Song above for Chapter "Wildfire" by Seafret

A/N: For those who read the original version, you know this is the song that sparked the idea for this story. Music plays a huge role in my writing. I pictured a strong female lead who at first glance is underestimated and before the male lead realizes what is happening it's too late, he'd already fallen for her. So, that's how Elenora and Federico came to be. :) The song just fits their love perfectly! 

The video is also one of my favorites. It's wholesome and I can't help smile when I watch it. Sometimes I even cry! haha I dare you to try to watch it without smiling! (It's impossible for me haha)

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FEDERICO

"DADDY!"

I look up from my laptop in my office as my beautiful princess storms in with a fire lit behind her eyes. A spitting image of her mother, especially when she's angry; she has Elenora's dark curly hair, too. I smile at her as she approaches my desk.

I close the laptop and lean back in my chair knowing I'm going to need to settle in for whatever crisis I'm going to be a part of now. "What's it, cucciola?" (little cub)

"Please talk some sense into Mamma! She's being so unfair!" She waves her arms out in front of her, using her hands to express herself; another similar trait.

"Mamma doesn't need me to talk any sense into her, Violetta. But if she's being unreasonable then I'd be happy to find out why, but tell me."

"Matty went on a Senior trip with his friends and I haven't responded to Arabella because I thought Mamma would change her mind by now, but she isn't budging and the trip is in three weeks," She sighs and proceeds to dramatically collapse onto the couch in my office.

"Mateo went on his Senior trip almost three months after he graduated, and he was about to turn nineteen, so he was a little older; you and Vincenzo won't be eighteen for another two months. Your mom worries, with you being the youngest of your friend group, tesoro. If Vincenzo was going then maybe it would be different." (darling)

"Well, then it wouldn't be a girls trip now would it?" She picks at the threading of the pillow she's holding.

As if on cue, her twin brother, Vincenzo, walks in after knocking once, eating an apple.

"Speak of the devil," Violetta mutters. "I would ask if your ears were burning, but something tells me you were listening at the door, dear brother."

He grins as he pushes his dark hair back off of his forehead, and takes another bite of his apple. "Please, I don't need to listen in to know Pop isn't going to go against mom, Vi. You should know better by now, too, little sis."

Violetta rolls her eyes. "We're the same age doofus."

"I'm three minutes older; older is older," He winks as he takes another bite of his apple.

My phone chimes; it's a text from Matty, letting me know he's about to land. I stand and take notice the twins are swatting their hands at each other like a couple of windmills.

"Enough, you two."

But as usual, they continue until Vincenzo grabs Violetta in a headlock but she sweeps his leg, knocking him over. Vincenzo pulls her down and pins her but then our youngest runs in and jumps on Vincenzo's back, trying to get him off of his sister.

"Don't hurt my sister!"

I'm amused as he locks his arms around Vincenzo's neck and tries to wrap his legs around his torso but he's too small.

Violetta laughs as she gets out from under Vincenzo. "Thanks Theo, but don't hurt Vinny. I don't think his ego could handle it." She taps on Theo's arms and he loosens his grip.

"Who wants to come with me to pick up Mateo from the airport?" I announce.

They all volunteer with excitement.

"Where's your mother? I'll let her know you're all coming with me." I start walking out the door and Theo holds my hand as we walk out together; I love that he's still young enough to think it's cool to hold my hand.

"Mommy's punching the bag with Mostro. She said she needed to let out some frustration instead of committing a serious sin," Theo tells me casually as Vincenzo and Violetta snort behind us.

"Vi, you know it's you she's thinking about when she's hitting the shit—" I turn around in time to see Violetta smack the back of Vincenzo's head.

"Ow! What was that for? It's not like Theo doesn't hear the guys 24/7."

"You three go wait out front while I go talk to your mother." I chuckle to myself listening to the three of them bicker as they head out the front door.

Ciccio and Mostro walk out of the gym as I come around the corner. Ciccio's rubbing his side and Mostro is rubbing his head.

"Is this swelling?" Ciccio asks Mostro pointing at his left eye.

"Don't be a bitch, it's only a small mouse. Jackie knows how Nora is, she'll just lecture you on not wearing headgear when you spar as usual."

Jackie and Ciccio live a few houses down, but Ciccio's usually here when Jackie's working her long shifts at the hospital. They don't have any kids but have always treated our kids like their own.

They greet me when they see me. "Nora's working through some frustrations, boss, steer clear unless you want to end up on the mat or with a black eye," Mostro tells me.

The well known Enya music that Elenora listens to when she wants or needs to calm down starts blaring from within the gym.

"I'm headed to the airport to grab Mateo," I inform them.

"Can we come too?" Mostro asks me, with a hopeful look on his face.

I nod, smiling. "Sure, the other kids are out front already, I'm just going to let Elenora know."

"Great, I'm gonna let Sera know to meet me here when she gets off work." Mostro pulls out his phone, even though Serafina will just end up at the house anyway as usual.

I pull the gym door open and walk in, locking it from the inside after I pull it closed.

I come around the corner and watch as Elenora switches from different positions and she props her knees on the back of her arms near her elbows before she lifts and straightens her legs in a headstand. She holds the position for a few breaths before lowering back down keeping her ass in the air and I find myself pulled toward her.

I place myself behind her and pull her hips back. She chuckles as she straightens and turns to face me, smiling.

"You'd think you'd grow out of that, mio polpetta." She picks up the towel on the mat and dabs at the perspiration on her face and chest. (my meatball)

"Nope." I brush back the damp strands of her hair from her face and neck that have fallen loosely from the messy bun her hair is in.

"Plus, you know you love it." She chuckles and takes a drink from her water bottle.

"Feel better?"

She exhales as she hugs me. "Your daughter hates me."

"Our daughter doesn't hate you."

"It sure feels like it sometimes."

"You and Violetta are so similar that you but heads so much, mia patatina" (my little potato)

"Do you think she should go on this trip?"

"No, I agree with you and I told her that. You've always had good instincts about things and that's enough for me. But, once she turns eighteen if she decides to go backpacking across Europe, we can't do much to stop her."

"The boys might not like it when we tell them no, but they don't fight us on it the way Violetta does."

I chuckle. "Well, again, like mother like daughter, amore mio." I rub her back making my way up her shoulders. "Wow you're really wound up." Noticing the knots on her shoulders.

"Mmm, keep massaging me, that feels great," She moans.

I whisper against her ear. "I know something else that could use massaging that would relax you even more."

"Rico!"

"Let me help you forget what's bothering you, Elenora." I walk her back against the wall.

She gives me a shy smile. "But I'm all sweaty."

"That's never stopped me before." I wiggle my eyebrows and she laughs before I capture her lips in a kiss. Even after all our years together I love that her body still reacts to my touch and molds perfectly against mine.

She sighs in pleasure as my lips move over her neck, tasting of her sweet sweat. I lift the hem of her tank top and push her sports bra up over her breasts; my hands cover them and knead them. Her legs squeeze my leg that's in between hers when I pinch her nipples and I dip my head to use my mouth .

"Rico, someone could walk in," She pants.

"I locked the door," I tell her before I cinch one of her nipples lightly in between my teeth.

"Oh, thank god," She moans and pulls my face up to kiss me hungrily and her hands pull my shirt out of my pants and she works on undoing my belt then skillfully works on my pants, dragging them down.

I pull her yoga pants and panties down and she jerks me forward so I come down over her on the mat. "Hurry, I need you Rico."

I slide into her and she wraps her legs around me as I pump into her when we hear my phone ringing. I stop briefly as I contemplate answering it, or not, thinking it's probably Matty. But then continue on when her phone rings next.

"The kids," Elenora says breathlessly, lifting her hips to meet my thrusts.

The intercom in the gym crackles.

"Moooomm!" Vincenzo's voice echoes in the room and I sigh, resting my head on her chest.

"Poppppp! We know you're in there!" Vincenzo continues to drone out. "Stop getting it on in the gym. Why can't you be like normal parents and do it in the bedroom...and at night!"

"NO! How about not at all? Like most married couples their age!" Violetta chimes in.

Elenora and I look at each other and laugh.

"What does getting it on mean?" Theo asks in the background.

"You might as well hear it from us kid," Vincenzo responds. "Because they explain nothing in health class. Wait, what grade are you in again?"

"Fourth, dummy," Theo replies.

"He's way too young to hear about it now, Vinny, and he definitely should not hear it from you," Violetta comments.

"Yeah, well, you're no virgin Mary, Vi."

Elenora gasps and I look down at her.

"The speaker button, idiota!" Violetta yells at her brother as we start fixing our clothing and head for the door. (idiot)

"Please it's not like you weren't already on mom's shit list."

We rush out of the gym and look for the kids, hearing them shout in the kitchen. Theo has his hands over his ears and runs to Elenora and me when he sees us.

"I'm glad you guys are here, maybe you can get them to stop!"

Vincenzo and Violetta stop arguing immediately as they both look at us..

Elenora hugs Theo and peppers his face with kisses. "Go wait in the foyer, we need to talk to your brother and sister."

I ruffle his curly hair as he runs past me and out of the kitchen.

"Before you say anything, I wasn't really going to tell Theo anything, I'm not that stupid," Vincenzo tries to back peddle.

Violetta snorts. "Your GPA says different."

"Vi!" Elenora scolds her.

Violetta mutters an apology, looking down at her hands. "I didn't mean it, obviously, we both got into the same school."

"You two need to learn to think before you speak," Elenora reprimands; they both keep their eyes down. "I hope all this constant fighting and bickering between you two stops while people are here visiting for your graduation ceremony. Act like you love each other for crying out loud. And Vi, the discussion about your trip is over. You're not going and that's final."

Violetta scoffs but doesn't say anything else.

"And you and I are going to have a talk when you get back from getting your brother from the airport." Elenora adds.

"It's a little too little too late for that talk, mamma," Violetta boldly responds.

"Violetta!"

She immediately shrinks from her sitting position in the bar stool. "Do not disrespect your mother again. Your attitude better change and soon, do you hear me?"

"Yes, papá." Her voice is quiet and chin quivers. "Sorry, mamma."

"We'll talk later, Vi," Elenora tells her. "Rico, you better go if you're going to get there in time during this time of day. I'm going to get washed up."

She kisses me and then hugs and kisses our kids before walking out of the kitchen.

"Let's go." The kids follow me wordlessly out of the kitchen.

I smile when I hear Theo explaining in thorough detail about the latest science project he finished for the end of the year science fair to Ciccio and Mostro. They nod and grunt a few times, but it's clear they have no idea what he's going on and on about.

I look forward to seeing Matty. He's in his third year at Yale and is coming home not only for the twins' high school graduation but also to spend the summer home with us.

His fiancé will be joining us later in the summer after she spends time with her family. This will be the first time he's home for more than just a couple of weeks for holidays. He's spent the last two summers interning.

It will feel good to have all my children home and under the same roof even if it's just for this summer. The twins will both be attending Columbia in the fall and have already made arrangements with some of their friends to live near campus.

My phone rings, bringing me out of my thoughts and I see it's Mateo, I hit the bluetooth in the car.

"Hey Matty."

"Pop, where are you?"

"I'm almost there; got a little distracted getting out of the house."

"Mamma and Daddy were 'getting it on'," Theo informs him and everyone in the car bursts out laughing except for me. I glare at Vincenzo and Violetta in the rear view mirror.

"What's so funny? That's what Vinny said," Theo says looking at everyone who's still laughing.

"We were just talking."

But Matty chuckles through the phone speakers. "Talking or talking, Pops?"

"You can judge for yourself bro; the buttons on Pop's shirt don't line up and his zipper is half way down and he hasn't even noticed!" Vincenzo howls in laughter. I discreetly look down at my clothing and groan quietly when I notice he's right.

Matty laughs into the phone. "I've missed you guys."

"We've missed you Matty!" Violetta's eyes shine with tears.

"Matty, wait 'till you see my science project I won first place for in the science fair this year!" Theo says excitedly.

"Can't wait to see it, buddy."

"We'll be there soon, figlio mio." (my son)

"Okay, Pop, drive safe."

I'm just as excited as my kids to see and hug Matty. And then I think of mia patatina and my heart swells knowing how happy she will be to have Matty home finally. I smile remembering his excitement when we brought the twins home from the hospital.

He was a month from turning three, but was more excited to be a big brother instead of letting us know what he wanted for his birthday. He was very protective over them from the start. The perfect big brother.

The twins were a handful from the very beginning. Vincenzo has my black straight hair, but we were surprised when his eyes turned out to be a green hazel color. Violetta has Elenora's dark curly hair and eyes. While I was excited to have a little girl I will admit I was also very nervous, but soon she had me wrapped around her little finger.

I glance through the rear view mirror at Theo, playing rock, paper scissors with Ciccio. To say he was a surprise is an understatement. There were a lot of hard years trying to conceive that followed after the twins; and when the twins turned eight I decided to get a vasectomy.

Watching Elenora suffer through miscarriages was hard on me and I worried about her long term health. I reassured her we were blessed with the children we did have.

I shake my head remembering Elenora told me she was pregnant after the vasectomy; she had nagged me to death to go in and make sure I was shooting blanks and well, then Theo came along and he was the perfect unexpected surprise to our little family.

"There he is!" Theo exclaims and I'm pulled out of my thoughts seeing Matty hold his hand up to us in a greeting, waiting in the pick up lane.

I hop out of the car and embrace my son. "Hey Pop," Matty hugs me tight and chuckles. "Vinny was right, your fly's down and your buttons are out of sync!"

I grumble and adjust my clothing after I pull away from him. Other cars start honking impatiently and I grab his luggage to throw it in the back before we climb in the car.

"Wow, I wasn't expecting a welcoming party for pick up," Matty laughs buckling in.

"You know we aren't gonna get a chance to talk to you once mamma or nonna get their hands on you!" Violetta smiles.

"Must be nice being the favorite," Vinny adds, grinning.

"What?" Theo leans forward. "Everyone knows I'm the favorite!"

They all start laughing together and Ciccio and Monstro begin interrogating Matty on what he's been up to.

Teresa moved in five years ago when Tiziano passed away from complications after having a stroke; I didn't want her to be in a huge house all by herself since all of the girls had moved out.

Having the grandkids to talk to and keep her busy seemed to help her through those hard times in the beginning. There are times I catch her sitting somewhere in the house, talking quietly to herself or maybe it's Tiziano but it's followed by her soft crying.

Despite our complicated and rough beginning, Teresa and Tiziano have treated me like a son and it hurt to see her grieving. In those early days after he passed I would sit with her, holding her, not saying anything; sometimes I still do that when I find her sitting alone somewhere in the house.

I send a quick text to Elenora letting her know we're on our way back before I start pulling away from the curb.

"Is everyone at the house already?" Mateo asks me.

"Your Zia's except Maya. Zio Gianny had a photoshoot in Rome but they'll be flying in early tomorrow before the graduation."

"Shit, they're going to be so jet lagged." Ciccio comments.

"Nah, they'll be fine and if not, we'll be prodding them awake." Mostro winks at the twins and they both laugh.

"Should Zia Maya be traveling this far in her pregnancy?" Mateo asks me quietly.

"She got the all clear from her doctor and you know Gianny...your zio worships the ground she walks on so if anything seems off he won't put her at risk." I remind him.

The kids start talking about their summer plans together and soon we are pulling up to the house. And everyone takes time to properly hug Mateo once we all climb out of the car. He takes the time to give his siblings gifts he brought with him.

Violetta gives Matty another hug. "Well, this is the last hug I'll get in before Nonna becomes glued to you, Matty." She gives him a kiss and thanks him again for the gift he got her.

"Nah, come on, we've got to catch up. Who's got your attention nowadays?" He teases her. I try to act casual, but I'm curious considering our rule of no exclusive dating until after kids graduate. Group dates, hang outs sure, but we wanted our kids to focus on school and once they made it to college, well, we figured and hoped we instilled enough values and self worth that they make good choices when it comes to relationships.

"No one." Violetta says, but I notice the glare she gives Vinny after he snorts. And this also reminds me of the conversation we inadvertently overheard when Elenora and I were in the gym, but once again, little Theo's excitement filters into my thoughts and watch as he bounces happily after he puts on the kids size Yale hoodie on. He runs towards the house, no doubt to show Elenora his gift.

"Matty, since Mamma only listens to you, can you please talk to her about me going on my Senior trip."

"Wow, pop, talk about showing you blatant disrespect," Vinny chortles. "Vi is completely ignoring the fact that you're standing here, and the fact that you and ma told her to drop the whole Senior trip issue." Violetta's face reddens and she skirts my hard gaze.

But Matty intervenes before I lose my temper. "I've never known mamma to be wrong when she follows her instinct, Vi. I may not have always agreed with her but I can tell you she's always looked out for me."

Violetta's shoulders slump. "I know." She says quietly and Matty wraps his arms around her and kisses her head.

But of course because they can't go five seconds without fighting, she kicks Vinny in the back and they begin arguing.

"Good to see that somethings never change." Matty says.

"You have no idea." Ciccio laughs.

"I have no idea how they're going to survive college together." Mostro comments as we all watch them yelling at each other.

"Let's go inside your Nonna and mamma must be anxious to see you, figlio." (son)

Mostro and Ciccio open the doors and we walk in as Elenora is hugging our niece and nephew twins Angelo and Angelique.

"I've missed you trouble makers so much! Please tell me you're driving your mama crazy with all the fun pranks I showed you when I visited?"

"More like giving their dad more gray hair trying to keep their mom sane from their crazy antics," Mickey winks at Luna before wrapping his arms around her and kisses her temple.

"I'm just returning the favor with all the pranks Luna taught Vi and Vinny when they were little." Elenora laughs and Luna rolls her eyes.

"Wanna go hang out in my room?" Theo asks his twin cousins and they eagerly nod and start racing up the stairs.

"Hey, not too long, it's almost time for dinner!"

"Okay!" All three say in unison.

Next comes the other set of bickering twins, Vincenzo and Violetta, but they stop hitting each other when they notice we're all watching.

They greet their aunts and uncle. "Vincenzo you get more handsome and taller every time I see you. And Violetta you are a knockout!" Luna hugs and kisses them.

"That's cause she looks like me," Jackie chimes in and hugs them, too.

"Oh, my baby, there you are!" Teresa cries out when she sees Mateo and I standing in the doorway. I watch as Elenora holds her hand over her heart when she sees him, too. She always mentions how he looks like me the most, but he is definitely kinder than I ever was at his age.

"Nonna!" Matty walks to her with his arms stretched out and bends down to engulf her in a big hug but you can see how he's gentle with her at the same time as she peppers his face with kisses.

"How was your flight? Did they feed you? Did you get sick? You only brought a carry-on right? I swear they only lose the luggage they want to take for themselves," She rambles on while Elenora and her sisters roll their eyes behind her back. I shut the door behind me and set down Matty's bag.

Matty chuckles. "It was good, I'm fine and yes just a carry on. I still have clothes here, remember?" His eyes meet Elenora's and they smile at each other before he rushes towards her.

"Mamma," He breathes out as he hugs and twirls her around making her laugh.

"I'm so glad you're home." She brushes back his hair.

"And you say mamma, doesn't have any favorites," Violetta mutters to Vinny.

Elenora laughs. "I don't, but Matty hasn't been home since Christmas, I'm allowed to miss him and be happy he's home."

"Come, come, I'll make you a snack before dinner." Teresa grabs Matty's arm pulling him away and he shakes his head back at me as he's being dragged towards the kitchen. Everyone follows behind them talking happily.

I come up behind Elenora and wrap my arms around her. "Your face radiates with happiness, mia patatina."

She leans back into me and places her hands over mine. "I'm so happy everyone's home, at least for a little bit."

"Me, too." I kiss her neck. "Do you think anyone will notice if we sneak away for a few minutes?"

She turns in my arms laughing. "You want to finish what we started in the gym?"

I smile mischievously. "Damn right, I do."

She lets out a breathy laugh as my lips find their way to the sensitive spot on her neck. "So do I, but everyone would notice."

"Bet?" My voice has lowered on its own accord, but then the doorbell rings followed by a knock.

I groan.

"To be continued." Elenora chuckles and starts to walk away.

"This build up is killing me, Elenora." I tell her before she pulls the door open. I grimace at the scream she lets out.

Clara and Domani, as well as Gabriel and Renzo have arrived at the same time. Gabriel is holding his ten year olds daughter, Jazmin's hand.

Clara screams along with Elenora as they hug. "You two act like you never see each other," Domani comments. "We were here last week for game night."

They laugh, pulling away from each other. "He just gets jealous that I end up talking to you more than him when we get together, don't you my little Dom." Clara pinches his cheek.

"You of all people know there isn't anything little about me, Clara," Domani responds, swatting her hand away from his face.

"Gross!" Serena, their seventeen year old daughter grimaces in disgust walking up behind them.

"Yeah, keep it in the bedroom, Ma, Pop," Nicholas, their oldest son, taunts. He just finished his first year at NYU.

"Yeah, what they said," Renzo adds teasingly.

Domani grabs Clara and kisses her passionately and their kids rush in past them covering their eyes; Renzo and Gabriel laugh while walking past them too.

"Door's open when you're um...finished." Elenora closes the door on them on the porch. I greet the kids as well as my cousins.

"Nicholas, Serena, go on in the kitchen, Matty just got here, too." Elenora ushers them forward.

"Is Violetta here?" Nicholas asks casually. I narrow my eyes at the blush on his face.

"Why?" I ask and grunt from the elbow Elenora gives me. "I mean, yes, she's in the kitchen with her two older brothers."

Nicholas nods at us and walks away from us quickly.

"Be nice or you won't get what you want later..." Elenora warns me.

"I'll just take what I want."

"Oh man, not you guys, too," Renzo chuckles. "Makes me wish Melissa wasn't visiting her sister right now."

"Stop it! Unlike Clara and Dom we can control ourselves. And Melissa's sister just had a baby, but I'm glad you're here representing her anyway," Elenora says before she hugs him and then turns to Gabriel.

"I'm so happy you guys are here, too!" She hugs and kisses both him and his daughter.

"Thanks for thinking of us and inviting us. I can't believe the twins are old enough to graduate," Gabriel tells us.

"It's crazy how fast time flies."

I bend down to talk to Jazmin. "School's almost out for you and you'll need to come spend some time with us this summer, Jazmin."

"I'm glad it's almost over." She leans in whispering. "But papa is taking me to Europe for our summer vacation." She smiles up at Gabriel lovingly.

"Wow, I'm jealous! Make sure you take lots of pictures, so you can show me when you get back okay, cucciola?" Elenora caresses her face softly.

"Okay!" She beams; she looks so much like Angela, except she has Gabriels dark eyes and dark hair. Despite the tragic reality that Angela was not able to overcome her demons and ultimately lost her battle to addiction shortly after Jazmin was born, Gabriel has done an amazing job focusing and raising Jazmin on his own.

"Mr. Di Maggio, Mrs. Di Maggio dinner is ready," Jemina tells us and we all follow her to the large dining room.

"Should I grab Dom and Clara?" Renzo questions.

"Nah," Elenora shakes her head, knowing they'll be joining us soon enough.

Everyone sits around the large dining table and I take notice Violetta isn't in the room.

"Vinny, where's your sister?"

"Conrad called her and she rushed out of the kitchen to talk to him," Vinny shares around a mouthful of bread he's chewing. Matty smacks the back of his head.

"Why are you eating already?" Matty scolds him. "Not everyone's in here."

"Do we like this Conrad?" Mickey questions protectively. The other guys at the table grunt or grumble wondering the same thing. Nicholas' eyebrows cave in as he looks at his water glass before taking a drink.

"We haven't met him. And it's not serious; our kids know the dating rules," I comment, but Vinny snorts, grabbing my attention.

At that moment, Violetta walks in and sits down in her seat, but I take notice her eyes and nose are red, an obvious sign that she's been crying; however, before I can question her, Clara and Dom also walk in.

Dom's shirt is wrinkled and Clara's short hair is a mess in the back, sticking up.

Elenora walks to her and puts an arm around Clara's shoulder, discreetly smoothing down her hair, whispers to her.

"Thanks babe; sorry, were you all waiting?" Clara asks, a slight blush on her face. I glance over at her kids who look mortified.

"Everyone go ahead and eat." Elenora announces, but then leans to talk to Violetta. Her eyes meet mine and she smiles, but I wonder if I should join them. The small head shake Elenora gives me keeps me rooted however.

The rest of dinner goes on pleasantly and after twenty minutes Elenora and Violetta rejoin us and Violetta seems in better spirits. I enjoy watching everyone talking, laughing and having a good time with each other.

Afterward, everyone is spread throughout the house or in their rooms; most of the adults are in the family room drinking coffee or whisky.

Nicholas catches my attention as I watch him straighten the collar on his shirt and takes a deep breath before he approaches Violetta who's talking with Serena.

"Vi, do you want to go for a walk?"

"A walk?" Vi smiles curiously back at him and Nicholas blushes furiously.

She shrugs. "Sure why not, Serena want to come?"

Nicholas shoots his sister a glare and she smiles back. "Heck ya I do!" She stands and Nicholas shoulders slump in disappointment.

"But, I told my friend Shane, I'd call her before it got too late. I'll catch up with you guys later." She gives Nicholas an obvious wink when Vi turns her back to grab her phone.

They head towards the back patio and he opens the door for her to walk out first. The kids now grab the attention of Domani and Rico.

"Nicky's finally making a move," Clara says, tapping Domani's arm with excitement.

"What?" I straighten, not realizing the obvious. "He better not be."

"Relax, Rico, not anything like you think. Frankly, I'm offended you think so low of my son," Domani states, obviously ruffled.

"You haven't noticed that Nicholas has had a crush on Vi, for a while now, amore?" Elenora wraps her arms around my shoulders, sitting on my lap, but I know her wicked ways. She's just trying to keep me in place.

"Apparently, that asshat, Conrad, broke up with her..." Elenora announces.

"So much for your no dating rule, boss," Mostro wheezes and I glare at him.

"There's no point in getting mad about it now, Rico. However, Conrad broke our daughter's heart because she isn't going on that trip and told her he didn't want to be held back and wants to have 'fun'." She uses air quotes. "After our talk she said she's not jumping into anything, right away. But I would love it if she ended up with someone as sweet and awesome as Nicky."

"About this Conrad...we can break his legs, Boss, for old times' sake," Ciccio states and Jackie swats his arm.

"Please?" Mostro adds and Serfina hits the back of his head.

"No one's taking anyone out, guys." Elenora laughs.

"Actually..." I begin and she turns, giving me a look. "I'm kidding, I'm kidding." I kiss her cheek. "But we could always rough him up, right guys?"

"I'm in," Mickey states. Luna shrugs, clearly okay with getting back at the guy who hurt her niece.

"We're in too," Renzo and Gabriel chime in.

Elenora stands up, shaking her head and hands. "No, no, no. No way. You're way too old for this, now."

The men all gasp in shock, in unison.

"Old?" I stand now, setting my eyes on her. "Who are you calling old, mia patatina?"

She bites her lip to hide her smile. "You..."

She makes a run for it but I catch up quickly. She dodges me around our guests, screaming and laughing before running out onto the patio.

"Mamma? Daddy?" Vi calls out as I catch Elenora, tackling her so we tumble into the pool. She comes up gasping and laughing and I grab her.

"You should know by now, you can't outrun me, Elenora."

"It's still fun to try though." She pulls me in close and kisses me.

Soon everyone else jumps in with us including the kids.

"This is awesome," Theo says before he cannonballs into the pool. The kids scream and laugh as they splash each other.

Teresa walks out in her robe. "Nora! You want your kids to get sick? Everyone out! Come on, get out!" Matty and Vinny both climb out and then she sees the look on their faces.

"If you want to live to your next birthday, don't even think about it, piccolo's," She tells them seriously. (little ones)

"Alright, alright, nonna," Vinny says and begins walking away but then turns around and between him and Matty lift her up and jump in with her.

She comes out sputtering but laughing. "I'm going to get you two back, just you wait, it's going to be a long summer for you two knuckleheads."

______________

Later that night, I sit in my office looking over old photo albums. My life with Elenora replays as I look over each of the kids photo albums and how it all began with her. I flip through the pages of the photo album she gave me for our wedding. I look up when there's a knock at the door and she peeks her head in, smiling. She still takes my breath away.

"Man, I probably shouldn't have come in here, it's one of those expectation moments versus reality," She chuckles.

I close the album and pull her in front of me. "You're just as beautiful now as you were then, Elenora, if not more"

She smiles softly, running her hands through my graying hair.

"Well, you've aged like fine wine, mio polpetta." Her fingertips graze over my beard. "I was disappointed to not find you in bed, naked; waiting for me when I got out of the shower." (my meatball)

"I can't disappoint my queen." I smile before tugging on the sash of my robe and stand then lean over her.

"What do you want, Elenora?" My lips hover over hers, before I lower my head to her neck. She angles her head giving me more access to do whatever I want.

"I want your lips here." She trails her hands down the side of her neck starting from her ear. I bring my lips to her skin softly and my hands slide up her thighs, squeezing her hips before grabbing her ass to pull her toward me.

"Then here." She grabs my head, guiding me down to her chest. She gasps when my thumb presses against her and I slide my finger inside of her. I focus on her hardened nipples giving them equal attention. She moans loudly as my tongue laps them and then suck on them roughly.

"Kiss me here and here." She glides her hand down her stomach and ends on her inner left hip.

She cries out in pleasure when my teeth graze the skin near her hip. I kneel and lift her left leg over my shoulder and slide my tongue up her folds.

Her hands rake through my hair pulling him closer and but I push her thighs open more, eating her out hungrily.

"Don't come yet, baby." I order and she shivers under me.

"Rico, I need you inside of me now," She demands, shaking with need.

I pull my sweats down as I stand, pulling her forward, turning her around and then push her back down on the desk. I pick up her hair and twist it in my hand, pulling it back before I slam into her.

She pushes back. "Harder, Rico!"

I plow into her over and over again. "Come for me, Elenora."

She clenches around me before she moans my name. I grunt as I release inside of her.

But I need more of her and wrap her up in her robe before carrying her bridal style out of my office.

"We're finishing this in bed, amore."

"Is that a good idea? I mean, if it breaks, everyone will hear it."

"It won't break because I made it and it's lasted us well over twenty years now."

"True, I think you're losing your touch," She teases. I shut the door behind us before throwing her onto the bed.

"I'm going to fucking rail you until our bed breaks."

"I'll believe it when it happens," She sits up on her elbows, smirking.

I climb over her, pushing her legs apart with my knees and snake my arm under her, holding her in place as I push myself into her. Her legs wrap around my waist.

I knead and massage her breasts, squeezing them before my mouth is on them and then there's a knock at our door.

"Maybe I was too loud?" Elenora asks as I hurriedly pull my sweats up.

"We haven't even done anything," I whisper, handing her her robe.

"Mommy?" Theo's small voice comes from the other side of the door. "Papa?"

"He probably had another nightmare." Elenora says tightening the sash of her robe.

I pull open our door. "What's wrong, patatino?" (little potato)

Theo rushes in and hugs me. "I had a bad dream, papa."

"Do you want to tell me about it?"

Theo shakes his head no as I rub his head and then his back. A few moments go by when Elenora walks over to us.

"Let's have papa go check your room for monsters, that always makes me feel better when I have nightmares, too."

"Okay." Theo rubs his eyes and takes mine and Elenora's hands before we walk down the hall to his room. "Is everyone going to leave right after Vinny's and Vi's graduation?"

"Some people will, others will stay a few days longer. Why, figlio?" I ask. (son)

Theo shrugs his small shoulders. "I like when everyone's together."

"Me, too, Theo. Me too." Elenora bends down to kiss his little hand.

"Are Zio Adrian and Zio Ruben coming, too?" He asks us.

"Yes, they're coming back from a trip and will be here around the same time Zia Maya and Zio Gianny will be here." I inform him as we approach his door.

I crouch down to talk at eye level with Theo. "Alright, I need you as my partner, do you think you can handle that?"

Theo nods determinedly. "Yes sir."

I nod, in return. "Right, I knew I could count on you, Theo. Now, if anything happens, you and mamma go to Matty's room. Capiché?" (do you understand)

I glance up at Elenora who's trying to hide her smile as little Theo salutes in response.

"Let's do this," He says seriously and I chuckle, following him into his room.

We begin the process of checking different areas, and crevices for a "monster" in my youngests room. I can't help feeling warmth recalling doing this with my other children. I look over my shoulder at Elenora who's watching us from the doorway with a small smile on her face. After everything that happened and everything we went through, we always chose to make our own happiness.

Our life hasn't been easy necessarily, but there was always understanding, patience, laughter and love. Lots of love.

"Alright, moment of truth, patatino mio," I get down on the floor. "The number one place monsters get overlooked is under the bed. I know what you're thinking, how obvious, right? But that's why it gets forgotten."

I feign being nervous and look down before I look at Theo. "Do you want me to look or do you feel brave enough to do it? I can do it if you're not ready."

Theo looks back at Elenora and she gives him a thumbs up.

"I can do it, papa," Theo lifts his arm up flexing his non-existent bicep muscles to me.

"I knew you would, buddy." I ruffle his curly hair.

"Pop's really good at that." I hear Matty's voice from the doorway before I instruct Theo on what to do next.

"What do you mean, Matty?" Elenora questions.

"Giving you the confidence to face your fears." I can sense Matty watching with me as Theo gets on the floor and I stand giving him room to inspect.

"He always made me feel like I was stronger and braver than I felt when I was little. He makes you feel like you can do anything even if you're still scared and before you know it, you're doing the very thing you thought you couldn't do."

"Yeah, he is good at that isn't he?" Elenora agrees, sighing.

"The best," Vi and Vinny say together behind us.

"I don't see anything pop," Theo grabs my focus again.

"I think you scared them away with your bravery, Theo. You let them feel your confidence, figlio. They know they can't scare you." I assure him.

"Hey guys! Guess what?" Theo runs over to his siblings. "I checked my whole room for monsters and I'm pretty sure I scared them all away!"

"Well, papa helped, but my muscles are as big as his, see?" He flexes his arms.

"Totally, little bro!" Vinny smiles at him. "You've definitely got me shaking." He picks Theo up and tickles him. Vi and Matty join in tickling him and Theo erupts in a fit of giggles.

"Alright, that's enough, we all need to go to bed. We have an early, busy day tomorrow," Elenora announces, smiling at our children.

"Hey, can we have a sleepover in my room?" Theo asks giddy from laughing so hard.

"Sounds like a plan!" Matty grins.

"Are girls allowed?" Vi asks and Theo jumps from Vinny's arms to Vi's.

Vi grunts from the impact of Theo slamming into her. "Of course, you're my number one girl," Theo tells her, kissing her cheek.

"Hey!" Elenora acst slightly offended.

"Don't worry, mamma, just until Vi moves away," Theo whispers and everyone laughs as Vi frowns.

We say goodnight to our kids and remind them to actually go to bed because of the packed schedule we have leading up to the graduation ceremony.

I hold Elenora's hand as we make our way back to our side of the house. She brings my hand up to her lips and kisses it.

"Thank you, mio polpetta."

"For what?" I repeat the gesture and kiss her hand, too.

She stops before we go into our room. "For being the best dad to our kids. They adore you, Rico. And also for being the best husband." I love the shy smile she gives me. "But most of all for being the greatest friend. Thank you for always being there for me and loving me despite my craziness."

I smile, caressing her face."You are my everything." I lift her chin and kiss her softly.

"Now," I lean my forehead on hers, taking a deep breath. "I hope you know all those sweet words aren't going to stop me from pile-driving into you until our bed breaks."

She gasps when I lift her in my arms and carry her into our bedroom, kicking the door closed behind us. 

***

A/N: Thanks for reading and for all the love and support! 

Until next time! Xx LJ Rae ♡