by the Moretti family; weighs the idea of children and remains open to future possibilities.
- AceSupports Keres unconditionally; initiates the conversation about having a baby; reinforces their consent-first bond.
- Romeo (Ace)Playful but sincere about starting a family; reassures Keres and imagines future possibilities together.
- MiaFeeds baby Angelo; her acceptance of Keres highlights healing and family unity.
- LorenzoSits with Mia, proud new father; his presence underscores Keres’s integration into the Moretti family.
- MaxTeases Keres, signaling familial ease; attends Sunday lunch with pregnant wife.
- JoeyShares the family gathering; her rapport with Keres shows strengthened sisterly ties.
- AngeloMia and Lorenzo’s baby; holding and watching him prompts the discussion about children.