Page 46 of Silent Night with Massimo

I point to the bathroom. "Mateo is just getting dressed," I say, loud enough for both of them to hear. "Mateo, your dad is here - and guess what he brought us."

"Um - " Mateo steps out of the bathroom, looking as cute as ever in his sweatpants and hoodie.

"Hey buddy - I brought pancakes."

"He's never had pancakes before." I smile.

"What?" I can see the anger in Massimo's eyes, but he pushes it away quickly. "Well, today is your lucky day then." He grins, setting the plate on the bed.

Massimo sits next to me on the sofa at the foot of the bed.

Mateo walks nervously toward the plate of food.

"How much am I allowed to eat?" he asks, glancing between us.

I swallow back my tears.

"That's all yours kiddo, and there is a whole bunch more downstairs if you want more."

"Really?" Mateo asks, shocked.

"As much as you like."

Massimo leans over and wraps his arm around my shoulder.

Mateo picks up the plate and sits down on the floor with it in front of him. He digs into the pancakes as though he's never eaten a meal in his life.

We watch him quietly, both of us more painfully aware of the tragedy he's endured. It's clear how long the road ahead will be, how much healing it will take before he can even begin to feel okay again. All I want is to see my son smile—a real, genuine smile. The kind that lets me know he feels safe, loved, and free from the shadows of everything he's been through.

Massimo leans close to me and whispers "We can do this - together - we will show him what a real family is."

I nod, leaning my head into his shoulder. "It isn't going to be easy." I sigh softly.

"It will be, as long as we stick together. I love you, and I love our family. You'll see. Everything is going to fall into place just how it is meant to be."

Our bedroom door bursts open and Bella rushes in, loudly singing Jingle Bells.

Mateo freezes, his eyes wide and his hands up in front of his face.

"Hello." Bella says loudly, plonking herself in front of him.

"I eated pancakes." She says, pointing at his plate. "You also."

Her grin is massive and Mateo, narrowed eyed, relaxes a little.

"Who are you?" he asks, picking up another pancake.

"Bella. I am me." She says, looking proud and pointing at herself.

Mateo chuckles. "You are kind of funny." He says.

"Mateo, this is your little sister. Her name is Bella." Massimo says.

"I have a sister." Mateo says to himself, tilting his head. "And a mom, and a dad." He chews his pancakes.

"It's Chismis. Santi Claws is coming." Bella says, standing up again and running in circles.

"We never did anything for Christmas." Mateo shrugs. "What do you do for Christmas?" he asks, talking to Bella.

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