Page 104 of The Godfather’s Christmas Twins
Gia wanted me to buy less for them this year. “They still haven’t used all the presents you got them for their sixth birthday.”
But I failed. How can I not spoil my kids? Time is speeding by. They're growing so fast, if I blink, I might miss something. Just last week, Dario lost his first tooth. The way his face lit up when he showed me made my heart ache, knowing I'd missed so many of these moments in their early years.
I catch glimpses of their baby photos in Gia's albums, and the regret hits hard. Tiny fingers and toes I never got to count, first smiles I never witnessed. But then Daniella will climb into my lap with a book, or Dario will beg me to help him practice his soccer moves, and I'm reminded that while I can't change the past, every day gives me new moments to cherish.
I hear them whispering outside our door now, probably debating whether it's too early to wake us up. The digital clockreads 5:47 AM. They’re supposed to wait until six, but I'm already reaching for my robe. I won't miss another moment with them, not even a second.
“Time for presents,” I say, leaning over to kiss Gia. The kids finally burst in, scrambling on the bed to announce Santa came last night. Yes, life is fucking awesome.
Later that morning,the doorbell chimes and excited squeals erupt from the twins as they race to greet their cousins. I follow behind, watching as Gia opens the door to reveal Nic, Bella, and their triplets bundled up against the desert morning chill.
"Uncle Nic!" Dario and Daniella chorus, jumping up and down. Despite everything that happened, Nic's face lights up as he dips down, a triplet in each arm, while Bella has the third.
“Santa came last night and brought us presents,” Dario excitedly tells him.
“So you were good last year?” Nic asks, setting his kids down.
“We’re always good,” Daniella answers.
Nic looks at Gia.
“Most of the time, they behave.” Gia gives him a hug and then Bella. “Come in.”
Bella herds her three little ones inside, and suddenly, our quiet Christmas morning explodes into controlled chaos. The triplets, newly walking, toddle after their older cousins who've appointed themselves tour guides of the house.
"And this is our playroom," Daniella announces proudly, leading the parade of children down the hall. "Daddy had it built just for us."
My chest tightens at her casual use of 'Daddy'. It still hits me every time I hear it. Eventually, all the kids are back in the living room and Dario is showing everyone his train set. He explainshow the switches work and younger ones watch in awe as the train circles the track.
"They're good with the little ones," Bella remarks, settling onto the couch with a cup of coffee.
I nod, unable to take my eyes off the scene. Daniella's helping the smallest triplet stand steady while reaching for a Christmas ornament. Dario switches the train to a slower speed so his younger cousins can follow its movement more easily.
The house fills with warmth that has nothing to do with the desert sun now streaming through our windows. Children's laughter mingles with adult conversation, and the scents of coffee and cinnamon rolls drift from the kitchen where Gia's setting up breakfast.
Sometimes, I kick myself for being such an idiot and denying myself all this. I was too stupid to see how much richer life is when you open your heart to love.
I lean against the kitchen counter, watching Nic help Gia get breakfast ready. It's strange seeing him like this. A year ago, he'd looked ready to put a bullet in me. Now he's frosting cinnamon rolls. I catch Bella's eye across the room, and she gives me a knowing smile. She's been good for him, helped him learn the same lessons Gia has taught me. Love makes everything better.
Last week, when we were discussing business, he'd actually laughed when I mentioned how Dario calls our weekly video conferences "boring grown-up stuff". Before that, he might smile, but it was clear he was still disturbed by the fact that Gia’s godfather had knocked her up. Now, he’s finally accepted and even embraced what Gia and I have.
“Breakfast!” Gia calls.
At the table, Gia slides next to me, her hand finding mine. "Remember when you thought he'd never forgive us?"
I squeeze her fingers, thinking how Bella had championed our cause from the start. She'd understood our love storybecause she'd lived her own version with Nic. Maybe that's why he finally came around. He saw himself in me, fighting for love like life depended on it.
"Thank God for Bella," I whisper, watching as she and Nic help serve the triplets breakfast.
The day is good, filled with love and laughter. When breakfast finishes, Gia, Bella, and Maria are back at work, preparing the afternoon holiday feast. I help by taking the kids outside to play. Nic joins me.
“Did you ever think you’d be here?” he asks, helping little Ella into the baby swing, while Marianne and Brandon chase the bubbles Dario and Daniella are blowing.
“No. I didn’t even know I wanted this.”
He glances at me as he gives Ella a push. “I thought you did… that’s why you… were with Gia.”
I tense, worried where this might go. I’ve always been honest with Nic. Well, mostly. So I go with honesty now. “When I was with Gia, back then, we both knew nothing would come of it. She was engaged to Aldo. She was all I wanted and I couldn’t have her. So no, there was no life like this for me until she came back into my life and I found my balls and fought for her.”