“Roman made us breakfast… that’s a girl thing,” Adalina says.
“Oh, yeah. He made pancakes that looked like Christmas trees.”
Luca laughs. “If Roman loses his job, he can become a short order cook.”
“I think people should be able to do what they want no matter if they’re a boy or girl,” Adalina says quietly.
“I’m with you on that.” Luca leans to the side, gently shoulder bumping Adalina, whose face flushes pink.
“Did you have sleepovers when you were little?” Rocco asks Luca, picking a pepperoni off his pizza and popping it into his mouth.
“Sure. I remember your mom having them with my sister Gabriella when we were little.”
“My memory is of you tormenting us,” I quip.
“Had to do my part as the annoying sibling.” Luca winks at me. “I actually had a sleepover last night.”
I glare at him.
My kids don’t need to know about adult sleepovers.
After dinner, Luca offers to entertain the kids while I clean up. I'm halfway through loading the dishwasher when their laughter draws me to the living room doorway.
Luca sits cross-legged on the floor, surrounded by my children… our children… as they build an elaborate fort with couch cushions and blankets.
Elio stands on tiptoes, trying to secure a corner of the blanket to the bookshelf while Luca steadies him.
Rocco directs operations with the authority of a tiny general, and Adalina tests each section for structural integrity by crawling underneath.
"The enemy's coming!" Luca suddenly announces, making monster noises that send the kids scrambling inside their creation, shrieking with delight.
My throat tightens. This scene may seem so normal, so ordinary, but it’s everything I've denied us all. The kids have never had this with anyone. I've never allowed it.
I need you to stay away from Luca.
Dom's warning echoes in my head.
He's right to be concerned. If Luca continues digging into the past, he could bring danger to himself, but also to my children if the truth comes out.
But watching him now, I can't reconcile this man with any danger.
He doesn’t even know these are his kids, but he’s sweet and gentle, showing them genuine care.
The guilt of keeping my secret is getting more difficult to bear, especially in moments like this.
"Bedtime," I announce, forcing brightness into my voice.
Groans of protest fill the room, but Luca stands. "Warriors need their rest to fight another day." He glances at me. “I’ll take care of this.”
He scoops up Adalina, who giggles as he carries her upside down toward the hall. Rocco and Elio race after them, eager for their turn.
I return to the kitchen to finish cleaning up but keep an ear toward them, listening to the sounds of teeth brushing, water splashing, and Luca's deep voice making up an impromptu bedtime story about three brave knights who protected their kingdom.
By the time I join them, all three are tucked in, Rocco and Elio in their room, and Adalina in hers.
Their eyes are heavy with sleep but fighting to stay awake for just one more minute with Luca.
"Goodnight,campioni," Luca says to Rocco and Elio, using the Italian word for champions.
