“Hey, did you talk your dad into watching the movie with us, Leo? I could try, but I think you would be more convincing!” I say with a big smile and look at Dante as he eyes me walking back to them. Leo is now settling back in our comfortable rug area, ready to start the movie again. Dante takes two steps forward to meet me, before he grabs me by the waist and pulls me to his body, slamming his lips to mine. I gasp in shock at the sudden move, which Dante takes full advantage of, his tongue slipping into my mouth and his hand coming up to the back of my head to keep me in place.

I grip onto his shirt, and my body melts into him, letting him lead, allowing him to take what he needs. I’m lost in a sea of lust for this man. Leo giggles then, and we pull apart, both of us looking down, forgetting that we had an audience, and I blush.

Dante starts laughing too, and I am caught off guard, having never seen or heard him laugh until now. He looks happy, totally and unashamedly happy, his eyes glistening and his smile wide. He seems lighter, more relaxed. I watch as he and Leo giggle so much it is contagious, and I join in.

“What are you all laughing at?” Maria asks as she steps into the room, and before anyone can answer, Leo speaks.

“Hi, Maria!” he says. Again, he stumbles a little, but the look on Maria’s face is priceless.

“Leo!” she says, clutching her chest, her eyes instantly watering. “Oh my God!”

Her disbelief shows on her face as her eyes flick from Leo, Dante, and to me.

“Leo, you’re talking!” she says before rushing over and pulling little Leo to her chest.

“Yes. Leo can talk,” Dante, says giving me a squeeze. His life has just changed for the better, and there is no wiping the smile from his face now.

Dante looks at me, his hands caressing up and down my arms, before he lifts one and runs it through my hair, bringing me toward him.

“Thank you, Bella. Thank you for getting my son back to me,” he whispers to me, kissing me again, before murmuring his thanks in my ear as he peppers kisses down my cheek and neck.

I don’t need any thanks, but I feel incredible. The look on Dante’s face will forever be embedded into my heart.

Maybe this was my one true calling… Maybe this was what I was put on the earth to do before my soul leaves it forever. I am so glad that I got to experience this, and in some small way help make it happen. I can leave this earth happy now. Happy that I got to make a difference and help my two beautiful boys.

28

Dante