AllFreeNovel
Share Us
"I happened," my grandmother said as she walked into the room.
"Nonna?"
"It's nothing, Luca," she said. "Nicolas and I met when he came for breakfast and got to talking. He didn't realize it was me right away and I think he's a little embarrassed."
Nico shuddered and said, "I said so many things to her."
"Ah, love." I threaded my fingers through Nico's hair and rubbed his back with the other. "I'm sure it's fine."
Nico vehemently shook his head.
I chuckled as I gently tugged at his hair. "Can you look at me, Nico?"
He shook his head again.
"Please?"
Nico's lower lip was trembling when he lifted his head and looked at me.
"Nico." I rubbed the pad of my thumb over Nico's lip. "Cuore mio, can I have a smile?"
Nico's lips spread into a smile, but it didn't shine in his eyes.
It was not a real smile.
"Nico."
Nico huffed, but smiled for real this time, his eyes winkling.
I returned his smile before pressing a kiss to his forehead. "That's better. I only want real smiles from you, okay?"
Nico's brow furrowed. "How did you know that wasn't a real smile?"
"Your eyes." I gently stroked the skin at the corner of Nico's eye. "They sparkle when you smile for real."
Nico's eyes crinkled at the corners as his smile grew bigger, amusement clear on his face. "My eyes sparkle? Seriously?"
"They do," I insisted.
When Nico tossed back his head, his laughter filling the study, all I could do was stare. I was mesmerized by the sight, captivated. If I died right this second, I'd die a happy man.
Luckily, I was very much alive and so was Nico. I got to experience this joy for the rest of my life.
When Nico settled against my chest again, I smiled down at him. I heard a soft gasp and glanced up to see my grandmother staring at me with wide eyes. "Nonna?"
She shook her head as she pressed her hand to her mouth.
My grandfather wrapped an arm around her. "I told you Nico was Luca's light."
Nonna patted her husband's arm. "You were right, dear. He's such a good boy."
I had no idea what they were talking about.
I frowned as I looked down at him. This was not the outfit I had picked out for him. "Nico, why are you covered in flour?"
Nico's eyes rounded. "Uh..."
"We were making bread," Nonna stated.
