Book Two in the "Alcaraz Duology"
𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐇𝐢𝐭𝐦𝐚𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐇𝐢𝐬 𝐅𝐢𝐱𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧
Catalina Alcaraz is a single mother with a past that she doesn't wish to revisit. She has managed to become a successful doctor and to create a life of her own desp...
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I enter my parents' house with my arm around my woman's waist and our son in front of us, carrying the gift he got for his nonna's birthday.
It still feels like a dream that I'm with the love of my life and as a bonus got a wonderful son. God definitely heard my prayers and blessed me with more than I wanted. Catalina and Orion are two who I will always cherish. I will love them both even in death.
"There is my beautiful grandson and gorgeous daughter." Mamma looks very content to see Cata and Orion.
She gives them each a big hug and a kiss to the cheek. She becomes ecstatic when Orion hands her the present we got her. She then turns to me and beams broadly as papa welcomes Cata and Orion.
"Have you forgotten about your son?" I tease, hugging her tightly.
"Never that, figliolo." She laughs and, just how she has always done since I was a kid, she pinches my cheek before kissing it.
"Buon compleanno Mamma." I smile admiring her beauty and how good the years have been to her. "You look as beautiful as ever."
"Grazie, mio bellissimo figlio." Mamma stares at me with adoration in her eyes. It's a look she has always given me, and it has never changed.
"He's my son too. Share." Papa appears, causing mamma to laugh.
The doorbell to the house suddenly rings. "I'll go get it." Mamma informs us before leaving the room.
"Welcome, Azrael." Papa hugs me with a smile.
"You can all take a seat. I'm going to go start bringing the food out." He gestures to the dining room.
"I'll help you." Catalina immediately speaks with a small smile.
"No, dear. Take a seat. You're our guest." Papa shakes his head.
"I'll help him." I assure her, and it only takes one look from me for her to nod in acceptance.
"Can I help?" Orion asks, and I nod in response to the innocent and sweet look he gives me.
I give Catalina a kiss on the cheek before escorting her off to the dining room. Then, as mamma welcomes the rest of her guests, papa, Orion, and I bring out the food. It's Ace, Lucia, Dahlia, and Cata's parents and grandmother that have come to join us for dinner. Mamma obviously obtained Catalina's approval prior to including her father in the invitation. She didn't want her to feel uncomfortable, but Cata claimed that she didn't mind.
Although Orion, Catalina, and I have kept our distance from her father as a family, he continues to show up around us. It isn't awkward but there are moments when the tensions feels heavy. Alberto's eyes are usually filled with regret when staring at his daughter, and it's clear that he detests the fact that not even Orion wants to engage in conversation with him. I don't blame the kid. He is hurt that the man tried to take his mother's love away from him.
