Confessions

34. The End

The sun had barely risen over the horizon as Danielle woke up, feeling the cool sheets beside her. Despite the comforting weight of Jeff's body still slumbering next to her, she felt an intense longing for Stefania. The previous day's conversation with Kylie had left her feeling lighter, but also more aware of the distance between her and her beloved Italian. She glanced at her phone, half expecting a message from Stefania, and smiled when she saw one waiting for her.

Stefania: Buongiorno, amore mio. How did your coffee date go?

Danielle: Buongiorno! It went really well. Kylie is so excited to meet you. How was your night shoot?

Stefania: Long, but good. I miss you so much, Dani. Can't wait to be in your arms again.

Danielle felt her heart swell with love and longing. It was these simple exchanges that kept her going, reminding her of the deep connection she shared with Stefania.

Later that day, Danielle found herself in a flurry of preparations. She wanted everything to be perfect for when Stefania arrived. She had arranged for fresh flowers to be delivered, her favorite foods to be stocked in the fridge, and had even booked a couple's massage for the day after Stefania's arrival. The anticipation was almost too much to bear.

The days leading up to Stefania's arrival were filled with a mix of nervous energy and excitement. Danielle busied herself with work, meetings, and catching up with friends, but her thoughts always drifted back to Stefania. She knew that seeing her again would make all the waiting worthwhile.

Finally, the day arrived. Danielle stood at LAX, anxiously scanning the crowd for Stefania's familiar face. When she finally saw her, it was as if time stood still. Stefania dropped her bags and rushed into Danielle's arms, their reunion a blur of tears, laughter, and fervent kisses.

"I missed you so much," Danielle whispered, burying her face in Stefania's shoulder.

"I missed you too, bambina," Stefania replied, her voice thick with emotion. "Let's go home."

As they embraced, a joyful bark broke the moment, and Jeff, Stefania's loyal dog, bounded towards the brunette, his tail wagging furiously. Stefania laughed through her tears and bent down to ruffle Jeff's fur. "Jeff missed you too," the blonde said, smiling up at Stefania.

Stefania crouched down to pet Jeff, who responded with enthusiastic licks to her face. "I missed you, buddy," she said, scratching him behind the ears. "Let's all go home."

The drive back to Danielle's apartment was filled with stolen glances and hand-holding. Once inside, they barely made it past the front door before their lips found each other again, a desperate need to make up for lost time. They spent the rest of the day in a haze of passion and tenderness, rediscovering each other's bodies and relishing in the intimacy they had missed so much.

Later that evening, as they lay entwined in each other's arms, Stefania whispered, "I have a surprise for you."

Danielle looked up, intrigued. "What is it?"

Stefania reached into her bag and pulled out an envelope. "Open it."

Inside was a letter of promise.

My Dearest Bambina,

I am writing this to you from the plane, not really knowing how to put my feelings into words. The past few weeks have been a whirlwind of events, emotions, and new beginnings. I don't know where all of these changes will take us, but one thing is certain: I cannot imagine my life without you.

You have been the one constant in my life since the day we met, and I never realized how much I depend on your presence, how much I need it. Seeing you with my family has been a joy beyond words, and it has made me even more certain of what I want for our future.