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I nod and pull away. His words begin to sink in. However, I know he’s not going to give me any more than that.
I drive home in a daze. When I walk into my bedroom, my mind and body are heavy. I strip down and climb into bed with my wife and son. I’m not surprised to find Matteo wrapped tightly in Carleen’s arms. The kidnapping spooked her.
“Is everything okay?” She says sleepily as I wrap my arm around her and Matteo.
I release a long, heavy breath. “It will be.”
Chapter 50
Hidden in Plain Sight
Carleen
Six months later…
“Who’s Mommy’s precious little boy? Who’s my little stinka?” I coo at Matteo, causing him to squeal and giggle with his handsome self.
I love my son. He brings a smile to my face every day. However, it’s been an adjustment to be planning a wedding, running a restaurant, and being a mommy.
Rio has insisted on taking charge of the restaurant for now, while I take care of our eight-month-old. Mommy has totally taken over planning the wedding, which has given me more time to spend with Matteo and my new friends.
Like today, I’m hanging out with Lizzy as she does some wedding stuff of her own and finalizes Bella’s birthday party tomorrow.
“Auntie Car, can Matteo have ice cream with me and Mr. E?”
“No, baby, he’s not old enough for ice cream,” I say.
As a matter of fact, I don’t plan to introduce my son to sweets until he’s at least three, if ever. Something my mother is dead set against. I know that woman is going to shove a popsicle or something in his mouth as soon as I turn my back.
“Oh, okay, I’ll eat enough for the both of us. I’ll even have sprinkles and caramel in tribute,” she says.
I look at Bella and stare. What does this little girl know about in tribute? I swear, the things that come out of her mouth. I start to chuckle to myself.
“Is my sister here?” Ny asks as she enters the living room we’re sitting in.
“Yeah, she said she was going up to the attic for some photos. She’s trying to find one to put in a locket to pin inside her wedding gown.”
“Hey, sweetheart,” Elijah croons as he enters the room with a tray of iced tea.
“Hey, Dad.”
“Are you here for my birthday? We’re going to have cake and ice cream,” Bella says to Ny with a beaming smile on her face.
Ny goes over to tickle her. “Oh yeah, it’s your birthday? I might have heard something about that, but aren’t you supposed to wait for all your guests before you cut the cake?”
Bella cups her hand to whisper. “Mr. E is sneaking me a bowl of ice cream before Daddy gets here. It’s our secret.”
“Well, in that case, how about I join you? Ice cream is always better with friends.”
“Yes, please, I’d like that, Auntie Ny. I can call you Auntie Ny, now, right?” Bella says with hopeful eyes.
Ny kisses her cheek. “You sure can, little buddy. Come on, let’s go get our ice cream before Dad eats it all.”
“Mr. E wouldn’t do that,” Bella giggles.
“Oh, honey, yes he would. And we would have to go to the store for more, with his wallet of course.”
They walk off into the kitchen as they continue their banter. I smile as I listen to Bella try to be so grown up. I look at Matteo and wonder how he would get along with a little sister. He’s such a sweet child and adores Bella already.
I flinch as he pops me in the mouth with one of his heavy hands and grasps a hold of my lip. I have to pry his little chubby hand off.
“Hey, little guy, I need those,” Rio croons as he enters the room and plucks the baby from my arms. “Hands off my woman.”
He buries his face in Matteo’s chubby neck and blows raspberries, causing him to squeal. I laugh and the two turn their hazel eyes on me. I’m in for so much trouble when this little boy gets older.
“Hey, what are you doing here?”
“Can’t a man spend some time with his family?”
“Not when he’s supposed to be at work. Who’s taking care of the restaurant?”
“Apollo has everything under control.” He moves in to dip his head in for a kiss. “When Dante called to ask if I was coming, I remembered what day it was. So I took the night off.”
“I told you this morning. Are you admitting you don’t listen to your wife?” I laugh.
“I’ve been under a lot of stress. I sort of heard you, but who was going to make sure I was on the way if not for my twin? I mean, what kind of family are you people? Getting together while I’m hard at work.”
I snort. “You’ll get over it.” Bella comes running with her bowl of ice cream in hand. Nyla isn’t far behind her.
