I stare after him.
“There’s something seriously wrong with that man,” Spike sighs.
“There are specialists for people like him,” I say.
“None brave enough,” Spike mutters, clapping a hand on my shoulder. “Come on, brother. We have a party to go to.”
Walking into the living area, I’m greeted by all the children from my estate, as well as the two who came over from the compound.
The sight of them stops me for half a second.
Small faces. Bright eyes. Excited whispers.
It’s chaos in its sweetest form.
“Guess what,Don?” Lucia says, smiling up at me.
Lucia lost her papa a few years back, and it took a while for her to get her light back. At thirteen, we’ve started giving her more responsibility with the younger children, and it seems to have helped. She stands a little taller now. Smiles a little easier.
I pray that continues.
“Aliens have invaded the estate,” I guess with a smile.
“Close,” she laughs. “Chef Marcello made a huge tiramisù cake for your birthday.”
“Mmm,” I hum. “My favorite.”
“I’ve also made traditional vanilla and chocolate cakes for those whose tastes aren’t quite as refined,” Marcello says as he walks into the room decked head to toe in chef whites. “I’ve come to seek help.”
“What can I do for you?” I ask.
My staff may work for me, and I pay them well for it, but I treat them as family. Because that’s what they are. Every person under this roof matters to me.
“Actually,” Marcello says, clasping his hands behind his back, “I was wondering if I could have a few taste testers join me in the kitchen. I need help deciding which frosting would be best for the cakes, and Chef Rosa is no help.”
Suddenly, the room explodes with shouts as every child raises their hand.
Some raise both.
They all jump up and down with the hope of being chosen.
Laughing, Marcello scans the room with great seriousness before pointing to Bree.
“I think one of our guests would be a wonderful choice,” Marcello says, gently patting Bree’s head. “Also, Lucia and Sabrina.”
“Yes,” Bree cheers softly.
It’s barely louder than a whisper, but I hear it.
I nod at Marcello, grateful he included her.
Apart from Asher, who is only around two, Bree is the only child living at the compound. Seeing her here, surrounded by my family, playing with the children beneath my roof, brings a warmth to my chest I am not prepared for.
This is why I built this place.
Not for power.
Not for status.
