Page 82 of A Treasure To Keep (Leone Legacy #2)

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I t’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 Marco interrupting 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, and we drove together. I planned to tell you before Marco did, I promise.” Promise to tell me? When?

He grabs both my hands, kissing the back of them as he gives me big puppy dog eyes. UGH! Those eyes. They make me melt every time. “Mon trésor, you know I hate driving. How could I deny the kind offer?”

I wrap my arms around his neck, making it appear like I’m going to kiss him, but instead, I move my lips to the shell of his right ear.

“You do anything like this again, and I’ll tie you to a chair naked, stuff my panties in your mouth, and make you watch while I make myself come.

You’ll be unable to touch your poor weeping cock while you’re forced to watch my pleasure.

Do you understand?” I pull back, wrapped in his arms, as I stare into his beautiful eyes.

His pupils are blown wide enough that I can barely see the milk chocolate color of his eyes.

He audibly swallows, responding by nodding his head.

“Good boy.” I lean in, kissing him before I get into the back of Marco’s truck with Théodore.

During our entire relationship, I was sure there could never be a man more handsome than Andrea. As I stare at my son’s sleepy face, I know I’ve been proven wrong. Not that I’ll ever tell anyone, especially Marco. I’d never hear the end of it from him.

The entire car ride, Marco drives more cautiously than I’ve ever seen him drive. I wouldn’t consider him a reckless driver per se, but he’s keeping my anxiety in consideration with every acceleration, every time he passes a vehicle, and every turn.

My hand suddenly jumps to my chest, my heart thumping against my hand, when we pass the area where my car was hit.

Where I was hurt enough that my son had to be born early to protect him.

I stare at the side of the highway, locking onto the damaged guardrail I came to find out was the solid thing my car hit before tumbling over.

My head pivots, not breaking contact with the rail until it’s out of sight.

When I turn my head forward, Marco is staring into the rearview window.

He raises his eyebrows, silently asking me if I’m okay.

Instead of answering him verbally, I mouth the next words, preventing Andrea from hearing my worries.

“Watch the road.” Marco nods, flicking his eyes back to the highway in front of him.

Thankfully, that interaction is missed by Andrea.

He doesn’t need another reason to worry.

My body suddenly relaxes the second we pull into the parking lot.

The vibration of Marco’s truck stops once he pulls his keys out of the ignition.

He and Andrea climb out of the truck, slamming the door before I get the courage to open the door myself.

Marco pops open the back door, unlatching Théodore’s car seat from the base.

Simultaneously, Andrea opens the opposite door, offering his hand to help me down from the truck.

Andrea unlocks the apartment door, letting me walk in first to set the diaper bag on the coffee table.

When I turn around, I fully note Marco with Théodore when he takes him out of the car seat, holding his body close to his chest. Can you say drool?

Why the fuck is he that hot with a baby?

I can practically hear the purring from under my skirt.

Calm down, girl. It’s only some biological bullshit about him creating Théodore with me.

Nothing about the fact that he’s a smoke show.

At least, that’s what I’ll choose to believe.

Théodore’s soft cries interrupt my meowing nether regions. I know by this specific cry I’ll leak if I don’t feed him now.

Marco stiffens, convinced he did something wrong. “Remind me. What cry is this?”

“He’s hungry. It does sound similar to his ‘I’m new to this world, and I am crying because life is overwhelming’ cry. Hold onto him for a few more seconds while I get ready to nurse. Then you can hand him to me.”

Théodore latches almost immediately when Marco hands him to me, a small hum matching his suckling as he eats.

Marco links his hands behind him, rocking back and forth on his feet. How more childish can he get? “So uhhhh. What can I do?”

“You’re more than welcome to try and find the bed in the spare room.

I was the bigger person and didn’t shred or burn the clothes you left here.

Andrea will make us lunch soon. You can run to your place and grab anything you need for work and other personal items. Also, we’ll eventually need to discuss the dirt bike and when we’re returning it.

” Marco pauses after that last sentence, scanning the room before swiping his keys from the entry table.

“What was that? Can’t hear you, I’m already leaving.”

Marco races out of the door, ignoring what I said about the dirt bike. No way in hell am I allowing my son on one of those death traps.

The door suddenly opens, Marco’s big ass head popping back in before slamming it again. “By the way, I have a matching one, and I got us both helmets. Okay, bye!” Fucking. Marco.

Andrea walks up to me, squatting in front of me, as he places one of his hands on my cheek. He caresses his thumb softly against my cheek as his eyes meet mine. His actions show affection while his eyes show concern. Probably the same concern I have.

“Are you sure it’s a good idea to let him stay here?”

“Oh, it’s a terrible idea. You have to admit, it’s been nice having him around. Similar to how it was before everything happened.” Andrea’s eyes show his agreement without the words coming out of his mouth.

For a few seconds, we exist in silence while my statement hovers heavily in the room.

Eventually, Andrea stands, kissing Théodore on the head before kissing me and walking into the kitchen. I situate my top, laying Théodore on my chest to burp him. As I rock side to side, gently patting my hand on my son's back, I process the last few weeks.

Marco, Andrea, and I have been getting along since Marco walked into the NICU. The animosity between us slipped away the second Marco held Théodore, and I saw him in Marco’s arms. I find myself reminiscing about the months the three of us had and how, even though I hate to admit it, I miss us.