Desperate to hold onto something, I blurt, "And what happens when you get bored of playing Daddy? When La Corona business takes precedence?"
The minute the words leave my mouth, I know I’ve made a mistake.
If things weren’t over between us already, they would be now.
“Don’t ever question what I would do for my family. And let me be clear, Elena, in case you get any ideas, if you try to take them again or decide to send Vitale men after me, there will be problems."
My mouth falls open in shock. "Send men after you? You think I'd try to have you killed?"
"You've kept my children from me for six years," he says flatly. "I don't know what you're capable of anymore."
I stare at him in shock and indignation. "I should be more afraid of that from you, Don Monti. You're the one with an army at your disposal."
Luca's eyes flash, not with anger but a deep, wounded disappointment that surprises me. "That comment is proof again that you never really knew how much I loved you. I would have died for you, Elena. For them."
For the first time, I truly see what I've done. I’ve not just kept the children from their father, but I betrayed the love of a good man who would have protected us with his life.
"I’m sorry." The words are inadequate, but they’re all I can think of to say now.
“Let’s talk to the kids.”
My legs feel like lead as we walk down the hallway to the kids' room.
What are they going to think when they learn the truth?
Will they be angry with me?
Hate me?
Want to go live with Luca full-time?
The triplets are playing on the floor with their Lego sets, building what looks like a castle with a moat. They look up when we enter.
"Are you done talking?" Rocco asks, already scrambling to his feet. "Can you play now?"
I sink to my knees on the carpet, motioning for them to gather around me.
Luca kneels beside me, close enough that I can feel the warmth radiating from him, but not touching.
"I need to tell you something very important," I begin. "Something I should have told you a long time ago."
Adalina's brow furrows. "Are we in trouble?"
"No, sweetheart, not at all." I take a deep breath. "It's about your daddy."
Three pairs of eyes widen simultaneously. We've had this conversation before, why they don't have a daddy when other kids do. I've always told them their father lived far away and couldn't be with us.
"Your daddy isn't far away anymore," I continue, my throat tight. "He's right here."
I gesture to Luca, whose eyes were so filled with anger and hurt moments ago and are now filled with love and hope.
Elio looks between us, confused. "He’s our daddy?"
Luca nods. "Yes, I am."
“Where’ve you been?” Rocco demands, his little face scrunched in confusion.
"That's my fault," I admit. "Your daddy didn't know about you. He was living in Italy, and I… I didn't tell him."
