Page 94 of The Godfather’s Christmas Twins

“He’s taking us home,” I say as he picks up Dario.

We’re down the hall when both are back sound asleep in our arms.

As we cross the foyer, Nic is glaring at us from his office. “Take them home, Gia,” he says. “I’ll never force you and the kids from your home.”

I have half a mind to go to the hotel anyway, just to spite him. But I need to get the kids in their own beds and back into their routine. A routine that could be changing depending on what Max wants.

I can’t bring myself to speak to Nic, but I give a curt nod as we walk out the door. I can’t deny that I’m a little paranoid that one of Nic’s men might jump out and kill Max or haul him off to avoid killing him in front of me and the kids.

The drive to my place is quiet, both kids dozing in the backseat. Max drives, keeping his eyes on the road. I think he’s worried too.

At home, Max carries Dario while I take Daniella up to their room. We settle them into their beds. The kids are too sleepy to protest or ask questions, though Dario manages to extract apromise from Max to make pancakes in the morning before he drifts off.

I stand in the doorway watching Max tuck the blanket around our daughter. He brushes her hair back from her face. When he straightens and turns to me, his expression is filled with emotion.

"They're perfect," he whispers. "I'm so sorry I wasn't here for them. For you."

“You didn’t know.” I lead Max to the living room, the volatile energy of the day still cracking through me. I’d like to go to bed, preferably in Max’s arms, but there’s still so much to be said. To be made clear.

We sit on the couch, the soft glow of the lamp casting shadows across his face as he turns to me, and for a moment, I'm transported back to that night six years ago when I asked him to love me.

“I can’t believe you’re here,” I say.

"I meant what I said. I've loved you for so long, Gia. Every day away from you, from our children… it's been fucking torture."

My heart stutters at his words. After years of uncertainty, of wondering if I meant anything more to him than an obligation, hearing him say these things makes me feel dizzy with emotion.

"I tried to tell myself it was better this way," he continues, taking my hand. "That it was too dangerous to reveal the truth. But when you walked out of my house… I swear, I died.”

"I never stopped loving you," I whisper, the words finally breaking free after being trapped inside for so long. "Even when you pushed me away, even when you acted like I meant nothing… I couldn't stop."

Max's hands frame my face, his thumbs brushing away my tears. "You've meant everything to me, always. I was just too much of a coward to admit it."

"Not anymore?" I ask, needing to hear him say it.

"Not anymore," he confirms. "I love you, Gia. You and our children are my whole world."

My heart swells at Max's declaration. The years of longing, of keeping my feelings locked away, finally break free. "I love you too. I never stopped, even when I thought I should."

Max pulls me closer, his familiar scent wrapping around me like a shield against all the pain and fear of the past. His fingers thread through my hair as he presses his forehead to mine.

"When can we tell them?" he asks, his voice thick with emotion. "The kids. When can I tell them I'm their father?"

I pull back slightly to look into his eyes, seeing the mix of hope and uncertainty there. "Tomorrow. We'll tell them over those pancakes you promised to make."

Max's breath catches. "You're sure? It's not too soon?"

"They already love you," I say, touching his cheek. "And they deserve to know their father loves them too. We've all waited long enough, don’t you think?"

I expect him to smile and take me in his arms, but his expression is still hesitant, worried. "You know, it's possible I won't have a job… or my life?—"

I press my fingers to his lips. "Nic won't kill you. I won't let him."

Max grins. "My protector."

I laugh, but his expression falls again.

"I have money and skills, but I don’t know where… or how we’ll live."