Draped across the small love seat, his legs hanging over the end, was Stefano. Lying across his chest, his little hand resting on one massive arm, was Theo. Stefano’s other arm was over Theo, anchoring him close. Theo’s tousled head was resting on Stefano’s shoulder, and they were both asleep. Stefano’s deep, even breathing was interspersed with Theo’s grumbly noises.
For a moment, all I could do was stare. They were adorable. One so large and protective, the other so small and safe, wrapped in a warm, gentle embrace. Their coloring was so similar, they looked as if they belonged together.
I had to blink away the sudden onslaught of tears.
Where was Alfie, and what was Stefano doing here?
I moved closer and laid my hand on Stefano’s arm. He stirred, and I whispered his name. His eyes opened, blinked, then he smiled. It was wide, open, and warm. So warm, I felt it all over my body.
“Tesoro,” he murmured. “You’re home.”
Something in my chest tightened at his words.
“What are you doing here?” I asked.
He glanced down, running his hand over Theo’s curls.
“Make me a coffee and I’ll tell you.”
“Okay.”
STEFANO
I carried Theo to his room, tucking him into bed. He’d barely moved as I’d lifted myself off the small sofa, still holding him. He burrowed under his blanket, and I watched him for a moment, lifting my shoulders and stretching out my back and neck. I was way too big to be sleeping on such a tiny piece of furniture.
I had arrived just after seven and spent over an hour doing little repairs for Mrs. Scott. She trailed behind me, nattering on about the house, the upkeep, and getting too old.
“I stay now for Gabby and Theo. She helps me so much.”
“I’m happy to help too, Mrs. Scott.”
“Peony. I told you to call me Peony.”
“My mama taught me my elders were Mr. and Mrs. or sir and ma’am. Hard to break that habit.”
“You were brought up right.”
“I think so.”
“Gabby’s trying to do the same with that little boy up there. She’s crazy about him.” Mrs. Scott sighed. “She works so hard. Too hard.”
“Does she work every night?”
“Except Sunday and Tuesday or Wednesday unless she picks up extra shifts,” she confirmed. “She told me the only job she could find in the daytime didn’t pay her enough to cover Theo’s care. Shame. She struggles so hard. I worry for her.”
I grunted as I tightened the washer on the faucet. I worried too.
Mrs. Scott tilted her head, studying me as I wiped my hands on a rag. “Maybe I don’t have to worry as much now?”
I chuckled. “That’s up to her. As you pointed out, she’s stubborn.”
She moved closer, laying her hand on my forearm. Her skin was as white as snow, blue veins running under the transparent skin like a road map. Her fingers were cool, the rings loose. Her hand looked tiny against me. Her voice was solemn.
“She’s more than stubborn, Stefano. She’s frightened. Something’s got her spooked. I recognized that the first time I met her, but she’s never told me what it is.”
I frowned at her words. Gabby was scared of something from her past? I hadn’t considered that. I thought she was cautious, stubborn. Fear hadn’t entered my mind, but now that Mrs. Scott had pointed it out, it made sense. Gabby always seemed on edge, as if expecting the worst. Leery of strangers. Afraid to accept help or to depend on someone.
“Be patient with her,” she said softly. “I have a feeling you could make a big difference in her life.”
I nodded slowly.
The sound of a young voice made me look up. A teenager was in the double doorway, pale and sweating.
“Mrs. Scott, I’m not feeling so well. I think I need to go home.”
“Where’s Theo?” I asked, moving forward.
“In his room.” The kid clutched his stomach. “I really gotta go.”
I patted his shoulder. “We got this.”
He turned and ran, and I looked back at Mrs. Scott. “Guess I’m staying awhile.”
“Theo can come down here. He sleeps in the guest room a lot.”
I shook my head. “No, I think a boys’ night is in order.”
Her smile was bright. “I think that’s a good plan.”
I walked into the kitchen, meeting Gabby’s gaze. She indicated the box on the counter.
“You ordered pizza?”
“Little man said he was hungry. I hadn’t had dinner. It was easy.”
She slammed her hand on her hip. “I do feed him, you know. He had supper. In fact, he ate two bowls of spaghetti.”
I shook my head, chuckling. “I have eight nieces and nephews, Gabby. I am well aware of when I’m being played. The fact was, I was hungry, and it was fun to share a pizza with the little guy.” I tilted my head, making my voice soft. “I am also well aware that you are an amazing mother. Theo is a lucky kid to have you.”