Their Olive Tree (MxM Poly Romance) | Completed

Epilogue

"Now, put as many toppings on as you want."

"Mm, okay..." I murmured, putting sausage and salami slices on the pizza sauce my mother and I made together earlier.

As I strategically placed black olives on the first pizza, Lucian came up behind me and hugged my waist. "Hi, baby berry. How's the pizza-making going?"

I kissed his cheek. "Good so far! I was a little scared I messed up the big batch of dough earlier, but Mamma reassured me all was well."

Carmela grinned as Celeste passed her the next vegetable to chop for today's lunch. Mrs. Morelli was getting the table set up outside since it was a sunny day.

"I was right," stated my mother, a proud expression on her face.

Lucian nuzzled my right cheek. "That's good. Leonello, Jamar, and our fathers are getting ready for target practice, so don't be alarmed by the bangs."

"Thanks for the heads up, Lu."

My husband of four years squeezed me again. "You're welcome. Can I hang out for a few minutes?"

Carmela chuckled when I nodded. "Of course you can, Lucian. You can stay as long as you want."

Lucian smiled. "Thank you, Mamma Carmela."

Mrs. Morelli suddenly poked her head inside the kitchen with a beaming smile directed at me. "Oliver, come see!"

My jaw dropped. "Were they born?"

"Yes! Come!"

I looked at my mother as I washed my hands, but she reassured me she would finish the pizzas and throw them in the oven. I kissed her cheek in thanks and dashed into the sun room where the squirming puppies were being carefully guided to their mother's teats by Mrs. Morelli and my little brother.

"Vee!" quietly exclaimed Luca, rushing over to me. "Mamma's doggie pooped out puppies!"

I chuckled and hurried over to crouch down by Leona, my parents' Cane Corso. The dog was happy to see me, so I greeted her with a kiss and gentle praise for all of her hard work. I could hear Cesare pawing at the sun room's door, so I let him inside and he waited for his kiss. I chuckled and pecked him between his eyebrows, then shooed him over to greet his mate.

Leona huffed when Cesare sniffed her head and gently nosed the four fawn-colored puppies that were hungrily gulping down their mother's milk.

Cesare was already twelve, so it came as a surprise when it turned out that Leona was pregnant. But Cesare was in very good health despite his age, so everyone was certain that he would live longer like Nero, his father. I'm sure of it, too. Cesare doesn't run around or play as much as he used to, but he still has that spark of life in him. Or maybe he was just making sure that his pups would be there for me in the future since he gets jealous of any other dog near me (aside from Leona).

Either way, I'm happy to keep Cesare for as long as possible.

"Vee, you sad?" asked Luca, patting my face after I knelt next to him again. "No tears, Vee. I love you lots."

"I know, my cute baby brother."

Luca giggled. "Vee is cute, too!"

"Thank you, buddy." I replied with a smile, then grinned when Cesare came over to check on me.

"Cessie, are you happy? You've got more puppies now."

Cesare's tail was wagging, so I took a moment to cup his big head and play with his silky soft ears while he leaned against me. Leona looked tired, but she seemed relaxed since nothing was going on. I guess the men decided not to do any target shooting today to save Leona's wits with her newborn pups.