Page 12 of They Found Us (Found #5)

Leo laughs as Mark climbs his shoulders. “Yes, we need to get this little monkey back to chasing those goats.”

“What have you got there?” I ask, noticing a bag in Leo’s hands.

“These are for us. Mobile phones. One for you and one for me. Not that I plan on leaving you again, but I would feel better if we had a way of contacting each other at any time.”

“Thank you.”

And I agree that it’s time. Leo was very against us getting phones when we first moved here. Safety, I suppose, as phones are trackable. But he is obviously feeling more secure about having them now. Maybe it has something to do with Alex and Vanna being here.

Leo takes two phones out of the bag and passes one to me. They are unwrapped and switched on. I was expecting a brand-new one in a box.

“Are they second-hand?” I don’t mean to sound ungrateful, but it’s been a long time since I had a new phone. The excitement of opening a new phone and peeling the screen sticker off is the best feeling.

“Yes, they are new. I’ve just set it up ready for you. My number, Alex’s, and Vanna’s are already in your contacts.”

“Okay. Thanks.” Lighting up the screen, I see it’s an iPhone. Thank goodness. I’ve never been an Android girl. But there aren’t many apps. In fact, the only thing on here is the green phone icon to make calls and the messaging speech bubble.

“Where are all the apps?”

Leo dismisses my concern. “No apps. Just calls and text. You don’t need anything else.”

Mark has gone back to his cartoons, and Leo is now standing over the cot cradling our new baby.

Feeling a little disappointed that I don’t get to play Candy Crush, I decide to be happy that at least Leo is letting me have a phone. Baby steps.

“Have you had any more thoughts on his name?” I’m really getting sick of everyone calling this baby Smith. A name that isn’t even ours.

“How about Zander?”

The name surprises me. It’s not one we’ve discussed or I’ve heard often. But I like it.

“So instead of Alex, short for Alessandro, Zander short for Alessandro?” I can’t help but smile as I ask, this means Leo has made peace with Alex.

“Yes, do you like it? Because if not, we can choose something else.”

“No, I love it.” I smile.

Leo places little Zander in my arms and then wraps his arm around me. We both stare at our second bundle of love.

“Zander Smith,” I say, while really thinking Zander Guerra. Wow. Zander Guerra really does sound like a mafia son. Thank goodness my boys will never live a life so dangerous. “It’s perfect, Leo. Ti amo.” I love you.

“Ti amo.” I love you.

The next day, all my test results come back fine. I’m pleased to be going home with my little family of four. Leo hasn’t let me lift a finger. He changed and dressed the boys and packed all my things. Much to my annoyance, he even dressed me, but you can’t argue with Leo Guerra—sorry, Smith.

A nurse pushes me to the exit in a wheelchair.

In front of me, Leo walks proudly, carrying a car seat containing Zander while holding Mark’s hand.

The nurses and patients he passes do a double-take.

His muscular, six-foot frame, dark hair, and handsome face demand attention.

Smiling to myself, I look at my boys. My boys . I’m the luckiest woman in the world.

Once Leo has safely fastened the boys into the car, he lifts me out of the wheelchair and carefully places me in the front seat of our SUV.

“Are you comfortable?” Leo examines my face.

“Yes, thank you.”

After double-checking my seat belt and kissing me gently on the lips, he rounds the car and gets in.

“Let’s get you home.”

It doesn’t take long. And the scenery on the way fills me with happiness.

It’s a coastal drive with beautiful green trees and colourful flowers on one side and clear blue sea and white sand on the other.

The windows are open in the car, adding to the sensation.

The smell of the sea air and sound of the waves and birds are glorious.

What a beautiful place to bring up our children.

Leo parks the car at the front of our house. As I study the door, grateful to be home, I notice something.

“Leo, what’s that?” I point to the black-and-white cylinder attached to the porch roof.

Without looking in the direction I am pointing, he replies, “It’s just a camera. I’ve had a couple fixed up around the house. Now that Mark is on the move at lot and with you not being as mobile for a while, I thought it would be helpful to keep an eye on everyone.”

A small part of me is a little concerned.

Leo has never once been bothered about safety since we arrived.

He always said we were safer without technology.

But then, maybe it’s because he thinks we are so safe, we can use technology again.

I’m definitely grateful for a mobile phone.

I couldn’t cope when I had no contact with Leo.

And maybe cameras will be helpful to keep an eye on the boys. Mark does have a tendency to run off.

Leo gets me out of the car first. Leaving Mark strapped in the car is a much safer option than getting him out and letting him run free in the house.

I don’t think it will be long, however, until he is able to unfasten himself.

As if I am going to break, Leo gently lifts me from the car and carries me into the house, heading for the stairs.

“Where are you going?” I ask.

“Taking you to bed. Bed rest for the next two days, apart from when the physios come. Doctor’s orders.”

“Yes, but bed rest doesn’t need to be in an actual bed. Can’t we make up a bed on the sofa so I can be with you and the boys?”

Leo stops in his tracks. “It would be easier to look after you all if you’re all on the same level.

“Exactly.”

Thankfully I was at the hospital when I had my cardiac arrest, so doctors were able to work on me straight away, and it didn’t take long for my heart to beat independently again.

The doctors are sure I will make a full recovery and not have any long-term health issues, which is amazing, but I just have to take these next few weeks very slowly.

Leo lays me comfortably on the sofa in the living room.

From here, I have a good view out of the bifold doors that lead out into the garden and on into the vineyard, and I can also see into the kitchen through the double doors.

Perfect. Once the boys are inside, Zander asleep in his crib at my side and Mark playing happily at the kitchen table, Leo covers me with a blanket.

Watching him care for my children and me fills my heart with so much love.

To see him now, this loving, doting father and husband, you would never believe he was the boss of the Guerra.

That he has tortured and killed many people.

Okay, they all deserved it in one way or another, but to look at him now, you would think he wouldn’t hurt a fly.

A notification chimes on Leo’s phone. “Alex is here.” He goes to the front door and lets him in.

“Hi, Katie. I’m not staying. Just thought I would pop in and see if you needed anything?”

“Thanks, Alex. I have no idea. Leo’s been taking care of everything. Is there anything we need, Leo?”

“I think we have everything we need.”

“Oh, Alex, we’ve decided on a name. Haven’t we, Leo?” I gesture to Leo to introduce Zander.

Leo takes the hint and picks him up. “Uncle Alex, meet your nephew, Zander.”

Alex takes Zander and looks at Leo, who nods, confirming he is named after his uncle.

“From the moment I got pregnant, Leo wanted to call him Alex. It had been his choice of name all the way through my pregnancy. But when we found you, we decided Alex may get a little confusing.

“Zander is perfect. I’m honoured. Thank you” His voice breaks a little when he speaks.

Alex and Vanna don’t yet have any children. They are a few years older than us. I’m not sure of their situation, and I don’t feel it's appropriate to ask. Not unless they were to bring it up, anyway. They are both really good with Mark and Zander, and they seem to really care for children.

While the boys chat in the kitchen, I let myself doze off, feeling very comfortable, safe and relaxed in my beautiful family home.