*A day out*

By the time Valentina finished getting ready, the afternoon had settled in, sunlight streaming lazily through the windows of their bedroom. She smoothed her dress down, giving herself a quick once-over in the mirror. She didn’t usually make a big deal out of shopping trips, but today was different.

Lucas had barely looked up from his laptop when he spoke. “Matteo will drive you there and back.”

She turned to him, raising an eyebrow. “You sure you don’t want to come ...