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Sage tilted her head to one side and then the other, before breaking into a huge grin. “Points. We usually go out to dinner after my debates,” she informed Leonardo.

The way she turned to her Uncle Frank was a clear sign she really wanted her way on whatever she was about to ask. “Can we grab takeout instead and bring it back here?”

Without looking at her parents, Frank agreed to indulge Sage’s request. After her debate, which was a much closer call than she would have liked. Everyone reconvened at Frank’s for dinner.

It was so odd to see Oliver and Benjamin’s reaction so closely mirror each other. Emmanuel observed his boys. They interacted with everyone else the way they normally would, but didn’t speak to Leonardo. He didn’t blame his sons for their reaction. Even though his long-lost twin seemed to be welcomed into his family, albeit with various levels of hospitality, Emmanuel’s memory of what had happened remained raw. It was satisfying to him that his sons felt the same.

The boys were the first to leave for the night and requested a moment with their father to walk them out. Now that security was a part of their everyday lives, they travelled together if they were heading to the same location.

“Dad, are we just welcoming this Baldi guy into our family after everything he did?”

Emmanuel fully expected the question but was surprised the heated query came from his middle child. He looked at his eldest son.

“You look surprised. For once I had to reel in Benny. I’m the one who had to remind him to play it cool, so Mom wouldn’t get on us for being aggressive.” Oliver shrugged as he continued. “Seriously, Dad, I know you must have a reason for him to be so close. Right?”

Emmanuel had to look inside for an answer. He didn’t make a habit of lying to his boys. This matter was complicated because his feelings were… Complex. There were so many things to consider. He gave the boys the unvarnished truth… telling them things he would only share with their mother.

“All my cards on the table. Leonardo didn’t come into our lives on good terms. Part of me still wants to rip his life apart. I have my reasons for having him around. We have a common interest… Larson has hurt both of our mothers. Whatever I feel towards Leonardo will be squashed until we deal with him.”

“Then?” Oliver prompted.

“Leonardo is my twin. He says he wants to make things right?—”

“And you think he is being honest?” Benjamin asked.

This was the same question he had been battling with since he met his brother. No, not just his brother, his twin. Despite never acknowledging it, he felt a connection towards Leonardo. If they had met under different circumstances, they would probably be as close as his own sons. They hadn’t, and he battled with if he could accept him into his life.

“More than likely. Let’s put it this way. I have a backup plan if it turns out he isn’t on the up and up.”

Benjamin regarded him. “That is more than fair. Besides, I really would like us to find a new normal. This year has been so messed up. I’m just glad you and Mom figured everything out,” he stated, but something about his tone called for his father’s reassurance.

“Your Mom and I are stronger than ever. Our family did and will continue to get through anything.” Both his sons looked at each other and then nodded at him. The entire scene was reminiscent of when they were boys and looked to Emmanuel for assurance everything would be alright. Despite their ages, Emmanuel felt happy he could still give his sons this comfort.

When he returned inside, it was time to go home. Doc looked exhausted. Sage had negotiated apple pancakes with boar links for her breakfast, so she was spending the night at Frank’s.

On the way home, his wife drifted off to sleep. However, his Mom was also in the vehicle and kept him company.

“Today must have been a big day for you. You met a grandmother you didn’t know you had for the first time.”

“It was a unique experience.” Emmanuel gave his mother a synopsis of the information his Nonna had shared with him.

“I’m so sorry, Sweetheart. That poor girl. I’m glad you were able to meet her mother. Especially since my own parents passed away when you were so very young, and Larson’s mother, before you were born.”

Emmanuel thought about his mother’s words. Perhaps she was right. Maybe the lack of grandparents throughout his formative years was the reason he was so drawn to Nonna.

Emmanuel never considered Larson Sr. as a grandparent. Instead, he was someone who dispensed unsolicited edicts on the path Emmanuel’s life should follow. Larson Sr. passed away his first year of high school. Emmanuel had been… grateful. Otherwise, there was no way Larson would have agreed to allow him some time to follow his football career before taking the helm at Scott. Not for the first time, he wondered what his life would have been like if he was permitted to follow his own path.

Especially now that he knew the family had a spare for him all along. Leonardo also had a master’s degree in business, and his company, which he built from the ground up, did well. Maybe it should have been the youngest who took over the company. Emmanuel smiled to himself. He would be sure to float the idea to Larson. The suggestion would probably cause him to have an aneurysm.

“Emmanuel where did your mind wonder off to?” his Mom asked.

“I was wondering if I would have made the same life choices, if I knew there was someone else who could take over the helm of the company.”

“Hm. I know it wasn’t your first choice, but you have more than risen to the occasion of leading the company. Your innovative ways of advancing the business have certainly pleased the stockholders.”

“Thanks, Mom.” Emmanuel slowed his speed as he prepared to exit the highway.

“Speaking of Leonardo. I have been reading up on twins and their bond…”

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