Page 73 of The Godfather’s Christmas Twins
Marcus enters, giving me a nod. “I’m sorry to interrupt, but Don Cardone is here.”
Max’s brows furrow together. “Here?” He points his index finger down. “As in this house?”
"He's just pulled into the drive."
I’m as surprised as Max is. I know Nic had given Max until today to resolve the issue with Benny, but I hadn’t expected him to fly out here. He must have left at the crack of dawn in New York to get here before noon. I’m sure it’s so he can fly home to be with Bella and the kids by tonight. I envy Bella, the devotion she has from Nic.
“Did you know about this?” Max asks me.
I shake my head. “No, Max, this isn’t another thing I’ve kept from you,” I say bitterly.
Max turns back to Marcus. "Thank you, Marcus.”
Marcus nods again and leaves Max’s office. Max adjusts his suit jacket and tie as he heads out the door following Marcus. He's so laser focused, it's almost as if he doesn't remember I'm there. I follow him out wondering what he plans to do. Will he tell Nic about his newfound fatherhood? Will he be a father to Dario and Daniella?
Marcus opens the door and Nic strides in, his presence filling the room like it always does. His dark eyes sweep over us, and I wonder if he can sense the tension crackling in the air.
"There's my favorite sister." Nic pulls me into a hug, but I can barely return it, my body rigid with anxiety.
“I didn’t know you were coming,” I say.
“Max called about Benny, so I figured I'd come check things out myself. Plus, I thought I'd escort my sister home.”
I love Nic. If anyone has been like a father to me, it’s Nic. I know he loves and cares for me, but like all the men in this world, he feels compelled to make my decisions for me or think I can’t maneuver in the world without an escort.
When we pull away, Nic gives Max a quick hug.
“Where are the kids?”
The mention of the children makes me glance at Max, but his face remains impassive. Professional. Like we weren't just having a life-altering conversation moments ago.
"Outside with Maria," I manage to say. "They're enjoying the playground Max had built."
"A playground?" Nic raises an eyebrow at Max. "You always have gone over the top for Gia. Spoiled her rotten.”
I catch the slight tension in Max's jaw, but his voice remains even. "The kids needed somewhere to play."
“Well, how about you catch me up on Benny while Gia and the kids get ready to go?”
I'd known we'd be leaving soon, but now with Max knowing the truth about the twins, everything feels different. Surely, we need to resolve this. What is his plan?
I look at Max, fully expecting him to say something to indicate he and I had some unfinished business. Hell, he should claim his kids, loud and proud, even if Nic gets upset.
Max's eyes flick to mine for a fraction of a second before returning to Nic. Before he can say anything, the back French door opens, and the kids come bursting in.
“Uncle Nic!” they squeal in unison, launching themselves at him.
Nic catches them both, lifting them into a bear hug. "There are my munchkins! Have you been good for Max?"
"We made breakfast every day!" Daniella announces.
"And Uncle Max built us a playground," Dario adds, bouncing on his toes. "Come see it!"
My heart aches watching them. They're so comfortable here, so happy. I steal a glance at Max, who's staring at the children with intensity. Emotion crosses his face, and I hold my breath, waiting for him to accept them as his own.
"Actually," Nic says, setting them down, "we need to pack up your things. You're coming home with me today."
The joy drains from their faces. Dario’s bottom lip trembles. "But we just got our playground."