If waiting is a sport, my wife would excel at it. Me? Not so much. I will forever remember this date as the strangest day I have ever experienced. I found out about my seventeen-year-old daughter. Seventeen! My mind is still trying to digest everything, but the guilt swims around me. I love my children with all my heart. Knowing that I wasn't even aware one of them existed her entire life is eating away at me.

I am in my office upstairs with Isabella. We are perched on the sofa, and she is gently massaging my bicep. I am reviewing the paperwork I received from CPS. As I flip through the papers, I notice the cursive on the letter Aurora's mother left. I know Isa hasn't read it yet, so I open it up again to see if I missed some clue in my haste earlier. My wife is going to be mad, I know that beyond a shadow of a doubt, but maybe she can spot something I can't.

Dear Sydney Dallas,

This letter will reach you during a difficult period, but I hope it offers you a sense of purpose as you navigate through it. I am leaving my daughter in your care. She passed out during our trip here. I had to act fast, take her and leave, so she doesn't have any belongings.

My family found out she was conceived out of wedlock, and they tried to take her life because of my actions. It's just the way our people were trained. They don't understand her importance, yet. Whatever happens to me, I don't regret Aurora for even a second. She is a miracle. I found a way to keep my family off her trail, so you don't have to worry about her safety.

Protect her, Sydney, and give her a home - it's your job after all. I included her birth certificate in the envelope. Her father is an honorable man. I am sure he would take her in. Find James Theodore King. He will love her as he was always meant to. I know you will have to show this letter to James, so I leave my next words to him.

When you and your family read this, know that I apologize for not telling you about her existence. She was happy with our family, but I didn't expect things to unravel so quickly. She never knew pain, sorrow, sickness, or any other bad thing. I could never tell her because she was better off thinking her father was one of us. She was safe...until they found out.

I love my brothers and sisters dearly. If I don't die for my sins, I will do everything in my power to convince them that where she came from doesn't matter. They just need a little nudge in the right direction. The old ways don't serve us the same in this new world.

You can't protect her forever, James, of that I am certain. Make sure she learns how to protect herself, both physically and mentally. Your wife can help with both. I will have someone I trust approach her to teach her about my family's legacy...her legacy. Until then, keep her hidden, safe, and make sure she learns. She must learn from all of you. She has to be prepared. If you decide to show Aurora this letter someday, I will write the next words for her.

Nothing is as it seems down there, my child. The lines in the sand aren't clear. Stay true to who you are and don't look for me. If I can, I will find you in time. Home is where the heart is, Aurora, so open yours to your father and his family. I promise they aren't corrupted, even if they sometimes do bad things. You will see that for yourself in time. I love you!

Ariel

Isabella huffs and gets up to pace in the center of the room. "Better off? Who does that woman think she is? Aurora wasn't better off thinking her father was a dead soldier or whatever lie they told her. She needed you, her real dad."

"The only reason that woman kept it to herself was because she knew she would get exposed for who she really was. A hypocrite! She was living in her imaginary bubble when she should have run fast the moment she found out she was pregnant. Or better yet, give Aurora to us after the birth without her crazy cult family ever knowing about her."

"If she knew it was so dangerous for them to know, she should have protected her daughter better. She shouldn't have stayed, hoping the truth would be under the rug where she buried it for the rest of time."

I don't say anything. I agree one hundred percent that Ariel should have thought about our child first. I could probably see things from Ariel's perspective one day, when I know the full story and a few years have passed. But right now, everything is raw, and I am bitter.

Instead, I change the subject, "Is Aurora still sleeping?"

Isa stops pacing and looks at my worried expression. "Amore, she is fine! I just left her room. I changed her bandages, too." I had completely forgotten the tattoos mentioned by the social worker.

I look at my wife, and once again, she knows my need without uttering a single question. "They are healing nicely, but I also saw some scarring below the tattoos. I didn't have time to properly check, but it looks like the tattoos are covering up old wounds. Plus, the scars match the exact shape and form of the tattoo itself, which is weird."

How the fuck didn't I think to take her to a doctor first? I mumble, "We will need to take her to a proper check-up with a doctor we trust."

"I have already spoken to the family doctor. He will come whenever we need him." Is it any wonder why I love this woman? She thinks of everything.

Scenarios keep replaying in my head. What if the boys don't get along with their sister? What if Aurora hates us? How will I tell our boys? How am I going to find Ariel? I feel the burnout already sneaking up on me, even though I found out about Aurora today. I can't predict how things will go, no matter how much I think about it. I have to make my peace with that fact, even though I hate not knowing or not having a plan. I have never been this scattered.

Isa takes my hand, and calmness washes over me. Her touch alone is enough to stop my thoughts from racing. "Let's get dinner started. It will get your mind off of it. The boys will be back any moment, and we can't just blurt it out. Do you think they will be happy? I know we never talked about more kids around them after..."

She hesitates and doesn't finish her thought. I am quick to assure her. "I am sure that they will be ecstatic. You know Wes hates being the youngest." Of course, that makes my gorgeous wife laugh and forget about her dark thoughts. It's not a total lie. Weston has always hated being the youngest sibling, but the truth is, I don't know how the boys will react to the news.

I've always taken pride in how well I know my family. Under normal circumstances, I could predict their reactions with confidence. But being thrown into the middle of this situation headfirst without any warning is affecting my ability to think straight.

I still can't get over how beautiful my little girl is. Those blonde waves cascading around her angelic face. She doesn't have the color of my eyes or hair, but I see a little of my mother's cheekbones and nose on her face. Too bad she didn't value her own life long enough to meet her first granddaughter.

...

We go to the kitchen and start cooking. We are having pasta Pomodoro. It's a favorite in our house, and the boys love it. I also make Potato Croquettes because it's my specialty. I want to impress my little girl.

We throw in some appetizers and a few easy salads, so she can have plenty to choose from. By the time we finish, we have enough food to feed a whole village. In no time, the boys arrive home, but before they can head upstairs, Isa brings them to the kitchen.

"It smells amazing! As always, of course. Why are you bribing us?" Mateo is quick to be suspicious with a tinge of humor. Our oldest is very smart and perceptive. Unfortunately, that talent only works on those around him. He often overlooks the things relating to him, even if they are right in front of his eyes.

Weston is quick to whine, "Why can't I shower first? I'll accept all forms of bribery right after I change out of these sweaty clothes. I reek after today's practice!"

"You reek every day, practice or not! Did you only just notice?" Mateo fires at his brother, and Weston scowls, offended.

This is it, James! Focus and coherently explain things.

After nothing comes out of my mouth, I look at Isa for guidance. I have no idea how to start breaking this news to them. I am still in shock, I guess.

My wife rolls her eyes at me playfully and explains. "Boys, we wanted to tell you something before you head upstairs. We don't want you to find out by mistake. There is someone in the house, they are sleeping, and we don't know if they will be up for dinner."

Weston thinks that is the end of the news because he doesn't let his mother continue. "Cool. That's why you're making a feast. Now, can I shower?"

Isa looks at him with the signature motherly face expression that roughly translates to 'Did you just interrupt me?'. It sounds funny, but believe me, no one wants to be the target of that particular glare she uses. Weston quickly realizes his mistake, but it's already too late. His eyes widen, and he looks down, apologizing, "Sorry, Mom!" His brother, of course, snickers from the side.

Isa continues. "Anyway, as I was saying. You two need to know first, in case you run into the person before the rest of the family arrives tomorrow. Asher is meeting your grandparents, cousin, and uncle in Italy right now. They are all flying back tonight, so they should be home by morning or even before that."

She looks at me, and I know I need to tell the next part, so I clear my throat and take over. "We were contacted by a social worker, who informed us that I have another child. The social worker, Ms. Dallas, verified the parentage with a DNA test today and informed us."

The boys are quiet for a moment, but it doesn't last long, as I knew it wouldn't. Weston is quick to react, "You cheated on Mom?" He raises his voice at me and then looks over at Isa with raised eyebrows. "And you are letting him live?" Finally, he huffs, shakes his head, and mumbles. "Who are you and what have you done to my parents?"

Isa is quick to defuse the situation. She sternly but calmly orders, "Sit down, Weston."

I continue explaining, ignoring his outburst. "It's a girl, she is seventeen, and came from a weird home situation. We don't have all the information right now, but we will. She is upstairs sleeping, so you can't meet her now, but if she wakes up before the family arrives, we will introduce you to her. You will find out all the details tomorrow with the rest of the family."

The boys' faces undergo a range of emotions but ultimately settle on happiness. They look at each other and smile. The three of them had always wanted a sister, but were too afraid to bring it up in front of Isa. We have been open about the event that led to our separation all those years ago. They never wanted to hurt their mom by reminding her of the miscarriage, so they didn't voice their desires out loud.

Isa quickly picks up where I leave off, effectively assuring our sons. "I knew about your father's encounter with that woman all those years ago. I don't hold any grudges; we were separated at the time, and I wasn't an angel either. Your father isn't to blame here. If anyone is to blame, it's that wretched woman for keeping the child from us. We have always wanted a girl, and God has finally smiled down on us, even if the circumstances aren't ideal."

Mateo asks, "Why did her mother leave her at seventeen?"

I exchange a hesitant look with Isa, but she gives me an affirmative nod, so I decide to tell Mateo and Weston now. "Because her family found out she was conceived outside of marriage..." I pause mid-sentence because I know the next part will anger them just as much as it angered me.

They are clearly confused. Nowadays, normal people don't care about these sorts of things that much. "...and tried to kill her for it, so her mother had to place her somewhere safe."

Both their eyes widen from the unexpected statement. Then Weston's anger comes down like lightning. His booming voice echoes through the empty kitchen. "What the fuck?! Who does that? We should be killing them for that!"

In contrast, Mateo is quiet and calculating but still furious. He deduces, "It's why they are all coming, even our uncle and cousin, isn't it?"

I explain, "There are still a lot of unknowns. Your uncle's connections are crucial, and honestly, I am desperate to find out the truth in any way possible. Once we get all the details, we will decide how to handle this like a family."

Isabella is quick to warn them. "We want to make things very clear. She needs a loving and accepting family, and that's what we will be. I don't want you to scare her. We will decide what we will tell her about your uncle's work if she asks, but you shouldn't say anything about the matter."

I add to my wife's statement. "We need to give her a normal home to adjust to before anything else. In time, we will see how she adapts and decide what to do. At the end of the day, it's your uncle and cousin's secret, not ours to tell. Understand?"

The boys mumble quietly in understanding and go upstairs to change. Dinner is quiet for us, which is unusual for this family. Everyone is contemplating what Aurora's arrival will bring.

I am delighted Aurora exists, and I love her with all my heart, even though I only met her today. Right now, though, I don't feel the same giddiness I did when the boys were born. For one, I expected all my boys and waited patiently for them. But my daughter's arrival surprised me. The mysteries surrounding her family and what happened to her are what give me the most unease.

Is my daughter safe? What do I need to protect her from? What happened to her?

These questions plague my mind all evening, and I can't even properly enjoy the first night my little girl is home. Aurora hasn't woken up all night. The boys and even Isa went to bed, but I am still awake at three in the morning waiting for her to wake up. I can't be asleep when she gets up I need to be there for her.

I hear my wife's slippers padding on the stairs. She comes to stand behind me, while I face the fireplace on the couch. Isa kisses my cheek gently and mumbles. "Amore, you haven't gone to bed." It's not a question. She knows. She always does.

"I need to be here for when she wakes up. I owe her at least that." My love sighs and pads away. Or at least I think she does, but a few minutes later, I hear her steps again. Isa comes up next to me with a blanket and makes herself comfortable. She lies on my chest and wraps the fluffy material around us.

Before her breath evens out, she mumbles. "She's tired and she is healing, I wouldn't be surprised if she slept through the night. It's going to be fine, amore. Trust me!"

...

Morning comes and goes swiftly, and I haven't slept a wink all night. The rest of our family members arrived from the airport along with a pouting Asher. I'm sure he wasn't keen on abandoning the rest of his backpacking trip around Europe, but he will understand once he finds out why.

Isabella had already prepared brunch using last night's leftovers. Everyone is sitting in the backyard enjoying the midday sun near the rose garden.

I, on the other hand, am sleep-deprived and worried. Aurora did sleep through the night and still hasn't woken up. I went upstairs to check on her many times in the morning, but she looked okay. Isa assured me many times that there is nothing wrong with sleeping. After an emotional event like that, it's normal. But in my heart of hearts, I know I won't be able to calm down until I see my daughter awake.

My mother-in-law, Gianna, voices what everyone is probably thinking right now. "James, dear, you look like you haven't slept well. Is everything alright?"

Her husband, Leonardo, adds, "Yes, and why did you guys call everyone. It must have been an emergency. Not that I don't love having our family together, but I can smell a mystery from a mile away, and two of the boys can't hide their expressions that well yet." He winks at Weston, hoping to lift his mood. Our youngest boy has always been the jester of the group, and seeing him quiet must have worried them.

I clear my throat and tell everyone why we gathered them on such short notice. At first, everyone is shocked to find out I have a child close to Weston's age. The mood quickly changes when they find out it's a girl. I can actually see the joy in Gia and Leo's eyes when they digest the news that they finally have a granddaughter to spoil.

Isa is quick to assure everyone that she is excited about Aurora, as well. Any reservations they might have had fade when they hear the happiness in their daughter's voice.

Alessandro, Isa's younger brother, gets up first and congratulates us both, but I focus on my son, Asher's reaction. I see a stray tear fall down his cheeks as he smiles warmly. He wipes it away before his brothers see him get emotional. Ash has always wanted a sister he can connect to in a way he can't with Wes or Mateo. Our three boys have very different personalities, and Ash has always felt like the odd one out for many reasons.

The happy celebration gets interrupted by Mateo and Weston's expressions. I know they are worried about Aurora's past after what we revealed last night. My boys are all protectors at heart, and I'm sure even Ash will agree.

When they barely say anything, everyone gets suspicious. "Why the long faces, you two?" asks their grandma, Gia.

The boys search their mother's eyes and then stare down at their shoes. They promised us last night to step back and let us reveal everything surrounding Aurora's arrival at our pace. Everyone gets quiet because they know something is wrong.

Isa squeezes my hand and takes over effortlessly. She explains in a very Isa way what we know so far. By the end of the story, everyone is outraged about the lack of information. Of course, it's the matriarch of the Cesari family who restores the order.

"Everyone, calm down. We will cross that bridge when the time comes. Now, where is the little angel?" The family is anxious but excited to meet her. I am glad I married into a loving family like this one. My parents weren't the worst people, but they died early before they could make up for their mistakes.

Isa answers, "Sleeping. I checked on her before we came back inside." I don't voice my concern about that, but it still gnaws at me how it's considered normal when a person sleeps so much.

"What's her name?" Alessandro asks, and everyone holds their breath to hear the answer. I smiled at their curiosity before answering.

"Aurora."

We clear the table and go back inside. I plan to go upstairs and check on my daughter. She can't still be sleeping, can she?

Isa rants and paces near the fireplace, as she always does when she is mad, until Leonardo clears his throat loudly, which makes her stop pacing. Leo is looking toward the door to the hallway.

My little angel is there, still in Isa's clothes, looking wide-eyed at everyone. Before I can say anything, Isabella starts to apologize, which has everyone turning their heads toward her.

My wife never apologizes with words. She prefers to show she is sorry rather than say it, but I can guess why she verbalizes it now. Isa wants Aurora to like her, and she got startled by her presence.

Talking badly about Ariel behind Aurora's back doesn't paint my wife in the best light, even if her feelings are rational. I hope Aurora understands why we are feeling a certain way about her mother. Ariel needs to explain herself. She owes me this much.

A/N: This one took me longer than I thought it would. Real life sometimes gets in the way of my dreams, but I'm sure that happens to everyone. I hope you enjoy the next part of the story as we get a look at what happens while Aurora sleeps away upstairs, and we get a glimpse of the rest of her new family members. Stay happy and healthy, and as always, I would love some feedback!