Chapter 134
Ares’ POV.
After our much-needed shower, Isabella was practically radiant. I reluctantly parted ways with her to attend to Slade's preparations for the upcoming party. The most challenging part involved rousing him from his nap, with the teeth-brushing ordeal coming in at a close second.
Despite the minor struggles, a promise of candy successfully motivated Slade to rise from his nap, transforming his mood into one of sheer delight. I took charge of his shower, managed the toothbrushing session, and assisted him in selecting his clothes and styling his hair. The little guy looked as handsome as his daddy, insisting on coordinating colors and opting for a navy shirt to match mine.
"Come on, buddy, let's go check on Mama," I said, taking his tiny hand in mine and leading the way. Slade happily trailed behind me, clutching his wrapped present in the other hand. I offered to carry it for him, but his determination for independence won, and I conceded.
His gift turned out to be genuinely adorable. I had taken him to one of those pottery classes with Isabella, where they could unleash their creativity on kitchen items. Slade, with his artistic skills, had crafted a plate and decorated a set of salt and pepper shakers. The finished pieces arrived just in time, and I took extra care in wrapping them to ensure they wouldn't break. Now, Slade beamed with pride, eagerly carrying his carefully wrapped creation to present to his Nonno.
I knocked on the door before gently pushing it open, and my jaw nearly hit the floor at the vision before me. Isabella stood there in a black silk dress that gracefully cascaded down to the floor. Delicate gold straps adorned her shoulders, and as she turned slightly, I couldn't help but notice the sexy low dip of the back. Her lips matched the stones of rubies, complementing the jewelry that adorned her at that very moment.
"What do you think, boys?" she asked, striking a pose that accentuated the elegance of her attire.
"You look beautiful, Mama!" Slade exclaimed, rushing over to envelop her in a tight hug. Isabella laughed joyfully, holding onto Slade and the gift he brought before scooping him up into her arms. It was a breathtaking sight — my son and my girlfriend. Slade, with his boundless energy, looked remarkably larger against Isabella's more petite frame, and a genuine smile spread across my face.
"The words I want to use to describe aren't appropriate for tiny ears," I finally spoke up, walking over to them. I wrapped my arms around both of them, pressing a tender kiss to Isabella's forehead.
"I love you both," Isabella said sweetly, her gaze shifting from me to Slade. He reciprocated the words before squirming to be put down, eager to rush to the door.
"Say it again," I requested, my hands gently cupping Isabella's face as I drew her closer. Her words never failed to melt my heart, and I couldn't help but savor every instance she spoke them, knowing they were shared sparingly but held immense significance.
"I love you, Ares Volkov, sorry I don’t say it nearly enough," Isabella laughed, her bright and warm smile sending a cascade of warmth through me. Her hands ran over my shoulders, fingertips gently brushing against the tips of my hair.
"I love you too, Isabella, so damn much," I proudly confessed, drawing her closer for a kiss. "Don’t ever leave me," I whispered, allowing my guard to momentarily drop.
“Don’t ever give me a reason to,” she whispered in return, and I couldn't help but chuckle as I pulled away from her lips.
"I wouldn’t dare to. I’m hooked on you, baby," I winked, noting the sweet shade of red that graced her face.
“Come on! Nonno’s birthday!” Slade barged into the room with a loud groan, and I couldn't help but laugh.
"Let’s go!" I declared, grabbing both their hands, ready to step into the celebration of Nonno's birthday.
***
We arrived at the party, and I held onto Slade’s hand as we walked together. Isabella was to my left, and our arms were linked, making our entrance as a family. Mom intercepted us before we could make our way inside, insisting on capturing a photo of the moment. Naturally, I didn't refuse, and the result left Mom gushing about its perfection. It would undoubtedly become my new lock screen, especially since Isabella despised the current one – a candid snapshot of her fast asleep, mouth slightly ajar, with Slade nestled on her chest, both peacefully knocked out. I cherished that photo, but her feelings overruled mine since she claimed she looked weird in the photo.
“Nonno!” Slade shrieked as he spotted his grandfather, rushing over to him. Angelo immediately bent down to scoop up his grandson, planting a big kiss on his cheek. “I got you the bestest present ever,” Slade announced proudly, presenting the gift bag.
"Good, I was wondering when I’d get the bestest gift ever," Angelo smiled, reciprocating with another affectionate kiss on Slade's cheek. "Can I open it now?" Angelo's curiosity got the better of him.
“Of course, buddy,” Slade chirped, eagerly settling onto the counter while Angelo delved into his birthday gifts. As Angelo unveiled the plate and salt & pepper shakers, Slade beamed with excitement. “I love it! Is this your tiny hand?” Angelo pointed to the handprint on the plate, his joy evident.
“It is,” Slade declared proudly, earning yet another quick hug from his grandpa before he went around showcasing his new gifts.
“You’d think he won the lottery,” Isabella whispered to me, thoroughly amused by her father's current excitement.
“I think he just did. Slade sure gives the best gifts,” I laughed, giving Isabella's hand a gentle squeeze before letting go. “It’s not exactly the bestest gift, but I sure hope you appreciate it,” I chuckled, presenting my small gift to him. While the packaging might have been small, the contents inside were anything but.
“Haven’t you done enough for us?” Angelo asked.
“This is the last thing, I promise,” I assured him, though deep down, I knew it might just be a bit of a fib. Anything related to Angelo, Giovana, or anyone Isabella cared about would always receive the utmost attention and care from me.
Angelo opened the gift, and a gasp escaped him as he laid eyes on the paper inside. It officially declared that he could open his bakery in the US, as I had taken care of the electrical and painting – the last check-ups needed before he and Giovana could open the bakery. They were now all set.
“Ares… This is incredible, thank you,” Angelo exclaimed, pulling me into a tight hug, and I couldn't help but smile at his genuine joy.
“Emilio? Daniela?” a voice called from behind me. Turning around, I saw the Martinez twins making their entrance.