Page 23 of Hope & Harmony

CHAPTER 3

LUCCA

“Maddy,” my mother says, opening her arms before we’re fully in the house. “It’s so good to finally meet you.”

Maddy’s eyes are as big as saucers as my mother wraps her arms around her, giving her a long hug. “It’s nice to meet you too.”

My mother pulls back, keeping her hands on Maddy’s shoulders. “You’re stunning.”

Maddy’s cheeks turn a bright shade of pink. “Thank you,” she says, sounding uncomfortable.

“Ma, go light,” I say, reminding my mom that she can be a bit much for strangers, especially those who aren’t used to a hands-on mother.

Ma turns her gaze toward me with her smile still firmly planted. “I am being light.”

Maddy laughs. “It’s okay, Lucca. It’s nice.”

I smile at the easiness of Maddy with my mom. She doesn’t seem overwhelmed in the slightest.

“Are you hungry, doll? I made some food, and I’m sure you could use some after that long road trip.”

“Ma, it wasn’t even five hours.”

“Anything over an hour is a haul and requires a meal,” Ma says, making me sound like I’m ridiculous.

“I could eat,” Maddy tells her, making my mother happier than I’ve seen her in a very long time.

A moment later, the door opens, and Callie walks in, looking more than a little pregnant. “Oh my goodness,” Ma says, rushing away from Maddy and heading right toward Callie. “Look at you and my new grandbabies.”

“Twins,” Callie mutters to us over my mother’s shoulder as Ma hugs her harder and longer than she did Maddy.

“You’re right in time, baby. We’re just about to eat, and we must feed those babies and keep them healthy.”

Maddy comes to my side, sliding her arm into the crook of mine. “I can’t even imagine having twins.”

“Right?” I breathe, horrified at the thought of all the sleepless nights and constant feedings.

“Baby brother,” Rocco says as he walks in behind Callie, carrying two other children in his arms like they’re light bags of groceries.

“Whoa,” Maddy whispers as she tips her head back, taking in the enormity of my brother. “Why does he look so big here?”

“It’s the lower ceilings.” I assure her that he hasn’t grown larger since the last time she laid eyes on him.

“And with the kids,” she says in disbelief.

“He’s a sucker for his littles,” I tell her before turning my attention to him. “Congrats on the twins.”

He lets out a long exhale.

Callie smacks his chest with the back of her hand. “Don’t let him fool you. The man is over the moon about two more kids.”

“I’d have ten kids with you if you’d let me, baby,” he says to Callie.

Maddy slides her hand into mine, intertwining our fingers.

“This is going to be the best Christmas ever,” Ma says, clapping her hands together softly.

“The best ever,” Maddy repeats with a squeeze of my hand.

I lean over, kissing her temple and knowing there’s nowhere I’d rather be than right here with my girl and my family.

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