I Should've Known: Book Two

Madeline

I can't believe what I'm hearing.

Matthew just said mama.

It was so quick. Too quick for me to get Mateo to hear. He tries to say mama do he can say it, but it doesn't work. Gosh damn it.

Then he smiles widely and mumbles, "Mama..."

And just like that, I'm back when I first heard his cry. My world melts away and I can barely hear Mateo celebrating with Matthew. I take my baby boy and give him sweet kisses. His eyes shine bright at me and he says it again. He's certain of his love for me.

My tears escape my eyes and I quietly repeat those soft words so he can follow. He mumbles them and that's enough. He's enough for my life to be complete.

If only my mother could hear this...

My tears continue to escape not only for his beautiful voice but the memory of my mother. I still need to ask my brother to talk to my father but something deep down tells me that it won't be that easy.

"Honey? Baby...why are you crying?"

I forgot Mateo came here for lunch. I wipe my tears away and give my baby boy one last kiss before standing. "I'm sorry. I didn't...I just...I wish my mother could hear him..."

"I know, honey." He takes my head and puts a soft kiss on my forehead. I wrap my arms around his broad waist and listen to the sound of his heart. "Have you talked to Adam?"

I shake my head and wipe the last of my tears before walking to the kitchen. I soon hear Matthew's soft babbles in Mateo's arms as they both come into the kitchen with me.

"Maybe you should talk to him today."

"Yes. That's a good idea. I also have a few leftovers I have from thanksgiving. I want Hazel and Adam to have it."

"I haven't seen Hazel in a while. She must be real busy."

"Mmm. I believe so..."

Mateo immediately notices my mumble and stands next to me on the kitchen counter as I make a sandwich. He lets a small smile start at his playful expression as he says, "Oh no. Sounds like the best friends are fighting? You guys never fight!"

"We're not fighting. She hasn't come to visit and I don't want to bother her. Internship can be very intense sometimes."

"You can be intense sometimes."

I abruptly look at him with raised eyes brows and he jumps back with wide eyes. "I'm kidding!"

I do a small chuckle and playfully slap his bottom as he gently dances his way out of the kitchen with Matthew in arms. "You better."

We eat our sandwiches together and chuckle as we watch our son play with his mushed bananas. I hope to hear him call out to me again but I all I get from him is a silent smile. It's better than nothing.

I walk Mateo to the door as he gives me his last goodbyes. I fix his collar on his policeman uniform and give his lips a kiss. But then his strong hand brings my waist closer to his and deepens the kiss.

I can't help but chuckle on his lips. "I'll miss you, too."

"I loved you first, mommy." He gives my lips a long kiss before letting his hand linger on my hip. His eyes shine and my heart ignites. That side smile that sends shivers down my back starts on his soft lips as he says, "I'll be home tonight. Hopefully Matthew can sleep all the way through tonight..."

I can't help but actually shiver. My every muscle yearns for it to be night already. But all I do is run my hand up his arm and smirk. "I'll be waiting for you tonight then, my love..."