*Joel’s POV*
As I unfold the paper, I take my time and gather my emotions because I know Nicolina Meant more than she said; I take in her beauty and right now, on this ridge, I am the luckiest man on earth
When I went into the kitchen this morning, Theo gave me the official adoption certificate, so Mila is officially my daughter; while Nicolina was with her parents and Lissa, I worked with the priest to include Mila in the ceremony.
I look down at the paper then compose myself
I look at Nicolina
“I had loved you ever since the first time I saw you when we were children. I wanted to keep you on your grandfather's farm with me forever so I could always look after you and protect you, but it wasn't meant to be. The day you left, I wanted to hold you and beg you not to go, but I knew th
