Chapter Fifty-Seven

In the nursery, the two grandfathers were having the time of their lives with their adorable grandchildren. Antonio was piggybacking Elizabeth, his favorite. He had never seen such an adorable little girl in his life. 

 Maybe he felt that way because he had never raised a girl child. Allessandro had come alone, as if marking his territory, and never allowed any other child to come to them.

Beside them on a couch was Leonardo, having a laugh with the other twin, James. He kept laughing at James' babbling noises. Never had he felt more at peace with himself than right now.

He could see that his daughter was truly happy, and the gift of these children was a boon; he could not ask for anything else. 

Estelle, you missed all these, all for what? A shadow of pain crossed Leonardo’s features. For their kind, the loss of a soul mate was akin to losing one’s life. He has no idea how he lived for so long without her by his side.

The time for me to come to you is close; I can feel it. Alless and Scarlet will take care of everything. You need to see your son-in-law; he will make a magnificent king, more than I ever would.

Leonardo continued his musings until James, tired from the unresponsive adult carrying him on his lap, protested to be let down. 

"Oh, sorry, my dear, I was lost in thought," he told his grandson, pulling his cheek, which made him smile, and their play resumed.

Alless and Scarlet had come to the nursery to check up on the twins, only to meet the most perfect sight they had ever seen. The two kings played with their grandchildren so lovingly. 

They looked at each other and hugged themselves.

“They look so happy, don't they? And the children look happy too.” Scarlet said, leaning on her husband happily. 

“Yes, it looks like the days of enmity between the two clans are over, and we did something right after all." 

Alless agreed, a proud grin on his face. 

"Now that the fathers are happy, why don’t we give them something more to be happy about?" Alless teased with a smile, looking at his wife with those adorable blue eyes. 

“What do you mean? Alless, I don't understand you at all." Scarlet gave a fake yawn and turned to go, only to be grabbed from behind by Alless. 

"Oh no, you don't; you understand me perfectly; I need another child."

"Not now, love; let's give the twins some space, and I mean to talk to you about something important." Scarlet told Allesd, looking serious.

"Yes, what do you have to say?" Alless asked his wife, all playfulness gone. Scarlet turned and looked at her husband. She linked her left hand with his and began to walk in the general direction of their apartments.

"I have been thinking about my love. I would like to resume my practice before I grow rusty. The children have grown now, and I think practicing here in Verona will give me better fulfillment."

"I know we said we would go back to the States when everything was settled. If you don't mind, can we settle down here? I like it here. We need to be near the parents and to take care of everything—the businesses and the clans, you know what I mean." Alless listened and nodded his head in affirmation. 

"That's a good idea. I had wanted to discuss this very matter with you.

Bringing Scarlet's hands to his chest, Alless inclined him and kissed her knuckles.

Anything that would make you happy, my love. Anywhere you are is home. But thank you, Scarlet, for thinking of everyone.

And yes, you can practice your medicine to your heart's content. Which hospital do you want? Let me begin to make the calls. He asked her, hugging her to him. 

"I will give you the moon if you want it." Scarlet looked up at her husband, her green eyes sparkling. Thanks, my king, you are my everything and more," Scarlet said, leaning her fair head on Alless' broad chest, thinking how lucky she was to have this man as her own.

And I love you, Scarlet, very much. Before you resume work, I would like to officially make you mine. I made you a promise, remember.

Yes, I do. Is it necessary? Our marriage is already legal, and I am happy with the way things are. 

No, I am not. This is old Italy. I don't want anyone raising eyebrows at you all, my children. I want to show you the whole thing and stake my claim on you. As Alless spoke, his eyes began to glow. 

"Calm down, love; anything you want to do, I am all for it. Which girl wouldn't want a fairy tale wedding, especially if their partner looks like a god?" Scarlet said, looking Alless over and wiggling her eyebrows like a street maid.

This made Alless laugh and dissipate all the tension in his body.

"Okay, babe, enough of that; we have a  wedding to plan.

"That reminds me of my mother. I have not seen her since we came back from that incident. Where is she, Scarlet? 

"Sorry, Alless, I have not seen her either." She responded guiltily.

Alless frowned. 

"Really? I am sure there is nothing to worry about; let's go look for her."

So, hand in hand, they went in search of Clara Rossi.

Diego and Nana were waiting for Leonardo so they could go back to Montgomery's Mansion. They had spent a whole day here and wanted to go back to their own home.

Diego especially had missed his wife Nana, who had been with Scarlet for quite some time, helping with the twins.

"I think it's time you come and tend to your husband, my dear. I have missed you. 

"I know, my dear. Let's go and look for the others so we can head home." Nana responded, leading the way.

Edwardo was resting after the meeting when he heard a knock on his door. He knew who was there, of course.

Going to the door, he put on a t-shirt while the knocking insisted. Hold on a sec; I am coming. He said, and he opened

the door and was just about to say ba... when the sight of the person at his door threw him off.

Alless looked at Edwardo's face when he saw him and burst out laughing. 

Why are you disappointed that I wasn't the one you were expecting? Alless asked with a raised brow. 

"Your Highness? What are you doing here? 

"Cut it out, will you? I came to discuss something important with you." He pushed Edwardo out of the door and entered the apartment, looking around.

“You don't need to come all the way. You could have just summoned me, you know.” Edwardo followed Alless into the apartment.

“Before we discuss what I came for, tell me, are you serious about Sabrina?” All traces of laughter gone from Alless’ face, which made Edwardo nervous. “I don't know Alless,” Edwardo responded earnestly, gray eyes clashing with smoldering blue ones.