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"There you are," Neron said, his smile spreading as he watched Evangeline approach. She looked every bit the confident mafia boss she was, but there was a hint of softness in her gaze, a warmth she reserved only for those she trusted.
Evangeline smirked, raising an eyebrow. "I am. But what's with the sudden meeting, Neron?"
He chuckled, crossing his arms with an air of mischief. "Well, while you were out of town this week, I had some time to get close with Felicity. I figured it's only fair you get your time with her too, you know?"
A rare smile touched Evangeline's lips, her eyes softening at the mention of Felicity. "I've missed her. It's strange how quiet everything feels with her around..." She glanced around, trying to hide the vulnerability in her voice. "So, where is she?"
Neron's playful expression shifted to something more serious. "Before I tell you... mind explaining that text you sent? What did you mean by saying 'she's a Schmidt'?"
Evangeline's smile faded, replaced by a steely look as she answered. "It's exactly as it sounds. Felicity is a Schmidtâpart of their family by blood. They abandoned her at an orphanage the day she was born. I ran a background check, and everything lined up."
Neron's jaw tightened, his fists clenching. "Those heartless bastards... I can't believe they left her like that. Just tossed her away." His voice dripped with anger. "And to think they just walked away like she was nothing..."
Evangeline's gaze softened, her usual hard edge fading at his words. She felt the same anger, but she knew they had to be careful discussing it. Before she could reply, a familiar, bubbly voice called out to them.
"Eva! Neron!" Felicity's bright smile lit up her face as she rushed over, her eyes sparkling with pure excitement.
Without hesitation, she threw herself into Evangeline's arms. Evangeline caught her easily, wrapping her arms around her with a gentleness few would believe the mafia boss capable of. She whispered, "I missed you too, little flower," her voice filled with genuine affection.
Neron grinned, watching the two of them with a softness in his eyes. "Alright, ladies, we have a lot of catching up to do. I say we start with ice cream."
Together, they walked to the same ice cream parlor where Evangeline and Neron had once sat, discussing their plans for Felicity. But tonight, there was no talk of plansâonly the sweetness of being together again.
Inside the parlor, Felicity's eyes lit up as she scanned the menu, her gaze darting from one flavor to the next. She looked overwhelmed, caught between excitement and indecision.
"I can't decide," she said, a slight pout forming on her lips as she squinted at the choices. "Everything looks so good! But what if I pick something and don't like it? And some of these are, well, kind of expensive..."
Evangeline chuckled, finding her indecisiveness endearing. "Don't worry about that. Just pick whatever sounds good," she said, patting Felicity's hand reassuringly.
Neron leaned down to whisper, grinning mischievously. "Yeah, love, order anything you want. As for the price, I think Eva's bank account can handle it."
Evangeline gave him a look but nodded. "He's right. Don't even think about the price. Just focus on what you'd enjoy."
Felicity hesitated for a moment, clearly touched by their encouragement. She took a deep breath, glancing up at both of them with a newfound sparkle in her eyes. "Then... could I order for all three of us? That way, we can try a bit of everything!"
Neron's eyes met Evangeline's, sharing an amused look. "Go for it, sweetheart," he said, winking at her. "Whatever you choose, we'll be happy."
With a small squeal of excitement, Felicity ordered a decadent chocolate sundae, an ice cream cake, and a serving of dondurma. When the treats arrived, they all took turns tasting each one. Felicity delighted in the stretchy, chewy texture of the dondurma, deciding it was her favorite. Neron and Evangeline exchanged amused glances as they polished off the other dishes, savoring each flavor.
Once they'd finished, the three headed toward a nearby park known for its quiet, tucked-away picnic spots and panoramic views. They found a spot overlooking a small lake, where the water reflected the pink and gold hues of the setting sun. As they settled in, they shared sandwiches and snacks, their laughter filling the air as they recounted old stories and poked fun at each other.
As dusk fell, the evening took on a magical glow, with the first stars appearing in the twilight. Neron suddenly stood up, turning to Felicity with a playful grin as he offered his hand.
In a mock-posh British accent, he said, "My lady, may I have the honor of a dance?"
Felicity giggled, pretending to curtsy. "Why not, kind sir!"
What followed was a hilariously off-beat dance, more of a joyous, childlike romp as the two jumped and spun around each other like they were doing some tribal celebration. Felicity's innocent laughter filled the air, her happiness infectious. Both Neron and Evangeline found themselves falling harder for her, enchanted by her uninhibited joy.
Evangeline watched them with a fond smile, the sight of Felicity's unfiltered happiness softening something deep within her. As Felicity danced and laughed with Neron, Evangeline felt a warmth that went beyond the usual closeness of family or friendship. This was something new, something rare and precious.
"Alright, Felicity," Neron teased, spinning her one more time. "I know Evangeline's got her mysterious moves, but I bet she can't dance like this."
Felicity laughed, breathless, as Neron pulled her in for a dramatic dip, his grin infectious.
But before Evangeline could protest, Neron straightened up and extended a hand toward her, his eyes gleaming with challenge. "Come on, Evangeline. No slipping away this timeâyou're dancing with us."
With a sigh of playful resignation, Evangeline rose to her feet and took his hand, letting him pull her into the little circle they'd formed. She held Felicity close, guiding her into a slower, more graceful dance. Unlike the wild, carefree steps she'd shared with Neron, this dance was softer and more intimate. She held Felicity's gaze, a tender smile on her lips.
Felicity rested her head on Evangeline's shoulder, her eyes half-closed as they moved to a gentle rhythm. Neron watched them, leaning against a nearby tree, his smile never fading as he took in the sight.
"I don't think I've ever felt so happy," Felicity whispered, just loud enough for Evangeline to hear.
Evangeline's hand moved gently to cup Felicity's cheek. "Happiness looks beautiful on you, little flower," she whispered back, pressing a light kiss to her forehead. "And it's yours to keep."
Asthe evening darkened, they lay back on the grass, watching the stars emerge inthe sky, Felicity nestled between Neron and Evangeline. The world felt peacefuland complete, as if they were creating their own little universe, safe andperfect for the three of them.