He stared at me for a moment before hugging me tightly to him. I hugged him back, my eyes burning.
“I love you, son,” I said. “We will talk soon. Get those babies to Dominic, and I will see you and Rosalie before you leave.”
He pulled away and wiped his eyes quickly before he went back to Bianca, who was still loving on her boys.
It took another moment, but finally Alessandro had the babies packed up. Alessandro hugged her, and she whispered something to him that made him nod his head before they broke apart.
Bianca sobbed as Alessio helped him carry them out to his car.
“It’s OK,” I soothed her. “They are in good hands.”
“I know.” She wiped at her eyes. “He said he’d call as soon as Dominic had them.”
“He will,” I assured her. “He will.”
The next few hours were rough as Bianca cried, but she finally slept, and I took up my spot on an uncomfortable couch that I was too tall for.
Luckily, she slept through the night, even when the nurses came to check on her. Bless Alessio, because he spent the night in a hard chair outside the room. I’d have invited him to share the couch if I thought there was room for us. I knew he had to be exhausted since he’d been in that damn chair for three days, but we’d get to go home soon, and I’d give him some time off if he wanted it.
In the morning, Bianca woke, looking a lot more refreshed than she’d been the last few days.
“You get to leave today,” I said. I’d been up for hours. I was ready to get the hell out of here. “The nurse told me this morning.”
“The babies?”
“They are well. They are home, and I have not heard another thing. That is a good thing.”
She breathed out, looking relieved.
The doctor came in, and he gave me a smile.
“It’s home time,” he said.
I stood and stretched. I needed a shower and my own bed. I was certain Alessio felt the same way about himself.
“I want you to rest in bed for another day or two, then just relax. No heavy lifting, no running marathons, no giving Matteo a heart attack.”
“Guess that ruins my Sunday plans,” she muttered.
I chuckled at her answer.
I took the printed handout with instructions that the doctor handed me, and knew he’d be available if I needed him. He left us after Bianca signed her discharge paperwork, and I helped her to dress in an oversized hoodie and sweatpants that I’d picked up for her in the gift shop.
“You OK?” I asked as she winced when I slid her sandals onto her feet.
“I hurt,” she replied. “And I’m hungry.”
“We’ll get you some food,” I said. “Whatever you want.”
“I’d love some pizza from Giorgio’s.”
I smiled. “I’ll ensure you have it.”
The nurse came in with a wheelchair, and I helped Bianca to sit in it as I slung her bag over my shoulder. Alessio met us at the door, looking like hell.
“Ready for a break?” I asked.
“Without a doubt,” he said before turning his attention to Bianca. “How are you?”
