Total pages in book: 88
Estimated words: 84843 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 424(@200wpm)___ 339(@250wpm)___ 283(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 84843 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 424(@200wpm)___ 339(@250wpm)___ 283(@300wpm)
“Kelly?” I asked.
He nodded. “I don’t remember her name, but she smelled good and she showed me some nice pictures.”
“Yes, Kelly is okay. So are the other mechanics. But no one else. If you see a stranger, run and get someone you know. If they come to you, yell. You have to promise us that.”
“I will.”
Stefano ruffled his hair. “That’s my smart boy.”
“Should I be scared?” Theo asked, his bottom lip beginning to tremble.
“No,” Stefano said firmly. “You have nothing to be scared of. I won’t let anything happen to you. No one will. You’re safe with me.”
I tried not to cry as I watched Theo stretch out his arms and Stefano enfold him in his embrace. He murmured something to Theo, who nodded and patted Stefano’s wide shoulders. His hand looked tiny on the massive expanse, yet I knew there wasn’t a safer place in the world for my son. Stefano cradled him as if he was holding something precious, and I realized that, to him, that was exactly what Theo was. What we both were.
I met Stefano’s gaze over the top of Theo’s head. He nodded imperceptibly, telling me without words we were both safe. Loved. I nodded back in understanding.
He dropped a kiss to Theo’s head. “Okay, little man? You understand?”
Theo nodded, satisfied. “You’ll take care of the bad man. And I get to stay here with you.”
“Yep.”
“Okay.”
Theo yawned. “Can you read to me now, Stefo?”
“Absolutely.”
Stefano looked at me. “I ran the tub pretty hot, so the water should be good now. You go soak, and I’ll tuck in our little man, okay?”
I bent and kissed Theo’s cheek. He flung his arms around my neck. “I love you, Mom.”
I brushed the hair off his head. “I love you,” I murmured.
I stood, pausing at the door, looking behind me. Stefano had stretched out, his back against the headboard, the book open on his lap. Beside him, Theo had cuddled down, clutching his blanket with one hand, his other resting on Stefano’s leg, as if touching him made him feel safer.
“Stefo?” he asked, sounding drowsy.
“Yeah, little man?”
“I really don’t have to play the tote game again?”
“Nope. Never. You and your mom are staying right here, with me.”
Theo lifted his hand, and Stefano took it, encasing it in his much larger palm.
“Stefo?”
“Hmm?”
“I have a wish.”
“You want to tell me what it is, or is it a secret wish?” Stefano asked quietly.
“I wish you could be my dad. I love you like I love my mom.”
My eyes filled with tears at his simple words.
Stefano’s voice was tight as he replied, his gaze never leaving mine.
“I love you too. And I love your mom. I’m gonna work on that, little man. Okay? You keep wishing.”
Theo smiled, although his eyes never opened. “Okay.”
Stefano kept looking at me, a silent promise in his eyes. He blew me a kiss, mouthing “See you soon,” and indicating for me to go to the tub.
I walked down the hall and slid into the waiting bath. As Stefano predicted, the water was perfect. The old claw-foot tub was deep, and I sank under the water gratefully after I took a couple of Tylenol for the persistent dull ache in my head. Given all that had transpired the past few days, I should be a bundle of nerves. On edge and anxious. But here, in this room filled with steam and the scent of lavender, all I felt was calm. Right. Stefano’s words had not only calmed Theo but me as well.
Stefano was right. I was no longer alone. Whatever tomorrow held, whatever happened next week, I wouldn’t have to face it on my own. I could rest easy knowing Stefano was close, keeping us safe.
Stefano had lit a candle, and the flickering light cast shadows onto the walls, making the space cozy. I let my eyes drift shut, and I floated. My body relaxed, and I enjoyed the peacefulness surrounding me. The door opened, and I heard Stefano’s low chuckle.
“Head up, Tesoro.”
I lifted my head, and he tucked a towel behind it, running his hand over my forehead. “Little man is down for the count. He barely lasted two pages.”
“Hmm,” I murmured. “Thank you for making him feel better.”
I felt his lips against my cheek. “Anytime. Anything.” I heard him settle on the floor next to the tub.
“What is the tote game?” he asked after a moment. “Obviously, it has to do with you leaving, but I don’t exactly know what it entails.”
I sighed. “I get him to separate his toys. Put his favorites in the bin so I’m sure to take them when we leave. I didn’t realize how clever he was and he figured out my ‘organizing’ meant that we’d be leaving.”
“Not this time,” he said roughly. “Never again.”
“No,” I agreed. “He loves being close to you.”