I glanced up without thinking – and caught Matteo watching me.
His expression was unguarded, reverent, full of something deep and frighteningly tender. Like he wasseeing a future unfold in front of him and didn’t want to blink in case it disappeared.
Earlier that week.
We were in bed, tangled in white sheets, the city humming far below us. Matteo had been tracing lazy patterns along my ribs, voice low and deceptively casual.
“Have you ever thought about kids?” he asked.
I giggled immediately. “Don’t even think about it! Absolutely not. I’m twenty-five, Matteo. No way.”
He smiled, unfazed. “Not now. One day.”
I rolled onto my stomach, pointing a finger at his chest. “Future Francesca can think about that. Present Francesca is busy.”
For days after, he’d teased me – never pushing, just playful comments, raised brows, that infuriating smirk. I’d kept him at arm’s length with a figurative stick, pretending not to notice how obsessed he was with me. How easily he could consume me if I let him.
Back to present
An hour ago, I thought I was too young.
But sitting here, holding Amaya, feeling her against my heart, seeing Matteo look at me likethat–
Maybe I was ready.
Matteo’s mouth curved slowly, knowingly. Like he’d read every thought in my head.
I rolled my eyes at him, unable to stop the smile that followed, then looked back down at the baby in my arms.
“Don’t get any ideas,” I whispered to Amaya softly.
She slept on, blissfully unaware.
But my heart?
My heart had already begun to change.
Several quiet moments passed, the room settling into a softer rhythm. Maria finally pulled back from Natalia, wiping beneath her eyes and laughing under her breath as if embarrassed by how undone she was. We switched places carefully – Maria easing onto the edge of the bed as I stepped aside.
She took Amaya into her arms with reverence, Zach immediately moving closer, one hand steadying the baby’s back like it was instinct rather than thought. He smiled down at them, something peaceful and certain in his expression.
Kali and I turned our attention back to Natalia, who looked more relaxed now, propped against pillows, cheeks still flushed but glowing.
“Are you and Trevor staying overnight?” I asked softly.
Trevor shook his head. “Couple more hours. Then we’re heading home. Private doctor’s already arranged.”
Natalia nodded. “I just want her in her own crib tonight.”
“Of course. What about Richard and Maya?” I asked, glancing between them.
“They already came by,” Natalia said. “They left a little while ago – said they’ll come over to the townhouse later.”
I nodded, then hesitated. The question hovered on my tongue –your dad– but I swallowed it back. This was her moment. I wouldn’t shadow it with old wounds.
Natalia looked down at Amaya in Maria’s arms, her expression shifting – thoughtful, steady.
“And actually…” she said quietly. “We’re going to invite my dad, too.”
