Under Her Wing

Chapter 165

Danielle POV

As the soft evening light filtered through the curtains, I sat on the edge of my bed, brushing my fingers gently through Amalia's hair. She was curled up beside me, her face set in that familiar pout that always made me melt—my little girl wasn't happy.

Stefania sat across the room at the dresser, gracefully pinning up her hair, occasionally glancing our way.

"Mom, can I come with you and Mama to the movie?" Amalia's voice was hopeful, tugging at my heart.

She looked up at me, her big eyes pleading.

"How many times have we had this conversation today babe?" I chuckled, smiling down at her, though I hated having to be firm sometimes and say no.

"Mali, you know it's not a movie for kids. It's rated 18." I reminded her for the twentieth time.

Her face fell into an even deeper pout.

"But I'm big enough! I promise I'll be good mom."

God, she was adorable. I couldn't help but laugh softly, leaning down to kiss her forehead.

"I know you'd be good, bubba. But it's not about that. The movie isn't meant for your age and you're not big enough at all. It might be scary, or there could be things in it that aren't for you yet," I tried to explain.

She sighed heavily, her little fingers starting to play with the hem of my dress, tugging gently at the fabric like she always did when she was feeling frustrated.

"It's not fair," she muttered, half sulking but still so sweet about it. I had to hold back another chuckle.

From the corner of my eye, I saw Stefania glancing over at us, a little smile playing on her lips as she stood up from the dresser. She was breathtaking, hair perfectly done, looking effortlessly elegant. She walked over and crouched down to be eye level with Amalia, her tone soft and loving.

"Amore, we'll only be gone for a few hours. You'll have fun with Carter and Effie, and we'll be back before you know it."

"Grandma will be here soon too," I added.

"But I want to be with you," Amalia turned her wide eyes toward Stef now, like maybe she'd have better luck convincing her now that she'd heard the word no from me again.

Stefania's expression softened, brushing a hand through Amalia's hair.

"I know, bambina," she said, her voice switching to that gentle, soothing Italian that always calmed Amalia.

"But tonight is special for Danielle and I and our friend Paula. You'll have your fun with your friends too, sì?"

I could see that Amalia wasn't quite ready to give in, her little shoulders sagging as she still played with my dress. I pulled her into my lap, wrapping my arms around her.

"Hey," I said, keeping my voice low and soft,

"How about this? We can have a special movie night tomorrow, just the three of us. We'll get popcorn, maybe some candy, and pick any movie you want. How does that sound?"

Her eyes brightened just a little, though I could tell she was still reluctant.

"Any movie?"

I smiled, nodding.

"Any movie, but it has to be something you're old enough to watch, deal?"

She hesitated for a moment, glancing between me and Stef, then finally nodded, her lips curving into a small smile.