Page 60 of The Godfather’s Christmas Twins

“I’m glad you’ve had fun, but our lives are in New York. You’ve got school and your friends.” I’m trying to put on a brave face.

“But what about Uncle Max?” Daniella asks.

“Max has his life here,” I say, sort of wishing he’d chime in. I can see the kids thinking this is my doing.

"Mommy, tell Max we can stay," Dario pleads.

But Max doesn't jump in to say he wants us here. He clears his throat. “It’s been wonderful having you here, but your mom is right. You need to get back home, back to your lives.”

“I don’t want to.” Dario crosses his arms and pouts. “I want to stay.”

Daniella looks up at Max with tears in her eyes. “Why can’t we stay, Uncle Max?”

He shifts uncomfortably, looking to me for help, but I’m not going to give it. Maybe it’s petty, but I’m not going to be the bad guy in this.

“Like I said, you have your own home. But you can come and visit anytime you want.”

The kids look at me. “I want to stay, Mommy,” Dario says, his anger turning to sadness, tears welling in his eyes.

“Wouldn’t that be nice?” I say, shooting a quick glance at Max. Then I chastise myself for trying to manipulate him into letting us stay. He doesn’t want us. Not in any long-term way, anyway. “But it’s time we go home. Max has his life to lead. But it’s been a wonderful visit, hasn’t it? You should thank Max.”

The kids’ “thanks” are coerced, but Max accepts them, reiterating that they can come visit. But we won’t. Maybe whenthey’re older, they can fly out on their own and spend time with him, but I won’t be there. It’s clear that I have no ability to keep my feelings in check around him. And I refuse to endure this emotional rollercoaster anymore.

After dinner,I send the kids off to play in their room while I do the dishes and Max prepares to go out to find Benny. He finds me in the kitchen, putting soap in the dishwasher and closing it up.

“I’m leaving. I’ll be late. Don't wait up."

Is that code for don’t come to my room tonight? "What about Thanksgiving? Will you be back for that?"

“I’m planning to.” He gives me a wan smile and then leaves the kitchen.

I follow him into the foyer like a puppy begging for attention. But this is the life he’s chosen. The responsibilities and duties, the dangerous tasks, the unwavering commitment to my brother and our family. Max will do what needs to be done even if it means sacrificing his own needs and desires.

In the foyer, Max checks his weapons. The kids' laughter echoes from the playroom, and Max lifts his head as if he’s listening for them.

"You have everything?" I ask.

Max nods, sliding his gun into its holster. "Marcus will be right outside. The perimeter team's been doubled."

"I meant for you. Extra clip? Phone charged?"

His eyes meet mine, a hint of warmth breaking through his professional demeanor. "Always prepared, remember?"

I step closer, straightening his collar even though it doesn't need it because like an idiot, I can’t seem to let him go. "Be careful out there. Benny's unpredictable, especially when he's desperate."

"I know how to handle Benny." His hand catches mine, stilling my fidgeting fingers. The touch sends electricity through my skin.

"Still." I swallow hard, fighting the urge to beg him to stay. To beg him to let us stay. "Just… come back in one piece."

Max's thumb traces circles on my palm, and for a moment, I think he might pull me closer. Instead, he lets go, reaching for the door.

"Lock up behind me," he says, his voice gruff. "Don't wait up."

I watch him stride into the darkness, his broad shoulders disappearing into the shadows. The night swallows him whole, leaving me alone with all the words I can’t say lodged in my throat.

My hand rests on the doorknob long after I've locked it. The kids' giggles float down the hallway again, reminding me of my own duty to them. It’s my job to keep them well, make them happy, and protect them. Max doesn’t want them. Want us. But that’s okay. We have each other. And once we get home, life will go back to what it was. It’s not a bad life. I imagine it won’t be long before the kids are settled and happy to be home. Max will be a fun memory they cherish, and that’s all. If I’m lucky, someday, I’ll feel the same. Someday, the hole in my heart will heal.

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