Page 72 of A Treasure To Keep

Chapter 79

Marco

Andrea, El, and I sit in their lawyer’s office, signing our new agreement. Théodore’s birth certificate has been signed, confirming that El and I are technically his parents. With this addition, Andrea will always have the same parental rights as El and I. Théodore shares his last name. It’s only fair. He deserves it.

When I handed them the paperwork with the added clause, it was my form of an olive branch. The goal is to let them know that I’m putting Théodore’s needs ahead of any greed I’ve mustered up over the last few months. We all will be involved in raising Théodore. Therefore, we should have equal parental rights.

The meeting is quick, ensuring a confirmation email when everything is filed with the court.

Andrea and El walk in front of me, holding hands like lovesick kids in the hallway at school. It reminds me of the good ol days when we shared those same signs of affection. Strangely, I miss those moments more than I thought I did.

I know the three of us will end up back at the NICU, except I’d give anything to have a private moment with them. To see if our hostility toward each other only disappears when we focus on our son. I had plans to stop by this shop before heading to the NICU. It’s the perfect place and time to test it out. I’d be shocked if either of them turned down ice cream.

We’re officially out of the lawyer’s office, standing in front of the building on a busy street. I need to ask them now before they walk to their rental car.

“Would I be pushing my limits to ask you two to join me for a sweet treat? My favorite dessert place is down the street.” I’m treating myself to a loaded milkshake, with or without them. Chocolate milkshake, caramel around the rim, peanut butter chips placed on top of the caramel, brownie batter pieces on top of a mound of whipped cream, and sprinkles everywhere. Fuck yeah.

Both of them exchange looks, a silent conversation happening in their eyes. Eventually, El turns to me, a playful smirk tipping up the left side of her mouth.

“Fine. You’re paying.”

I rush her, picking her up to spin her around. I’m not sure what subconscious thought makes me do that. The way she giggles and Andrea’s gaze toward the sight make everything worth it. I lay her over my shoulder, racing down the street with Andrea in tow. For the first time in months, we’re genuinely having a good day. El is laughing, Andrea is begging me to put her down because of her stitches, and everyone around us is staring. This is perfect. In an ideal universe, this is how it would be forever.

Chapter 80

El

It’s been six weeks since Théodore was born, and I’m sitting in the NICU, ready to take my son home. Finally! Initially, his doctor wanted to keep him here for another few days. To our surprise, he passed every test they gave him last night and this morning. His doctor surprised us with the news almost two hours ago. Before I was done celebrating, Andrea took the rental car back to our apartment to grab the car seat for Théodore.

He has grown four more inches and has doubled in weight. His doctors are shocked by how tall he is already. Maybe he is going to take after Marco’s massive genetics. His dark hair has a few rogue curls that have appeared near the back of his head. Add that with the annoyingly adorable blessing boys have of perfect brows, thick dark lashes, and pouty lips, he will no doubt be a lady killer. Of course, with respect toward women, or I’ll ground him into the next millennia.

Andrea comes in carrying a car seat, Marco in tow. The three of us, specifically Marco and I, have been putting Théodore’s needs ahead of any past issues we have. I’ve even found Marcointerrupting himself when he’s about to say some dumbass sarcastic comment. Who knew he had self-control?

I’ve dressed Théodore in the cutest little orange onesie with a matching hat that flatters his skin tone and creates a fabulous contrast with his dark hair. If there’s one thing I can guarantee for his future, it’s that he will be the best-dressed kid around!

Nerves suddenly simmer in my stomach at the idea of driving him home. What if something goes wrong? What if I get into another accident? Almost instantly, I blurt out something that I’ve been thinking about. I was only hoping to clear it with Andrea first. I guess that’s not happening.

“Hey, Marco?”

“Yes?” Marco doesn’t take his eyes off Théodore as he loads him up in the car seat.

“I was wondering if you’d drive him in your truck. Your truck is much bigger, and I’d assume it’s safer in case something happens. We also never got to setting up a nursery for him. Andrea has been busy picking up doubles, and I’ve spent almost all day, every day, here. The spare room is filled with clothes, but there’s a bed somewhere in there. You’re more than welcome to stay with us temporarily.”

He stops mid-buckle, flipping his focus to where I stand.

“Seriously? Of course. But first, I have three questions. Why are you being this nice? Did something else happen? Is this your way of telling me I’m dying?” Fucking. Marco. I cannot roll my eyes enough. Let’s revoke the compliment about Marco not making sarcastic comments.

“No! It crossed my mind that it could be nice for Théodore to have all three of his parents under one roof. God forbid, I do what’s best for my son. Now. Don’t make me take back my offer.” Once Théodore is buckled in, I shove his bag at Marco, walking out of the NICU for the last time.

Before I know it, we’ve checked out, and I’m standing on the rails of Marco’s truck, buckling in Théodore’s car seat. The nerves I had earlier transfer into my heart racing when I think of what could happen in the thirty-minute commute to Andrea's and my apartment. I hate this.

I double-check the car seat, ensuring that it’s connected to everything correctly, and straighten Théodore’s hat. His gorgeous dark lashes fan across his face while his pouty lips search for his pacifier. I find it tucked between the car seat and his leg, situating the pacifier before climbing down from the rails. I shake off my nerves before turning to Marco, camouflaging any worries I have about taking my son home. “Okay. Drive slow. No dumbass stunts. Anything happens, and it’s your nuts on the table. Literally. I’m sure I could arrange something to have you down in Alessandro’s basement if needed.”

He tilts his head down, an annoyingly handsome smirk on his face highlighted behind the scruff that he’s let get longer than normal on his face. Why is that unnecessarily sexy? “Plot twist, piccola. I drove Lover Boy here. Regardless of whether I stay there or not, I’d have to drive you three home.”

I slowly turn my body in Andrea’s direction until I’m facing away from Marco. When did he plan to tell me about this? He must read my face as he answers, slowly making his way toward me.

“I had to take the rental car back to the apartment to grab Théodore’s car seat. It surprised all of us that they released Théodore today instead of tomorrow. Marco met me there, andwe drove together. I planned to tell you before Marco did, I promise.” Promise to tell me? When?