Page 50 of Matteo

“Good…um, I’m sorry she’s calling you that?—”

I shake my head. “I’m honored by it. It also makes sense with me being the only man in her young life who takes care of her.”

Sighing, she pushes up off the floor to sit on the couch. “It feels wrong. I mean…”

“Hey, everything is going to work out. Trust me. Now, how are you feeling?”

Another sigh. “I feel better, nearly one hundred percent. Which is why it surprised me when I slept through the alarm I set for my nap.”

“Because you pushed yourself too hard today. Your body will remind you it needs rest, whether you want to give it or not.” Layla kisses me open mouth on my cheek. “Thank you for your kisses. I missed you today, too. How was your day, my sweet girl?” I sit down on the chair beside the couch with her on my lap. She babbles at me and does a lot of pointing to her basket full of toys.

“You want one of your toys?” I ask, taking her to the basket. She points at the ball activity one. I give it to her, and she’s happy when I sit down again.

“I’m going to change real quick. Do we have time?”

“Of course. It looks nice outside, but it’s cold. So dress warm. My mom did get you both a jacket and a coat. If you wear long sleeves, you should be able to wear the jacket. If not, then you’ll want the coat.” I warn her.

Her face falls. “I was hoping it was warmer with the sun out. I’ll be right back.”

Nancy waves at me. “Hello, would you like a cup of tea?”

“No, thank you. How are you? You’re good to stay?”

“Oh yeah, Layla is a sweetie. I’m going to take her into her room, though, so she doesn’t see you guys leave. It will cut down on her getting upset.” She holds out her hands to Layla.

Layla shakes her head and buries her face in my neck.

Damn. There’s that clenching in my chest again. “I’m sorry, baby girl. I missed you too. How about we go change your diaper?”

I motion for Nancy to follow me. She understands and is only a few feet behind me.

Settling Layla down on her changing table. I give her kisses on her neck. She’s giggling as she clutches at my face. I step back, and Nancy steps forward. Layla looks for me until Nancy takes off her diaper and talks to her. And Layla’s attention is on her.

I exit the room as quietly as I can.

“She’s going to cry when we’re gone, isn’t she?” Amy murmurs. “Maybe we should wait…”

“I’m trying hard not to think of her crying while we’re gone. However, we won’t be gone long. It’s not a bad thing to get used to you not being with her twenty-four-seven. She didn’t cry when I took care of her, except for when she woke up hungry once.” I’m not sure if I’m trying to reassure her or myself.

Amy sighs. “Okay, you’re right. Let’s get this over with.”

Matteo

I offer her the keys down in the garage. “This is going to be your vehicle. Do you want to drive us to the office?”

“This?” Her eyes are big. “A BMW…it’s just—what if I scratch it or wreck it or something?”

“Then I buy you another one.”

She shakes her head. “I can’t believe?—”

“Did we not already discuss how much money I have? It’s fine. The only thing I’ll be worried about is if you’re all right or not. It’s metal, wood, and leather. You’re more important than all of that.”

I open the passenger door for her after she shakes her head when I offer her the keys again. Once she’s inside, I close it gently.

During the short drive to the office, she’s quiet. I don’t press her.

It’s not until she answers the questions of the woman at the office that she says anything. When I pay the taxes, the woman raises her eyebrows. However, neither woman says a word.

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