We cut the cake together and distributed pieces to the two children. Then Olivia handed me a slice. Our fingers touched briefly, that familiar current flowing through again.
The cake tasted wonderful—rich chocolate, but not too sweet. I could imagine her bustling in the kitchen, trying again and again to get the perfect flavor.
"Is it good?" she asked nervously.
"Very good," I said. "Perfect."
She sighed in relief, a smile blooming on her face.
The four of us sat on the carpet like a real family, eating cake and chatting. The children talked about funny things at school, Olivia occasionally chiming in. The whole room was filled with warmth and laughter.
"Ezio," Leo suddenly asked. "What did you used to do on your birthday?"
I paused. "Haven't celebrated in a long time," I said. "Last time... was probably when my father was still around."
The room went quiet for a moment.
"Where's your dad?" Leo asked innocently. "Where did he go?"
"Leo," Olivia gently stopped him. "That's not a polite question."
"It's okay," I said, looking into Leo's pure eyes. "He passed away, many years ago."
"Oh," Leo said, then suddenly climbed into my lap, small arms wrapping around my neck. "That must be really sad. My dad's not here either. Mom says he went somewhere far away."
My heart clenched. I looked at Olivia. Complex emotions flashed in her eyes before she quickly looked away.
"But now we have you!" Leo continued, looking up at me. "Can yoube my dad? Like Juliet's!"
"I'd love to, Leo! I'll share Dad with you!" Juliet raised her hand and cheered beside us, saying generously.
Time seemed to freeze.
Olivia's face paled.
"Leo," I said carefully, unsure how to respond. "Being a dad is a big responsibility."
"I know!" Leo said seriously. "Dads protect their family, make everyone happy, and are really brave. You do all that! You protect me and Mom, you make Juliet happy, and you're really brave!"
I felt something in my chest ready to explode. This little boy—he trusted me, was willing to give me such a large part of his life.
"Leo, baby," Olivia finally found her voice. "This topic is too complicated. Let's talk about it later, okay?"
"Okay," Leo looked a bit disappointed but quickly smiled again. "But Ezio, will you always stay with us?"
"Yes," I said. This was the promise I could give right now. "I'll always be here."
"Great!" Leo said happily, then climbed off my lap to play with balloons with Juliet.
Olivia and I exchanged a glance. Her eyes were full of apology and some indefinable pain.
"Sorry," she said softly. "He doesn't know—"
"It's fine," I said. "He's just a child. And... I'm honored he thinks of me that way."
Tears welled in her eyes, but she quickly blinked them back.
"Dad, Vivi," Juliet suddenly said. "I'm sleepy. Can I go to bed first?"
