Saturday, November 11th, 2023

Rocco's POV

Today is party day with Noah and his family.

The only kids that are asleep are Gabby and Angelo, napping in the living room. Devin, Kekoa, and Bella are in the kitchen helping Mom with fixing food. Dia and I are with dad, cooking on the grill.

Mom came outside with some more burgers for us to cook.

"Look at Mama's grillers. Good job, Dia, and Rocco."

"Thanks, mom."

Dad was standing with us, making sure we did everything right.

Dia and I took turns flipping the food.

"Good job, kiddos. You can take a break. Noah and his family should be here soon."

"Thanks, dad."

"Hey Rocco, let's go change into our swimwear." Dia and I ran into the house to change.

By the time we finished changing and going back outside, Noah, his family, Braelyn, Aunt Layla, Uncle Ryan, Natasha, and Logan was here. Sydney and Mr. Trevor were here too. They were playing with Ella and Ginger.

"Okay kiddos, here is how it's going to go - you all can get in the pool first. We'll call you over to eat."

"Thanks, mom." That was all we needed to hear. We all looked at each other, then took off for the pool.

Kam's POV

I went to the living room to check on Gabby and Angelo. They were just opening their eyes.

"Mama."

I helped them off the couch and grabbed their hands. "Let's go outside, kiddos."

As soon as they saw the kids playing with their Uncle Marco, they ran over to the group. I walked over to the patio couch, where Cris was sitting with Vince and Yasmin.

"Vince and Yasmin, how long have you lived in Miami?"

"We moved here at the beginning of summer. We are adjusting well. Melanie loves it. Noah initially didn't. See, he is on the shy side. But I am so happy he is becoming friends with your kids. We are seeing another side of Noah since Wednesday. Can I ask you something? I hope it doesn't come off as offensive, but how do you handle three sets of twins? I think it's really amazing."

"Yasmin, it's okay. I'm not offended at all. Plenty of help from my family. And, with Cris working from home, he takes the kids to school. My father and Cris alternate bringing them home. The house next door is our daycare center, so the two youngest kids are with me. Before Cris and I were married, I was a Dietitian in San Francisco. I gave it up for my family. I was sad at first, but I realized it was best because I love my kids more."

"They are adorable. And, very friendly. Noah and Melanie are happier since we moved to Miami."

"Melanie and Noah are sweet too. Just let me and Cris know when you are ready to take a tour of Miami. Oh, and I can introduce you to my friends, Layla and Bliss."

"Isn't that the model/makeup owner?"

"That's her. She is one of the sweetest people I have ever known."

"I can't wait to meet her."

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Rocco's POV

"Did you kids have fun today with Noah and Melanie?" mom asked.

"We had fun. When can they come back over?" Isabella asked.

"Maybe next weekend they can come over again. We'll have to ask their parents first. In the meantime, tomorrow your Nonno is bringing someone over to meet everyone. Everyone, including myself and Kamea, needs to be on our best behavior. Understand?" dad says.

"Yes, dad."

"Everybody get yourselves ready for bed and get yourselves a good night's rest."

"Good night, mom and dad."

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Sunday, November 12th, 2023

Kam's POV

I am a nervous wreck. I hope Salomé is nothing like Makiko. But from the way  dad mentions her name quite often, she seems very nice. She even has met my uncles, and they like her for dad. I know that means a lot to him.

Noeli and I are in the kitchen, fixing food for dinner. The kids are outside playing while Cris and Marco are cooking on the grill.

"Kam, are you just as nervous as I am?"

"Noeli, I am. But if Uncle Koa and Keoni like her for dad, she must be okay."

"The Hawaiian chicken with rice is done. What's next?"

"We need to make some more of the Pineapple chicken skewers for Cris and Marco. Cris just waved at me as I looked out the window."

While Noeli and I were making the additional skewers, my phone rang.

"I'll be right back." After washing my hands, I went to answer my phone. It was dad.

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Kam - "Hey dad, what's up?"

"We are on the way. Salomé has two of her granddaughters with her. They are the same age as Bella and Dia."

Kam - "That's okay. The girls will love that. We'll see you when come."

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"Dad says they are on the way. And, Salomé has two of her granddaughters are coming as well. They are the same age as Bella and Dia."

"The girls will like that." The oven started beeping.

"I'll take the rest of the skewers out." Noeli picked up the tray and took it outside to the boys.

Cris prepared 2 pans of lasagna last night for me to put in the oven today. The lasagna was ready to take out of the oven, so I grabbed some mitts to take them out.

About 10 minutes later, I heard the front door open. Noeli had just entered the kitchen. "Dad's here. Your coming with me." We both walked to the front door.

"Hi, daddy. The kids will be happy to see you have dessert with you."

"Hi, Salomé. It's nice to meet you. Welcome to our home. Both of our families are in the backyard."

"Kamea and Noel, it is so nice to meet you. And, these are my granddaughters, Angelina and Ana Maria. Their mom, Daniella, wanted to come but she planned a date night with her husband. I offered to bring the girls with me. Ana Maria is the same age as Isabella. And, Angelina is the same age as Dia. They couldn't wait to meet your girls."

"Come on in." Dad and Salomé followed me to the backyard. Noeli grabbed the dessert and took it to the kitchen.

Once outside, we walked over to Cris and Marco. "Boys, this is Salomé and her granddaughters, Ana Maria and Angelina."

"Hello. Welcome to our home. It's nice to meet you," Cris says.

Cris and Marco both shook Salomé's hand.

"It's nice to meet you both too. Cris and Marco, I have a son around your age as well. His name is Lucián. He is hoping one day to become a model, just like you."

Marco answered, "Maybe one day we can get together, and I can give him some tips."

"He would like that. I'll give you his number."

"Dia and Isabella, come here for a second!"

"Coming, mama!" Dia and Isabella ran over to where we were standing.

"Girls, I want you to meet Angelina and Ana Maria. Both girls are the same age as you. And, this is Salomé, the girls' grandma."

Both girls waved their hands to say 'hi.' "Cool! Let's go play with my friend, Sydney." All four girls ran over to Sydney. I already like Salomé. She seems sweet. I think dad really likes her too.

"The two little ones that are running my way are my youngest kids - Gabriella and Angelo." I picked Gabby up in my arms. Angelo went to Cris.

"And, the two little ones that just hid behind Marco's legs are our kids - Marco Junior and Sofia," Noeli then says.

"Aww, you both have beautiful families."

"Thank you, Salomé. Let's have a seat at the patio table. Dinner is mostly ready. I'll bring out the lasagna and Hawaiian chicken with rice. Kids, come to the table!"

They ran over to the table. "Boys, this is Salomé. She is your Nonno's date. And, the girls are Ana Maria and Angelina, her grandchildren. Now, introduce yourselves."

"Hi, I'm Rocco."

"I'm Devin."

"And, I am Kekoa. You're nice and nothing like the last lady Nonno brought over."

Cris slapped his forehead. Thankfully, Salomé and my dad chuckled. "Kekoa Lorenzo Fiore, go inside and wash your hands. In fact, kids, go wash your hands and then have a seat at the table. And, show Ana Maria and Angelina where they can wash their hands." He's right though except I just thought it in my mind.

"But mom, you and dad always say tell the truth," he says as he goes into the house.

"Sorry about that, Salomé."

"It's okay, Kamea. Your dad told me what happened. One thing I learned from what your father has told me is that your family sticks together in times of joy and distress. I remember seeing the press conference that the family had. It brought tears to my eyes with a similar experience I went through. I'll give you my number. If you ever need a listening ear, call me."

I gave her a hug. "Thank you so much for your support. Sometimes I do have flashbacks. I know I can count on my mother-in-law, but it's nice to have another influence to talk to. I appreciate it." The kids ran back outside and to the table.

"I'll be right back. I need to wash my hands too."

"I'll follow you."

After showing Salomé where she could wash her hands, Gabby and I went to wash our hands in the first floor bedroom's bathroom.

We then went back outside to join the others.

"Salomé, do the girls have any food allergies?"

"No, they don't. Thank you so much for asking."

We fixed the kids' plates first. Then, the adults passed their plates around the table until everyone had a little bit of each dish. For this occasion, we have a bottle of wine. Cris poured us each a glass.

"Salomé, what type of work do you do?

"I am an Optometrist. Quite a few family members have had problems with their vision. So, when I was younger, I always wanted to help others see properly. I love it because I get to help so many people. My patients are a variety of ages."

"That's amazing. When we lived in San Francisco, I used to be a Dietitian. But I decided to give it up to have a family. The surprising part of having kids was the two sets of twins. With Dia and Rocco, we have three sets. Devin isn't my birth child, but I feel like he is. He fits right in with the kids, and we love him just as much."

"I love you too, mama," Devin says as I blew him a kiss.

"You and Cris have done an excellent job raising seven kids."

"Thank you, Salomé."

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We had an amazing time this evening. After dinner, we watched the kids play nicely in the yard. We exchanged phone numbers to get to know each other better.

"Thank you so much for having us for dinner. We really enjoyed it."

"Grandma, do we have to go?" Ana Maria said in a sad voice.

"Sweetie, yes we do. You and Angelina have school tomorrow. And, I'm sure Dia, Rocco, Devin, Kekoa, and Isabella have school."

"Angelina and Ana Maria, if it is okay with your mom and grandma, how would you girls like to come over for a sleepover next weekend?"

"Kamea, it's okay with me. I'll check with my daughter and give you a call."

Dad unlocked his truck so the ladies could get in.

"Dad, Salomé is great. I really like her."

Noeli added, "I do too. The kids like her as well."

"I'm glad you do because I do as well. Good night, ladies." Noeli and I gave my dad a hug.

"Good night, daddy. Get home safe and give us a call." Dad walked over to his truck, got in, then pulled off the driveway to take Salomé home.

"Dad may have found 'the one.' I am happy for him."

"Me too. Noeli, when dad is ready, I believe Salomé will be our stepmom."

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Sunday, August 30th, 2025

Kam's POV

Can you believe that my baby kids - Gabby and Angelo start Pre-K this year? All of our kids are now in school. And, in the same school, might I add.

Dia and Rocco are 12 years-old now. Isabella and Kekoa are now seven. Devin is now a nine-year-old. Two years from now Dia and Rocco will be entering high school. Time sure flies by fast.

Braelyn is also a 12-year-old kid.

Bliss and Shane adopted an adorable, little girl name Pilar last year. She is just the sweetest. And, last month they celebrated 5 years of marriage. It should have been six years. And, guess what? Bliss announced she is pregnant with baby #5. They are catching up to me and Cris. So are Layla and Ryan.

Dad and Salomé have been dating for almost two years now, and it's serious. I believe he wants to propose to her now.

Dad will be my bodyguard when I go to school with the kids.

We had a back to school dinner in the back yard with Salomé and her granddaughters. Dad went to take them home, but he said he wanted to ask me something.

The kids are all upstairs getting themselves ready for school. Cris went to check on them. Noeli and Marco went home. I'm eating me a bowl of ice cream while watching television. I heard keys opening the door, so it must be my dad. He came and sat down next to me.

"Kami, how would you feel about me getting married again?"

"Dad, whatever makes you happy, I'm okay with it. I won't be upset. I love mom and miss her very much. My heart will always belong to her. Salomé is a sweet person. You both deserve happiness, and I say go for it."

"Thanks, Kami. That means a lot to me. I want the family to be there when I pop the question this weekend. Her family will be there as well. Dinner will be at the restaurant."

"We'll be there."

I hope she says yes.

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