Mena
I smiled down at the baby in my arms, his tiny fingers curled around mine as I admired how perfect he was. His full head, his dark eyes, the little sounds he made.
Naty sat on Alessio’s lap, her eyes warm and curious as she gazed at her new baby brother.
“What do you think?” Alessio asked her. “Do you like him?”
Naty giggled in response. “He’s really cute, and I already love him so much!”
Alessio and I shared a smile. Over the past months, we had both worried about how Naty would adapt, but for now, she seemed to be doing just fine. The delivery had been smooth, just as smooth as the pregnancy. Alessio stayed by my side the entire time, and I hoped raising him would be just as easy.
I was still at the hospital, and after some visits, it was finally just us-a moment of peace.
Naty reached out and gently grabbed the baby’s hand, giving it a little shake. “Hi, baby-it’s your big sister,” she spoke softly, a pout on her lips.
The baby cooed, and we all laughed softly. “Does he have a name?” Naty asked.
Alessio and I exchanged another smile. We had thought about it for a long time, and since I told him he got to choose the name, he had been very serious about it.
“Your daddy named him. His name is Stefano.”
Naty’s eyes widened with surprise. “After Uncle?”
“Yes,” Alessio nodded. “Do you like it?”
“Yes, his name is pretty.”
Naming him Stefano was important to him. It was a way to honor his uncle, a gesture that had made even Domenico and Alessio’s grandma emotional. It was a name that carried a lot of love and respect, and it only felt right to give it to our son.
“Who do you love more, Mommy or Stefano?” Naty suddenly gasped as if the question had just occurred to her.
Just as I was about to tell her she shouldn’t be asking that, Alessio shot me a look to say he would take care of it.
“My heart is big enough to love all three of you, Naty,” Alessio spoke, staring straight at me. “I love you, Mommy, and Stefano all the same.”
~
After some time, I was fit enough to go back home. We had arrived at the mansion, and Alessio held the baby carrier in his hands. As soon as I stepped out of the car, Dante came rushing out the door with a big smile plastered on his face.
“Mena!” He hurried towards me, eager to help. He grabbed my hand, and I leaned on him for support, still feeling a bit sore. “I got you,” Dante chuckled.
“Thanks, but I don’t need your help,” I said, trying to sound strong.
“Yes, you do,” Alessio and Dante spoke at the same time.
That’s all everyone had been trying to do these past months. Help. Alessio had been so attentive since the pregnancy, always making sure I was comfortable and had everything I needed. It was sweet but a little overwhelming at times.
I often declined the help, which would then turn into a somewhat heated discussion with Alessio, forcing me to accept it. I guess I was still used to having to do everything on my own, so having someone to lean on during a pregnancy was a new experience.
“Everyone’s been waiting to see the baby,” Dante squeezed my hand.
“Yes,” Alessio said. “But we’ll keep it short because she needs to rest.”
“I’m doing fine,” I mumbled, even though I appreciated their concern.
I felt a warm feeling in my heart, noticing the porch and door were decorated with many blue balloons and banners.
“Guys, I know my son is special-but why are you all pretending like I birthed the next king?” I asked as we began walking.
Dante gently placed his hand behind my back. “Because you did,” he replied with a smile.
Before I could answer, the doors opened, and we were greeted with warm smiles and eager faces. The entire family, extended relatives, friends, and all the house workers stood there-all waiting to see the baby.
My eyes scanned the crowd. I saw Domenico, Giulia, Alessio’s grandparents, and even Pilar, who had been staying here for the last two months of my pregnancy.
I gave them all a reassuring smile. Naty rushed forward, holding Melody’s hand. “Mommy, you’re back!”
Even though she greeted me first, she hurried to Alessio and the baby. Alessio set down the carrier and gently picked up our son, his eyes full of love.
He turned him slightly so everyone could see his face. “This is Stefano,” he announced.
Everyone began talking and murmuring with excitement as they gathered around to see the baby. I didn’t mind the attention being on Stefano because I understood how much this baby meant to them. After all we had been through, he was like a special gem that had come into our lives at the right moment.
I stepped away for a moment. Pilar and Gian immediately came over to me, and Dante stayed by my side. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Alessio glancing over to check on me. Once he saw I was okay, he focused back on the family.
“How are you doing? Okay?” Pilar pulled me into a hug.
“Yes,” I breathed. “I know I look terrible with the eye bags and all-”
Before I could finish, they all shook their heads, trying to convince me that none of that is true.
“I don’t think it’s possible for you to look ‘terrible,’ Gigi,” Gian said, smirking at me. I smiled back, appreciating his attempt at a compliment. Over the past months, I had discovered the mystery behind our bond. We were like frenemies-one day we would get along, then we didn’t, but I knew he would always have my back.
“How long do you think it’ll be before he gets sick of that baby?” A mischievous glint appeared in Gian’s eyes. I was taken aback by his question, especially when Pilar slapped his arm and shot him a quick glare as if he had discussed that possibility before.
“Can you just be normal for one day?” Dante rolled his eyes.
“Being realistic is normal,” Gian shrugged nonchalantly.
I looked over at Alessio, who was still proudly showing off the baby. He looked so happy, calm-like nothing could ruin his day.
And looking at him like that, I couldn’t help but wonder…
“Do you think he’ll get tired of us?” I asked, voicing my hidden worry. I hated when Gian got like this because that thought hadn’t even occurred to me before he decided to open his big mouth.
I felt a hand on my shoulder and turned to see Donni. “Of course not. No one ever gets tired of you,” he said, giving me a warm smile. Then he leaned in closer. “I need you to come with me,” he whispered in my ear.
The others were too immersed in their conversation, so I followed Donni to the kitchen. “What is it?” I asked.
Same as everyone else, he had been very overprotective of me during the entire pregnancy, and because he spent so much time with Alessio-we had grown even closer. He had become like a soft and cuddly big brother-with an attitude.
Donni grabbed a breathtaking bouquet with royal blue roses from the table and handed it to me.
“I assume they’re not from you because you’re not kind enough to buy me flowers,” I teased him. “So who are they from?”
“How would I know, do I look like the flower guy to you?” he frowned. “Someone delivered this and told me I should give it to you, in your hands-so I did, and now my job is done here.”
“Okay,” I sang, lifting a brow.
Donni chuckled, “Take it easy, Mena,” he spoke. “You’re the boss of this house, and if you want all of these people to go so you and your baby can relax-you can tell them to go.”
A laugh escaped from my lips. “Thanks for the advice, Donni!”
That’s the last thing I would do. Especially not after getting on everyone’s good side.
After Donni walked out of the kitchen, I could finally take a good look at the beautiful flowers in my hands.
I took a sniff, inhaling the fresh smell and appreciating their beauty. Then, I noticed a card attached to the bouquet and read the message.
‘Congratulations on the birth of your son. Not a day goes by that I don’t think of you and all you’ve done for me. Thank you for taking care of my family, and please take care of your own. ~I’
Smiling softly, I clutched the card in my hand. “Isaac?”