A Father's Wise Words

Posted on Wed Jul 16th, 2025 @ 3:51pm by Lieutenant Adrianna Baciami

1,118 words; about a 6 minute read

The vineyard shimmered under the soft glow of fairy lights strung delicately between the olive trees, casting their warm light over the rows of tables set for tomorrow’s celebration. The scent of blooming jasmine and freshly tilled earth mingled with the cool evening breeze, carrying a sense of tranquillity that Adrianna found both soothing and bittersweet. She stood at the edge of the vineyard, her gaze sweeping over the familiar land that had been her family’s pride for generations, the place where so many memories had been made.

The entire place looked like a fantasy. It was ready for the celebrations the following evening. It was a more positive version of the phrase ‘calm before the storm’, though she didn't know what that would be. Adrianna was far from nervous about getting married to Vance– but the anticipation of finally being able to marry him after so much– that was fueling an excitement. She couldn't shake a niggle in the back of her mind though– what if fate got in the way again. How much more could it throw at the couple? What if Vance gave up on her again, like when he'd given up trying to kiss her because of how much the universe got in the way?

“Adrianna,” came her father’s voice, soft and filled with warmth, drawing her out of her mind. She turned to see Dario approaching, his familiar frame silhouetted against the twinkling lights. In his hand was a bottle of wine, his other hand holding two glasses.

“Papa,” she greeted, a smile spreading across her face as he reached her.

Without a word, he handed her a glass and gestured to a wooden bench beneath a trellis draped in vines. They sat together, the silence between them comfortable and full of unspoken love. Dario poured the wine, his movements slow and deliberate, as though savouring the moment.

“For a long time,” Dario began, his voice tinged with nostalgia, “your mother and I thought you would be another boy. We even had the name picked– Adrian but then,” he paused, his eyes shining as he looked at her, “you arrived, and you were perfect. My Adrianna. My little miracle. Finally, a princess in the family.”

Adrianna’s heart swelled at his words, the corners of her mouth twitching upward. Her cheeks blushed a little. “I never knew that,” she said softly, swirling the wine in her glass, “mamma always said that I was named after Hadrian, the emperor who built that wall between Scotland and England because I would be your last.”

Dario chuckled, “I mean– you were going to be out last. We were so happy though,” he continued, “After eight sons, the idea of a daughter felt like a dream. And you– you brought so much light to our family. Even as a child, you were strong, determined and stubborn,” he added with a chuckle, “I don't care what your mother says: you take after her there.”

Adrianna laughed, the sound carrying lightly on the breeze, “well, I had to be stubborn, didn’t I? Eight brothers is a lot to handle.”

“Well, I suppose that, and to be a good matriarch you need to be strong,” Dario smiled, his gaze turning thoughtful, “and now, here you are, about to marry the man who was brave enough to win your heart without even considering taming you. I remember telling your mother about how scared I was the night before– I was scared that the actual legal paperwork would change things between us. In truth, I knew it wouldn't though: I loved her too much. It was just jitters. I didn't like being in the limelight– I still don't. Are you scared?”

Adrianna’s smile faltered, just slightly, “I’m not scared of the marriage, Papa. Vance and I… we understand each other. Ours is a love built on friendship, and I know we’ll face whatever comes together.” She hesitated, her voice growing quieter, “but I can’t shake the fear that fate might try to pull us apart again like when I thought he’d died or when he had lost his memories and had forgotten me.”

Dario placed his hand over hers, his grip firm and reassuring, “Adrianna, fate has tried to keep you apart before, and yet here you are, together. That tells me something stronger than fate is at work– your love. The two of you have already endured so much. You’ll endure whatever comes next, too. If fate tries– you'll both find ways to overcome it. Even fate can't kill stubborn natures.”

Her eyes glistened as she looked at him, “You really think so?”

“I know so,” Dario said with conviction, “if I had allowed that attitude, I wouldn't have your mother. Years of trying to find the right time to ask her on a date, then trying to propose but every time I went to– something happened and then our wedding being pushed back nine times for many reasons– madonna. If it wasn't family, nerves, friends, illness or bereavements it was a cat deciding to ruin your mamma's dress, or the heavens opening. In the end, we said ‘screw it' and gathered the family, biting the bullet and marrying in the pouring rain.”

Dario smiled, remembering how when they finally did get married, it had been the hottest and driest summer in decades and then the second that they said ‘I do’, the heavens opened and it poured down soaking them both to the skin. It was worth it and so romantic though. He took a breath, “on the days that you feel that fear creeping in, remember this: love isn’t about being fearless– It’s about facing those fears together.”

Adrianna nodded, her heart settling into a steady rhythm, “you’re right, Papa. Thank you– for always knowing exactly what to say. I know that you are not a man of many words, but when you do speak– thank you for being my father.”

Dario smiled, leaning forward to press a kiss to her forehead, “Grazie, Adrianna, for being the daughter I never dared to hope for. Now,” he said, his tone brightening. He took her now empty wine glass off of her, “you should rest. Tomorrow, you begin a new chapter and if anyone deserves happiness, it’s you.”

As they stood and began walking back to the house, Adrianna took one last look at the vineyard, the soft glow of the lights a promise of the joy to come. Whatever lay ahead, she felt ready, fortified by her father’s words of wisdom and the bond she shared with Vance– one that even fate couldn’t break.

 

RSS Feed