But it wasn’t just duty. I love her and the kids. I miss them now that I don’t see them as much.
I wonder if Olivia has ever thought about family, and fuck, I’m back to thinking of her again. This isn't like me. I don't get hung up on women. I certainly don't obsess over federal agents who want to put me in prison.
I slide into my car, tossing the bourbon onto the passenger seat. I pull out of the underground garage, forcing my thoughts toward Elena's house, toward the triplets who'll be running circles around everyone.
Toward family.
Toward the life I've chosen and the responsibilities I bear.
Olivia Ricci has no place in that life. The sooner I accept that, the better.
I pull up to Luca and Elena's home. It’s actually Luca’s father’s place, but since Antonio has retired, Luca is the man of the mansion.
Christmas lights already outline the roof.
Elena never could wait until after Thanksgiving.
The sight hits me with unexpected nostalgia.
For years, Thanksgiving was at my place. Elena would act as hostess.
The kids would make decorations.
We were a bit non-traditional, but we were family.
Now I'm just a guest in her home with her husband and children. What a difference a year makes.
I grab the bourbon and step out into the crisp November air. Before I can reach the door, it flies open.
Adalina’s dark curls bounce as she races down the steps. "Uncle Dom!" She launches herself at me.
I catch her with my free arm, swinging her up onto my hip with practiced ease.
Of course, I’m not her uncle. I’m her second cousin. Or first cousin once removed.
Who the hell knows? I like being called uncle.
"There's my princess," I say, kissing her forehead. "Where are your brothers?"
"Fighting over who gets to sit next to Grandpa," she reports solemnly. "I told them I'm sitting next to you."
Something tightens in my chest. These kids aren't mine, but they’d been mine while Elena was in my care.
Watching Luca step into fatherhood, seeing Elena find happiness after everything she's been through is bittersweet. I miss being at the center, but I know this is how it should be.
I carry her into the warm home. "I’m honored."
I barely make it through the door before Rocco and Elio barrel into me, nearly knocking Adalina from my grip. Their excited chatter blends together as they compete for my attention.
"Uncle Dom, I made a turkey with my hand!"
"No, look at mine first!"
Elena appears in the doorway cradling her two month old baby, a girl named Gianna. "Boys, let Dom breathe. He just got here."
I set Adalina down, handing the bourbon to Elena with a kiss on her cheek. "Happy Thanksgiving."
"You're late," she says, but there's no real bite to it.
