Page 81 of A Treasure To Keep (Leone Legacy #2)

Marco

A ndrea, 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.