Choosing Jada [Book 2]

Luogo Familiare

I couldn't help but look at Jada as she slept peacefully. We had a long plane ride back to America. There was so much paperwork for her and Matteo in such little time. As she sat across from me, leaning against my son, I imagined what it would be like to have her back. I wish we had been able to have our wedding and honeymoon. I just wanted her to look at me again with those beautiful eyes.

I had felt some relief landing down with no incident, but now we had to see my parents. I was furious with them, their divorce, and how that led to Luca's death. No one was watching him, and the one person I trusted betrayed him. I wanted to punch them all. How everything fell apart the minute I left was ridiculous, and I never thought things would turn out like this. The car pulled up to my parents' home. I opened the door where Ettore and Justin stood in the driveway next to the SUV they were driving in. They arrived first, with fewer items and no babies to get ready.

"My father did a sweep yesterday, but we should do one more just in case."

"I got that; give me some time," Justin said.

He ushered the two drivers over to them and proceeded to head toward the back of the vehicle he was riding in. I walked over to Ettore, who typed on his phone. I wondered why he stuck around; the promise of territory didn't even seem worth it to stick it out this long.

"When will your father be in town?" Ettore asked.

Most people didn't ask for my father. He was a quiet man who let a lot of other men handle the dirty work. But he was a mastermind for cruelty, and Ettore had asked quite a few questions regarding who my dad was, but I never met the man before he had kids; I only knew rumors from decades ago.

"Tomorrow evening. Probably went to talk with some old friends. He's been pretty quiet since Luca, and that's never a good sign."

Ettore nodded, and I looked over at the car to still see my family sleeping quietly. I needed to spend more time alone with her. She knew I would do anything for them, sacrificing myself just to make sure they were okay. She had swayed before, and I knew I could ask her to be mine again, slowly. It was a lot to put in with this whole situation, but with people I trusted around, I would have time to spend with her and Matteo. I wanted more time with Matteo too. I didn't know how to take care of a baby, but I wanted to help. I wanted to be around so she could sleep more and he could be used to me. Justin and the two men came back to us, giving a nod.

"All clear still. We are good to make this home base for now." Justin said.

"Perfect. I can bring our stuff in. We can settle the living arrangements in a bit. I just need to talk with my wife," I said.

The men nodded and began to unpack while I headed back to the car, closing the door but not completely. I gently shook Jada, who jolted awake, looking around confused.

"Good morning." I softly spoke to her with a smile.

She yawned and looked around wildly, but immediately relaxed upon seeing Matteo in the car seat beside her.

"Good morning," she whispered, rubbing her eyes.

I wanted to kiss her, but I knew that would just cause a fight. I didn't want to fight; I just enjoyed looking at her. I had almost missed her curls, but her hair clumped in these perfect small bundles and lay by her face perfectly. Her brown eyes looked at me without anger or disdain anymore, and her plump lips looked so kissable.