Chapter 191 Like Father Like Son
Dakota's P.O.V.
I lie in bed, looking at the ceiling while my mind races. Ari is sleeping on one side of me, and Enzo is sleeping on the other. I was going to make up the chaise for Enzo, but he said he wanted to sleep with us. After the day he had yesterday, I couldn't tell him no. I have a plan, but I want to talk to Galdino about it and then the rest of the family. I want to get up, but I don't want to wake Ari or Enzo. For as big as this bed is, they're both plastered to my sides.
Twenty minutes later, Enzo begins moving around. When he opens his eyes, he smiles and snuggles against me.
"Good morning, little man," I whisper.
"Good morning. What smells so yummy?" He sits up and sniffs the air.
"I think someone is making breakfast. Are you ready to get up?" He nods and climbs out of bed. I kiss Ari's head and climb out, too. I think yesterday wore Ari out more than he thought it would. I go to my closet to change out of my pajamas while Enzo uses the restroom. I then go to Shannon's room to give her a change of clothes and to see if I can get some of Enzo's clothes. Just as I'm about to knock, the door opens, and Benny steps out. I smile as his face turns red.
"Well, isn't this interesting? Were you checking on her, or did you spend the night?" I ask as I raise my eyebrows.
"I uh, we uh." I start laughing, and his face gets even redder.
"I'm just kidding, Benny. If you two like each other, you're both adults. Do what you want. She's a sweetheart, and you are too. I think you'll make a great couple. Is Shannon up? I brought her a change of clothes until I can have some delivered, and I need to get a change of clothes for Enzo." Benny relaxes and smiles.
"Yeah, she's up. We've been up talking for a while. She's really smart and so passionate about the work she wants to do. I've never met anyone like her." I tilt my head as I watch his eyes light up. Someone is smitten big time.
"I knew I made the right choice bringing her here." Benny smiles and opens the door.
"Dakota is here to see you," he says, holding the door open wider. Shannon walks over nervously, and I notice she's wearing something different. Based on the size of the T-shirt, I believe it's Benny's. She looks worried when he puts his arm around her shoulders. I smile and hand her the clothes I brought.
"I'll have some clothes delivered for you today. I just need to know your size, but I wanted to give you these. Enzo and I also wanted to get his clothes because he's bunking with Ari and me right now." I look down at him, and he nods.
"I have to make sure Ari doesn't mess up, or Dakota's going to marry me instead of him." Benny and Shannon smile at him.
"If you want your room back, Shannon can stay in mine," Benny says. Her face turns red, and she looks away from me.
"Do you want me to stay in my room?" Enzo asks sadly, looking up at me.
"No, you can still stay with Ari and me. Shannon, you can stay in whichever room you want. I just want you to be comfortable." I wink at her, and she relaxes.
"Thank you." Enzo and I get his suitcase, and then I help him get dressed. When we get to the steps, Valentina and Galdino are leaving their room, and Enzo runs to them.
"Mommy, Daddy, guess what. I stayed with Ari and Dakota, and we watched a movie and had popcorn. It was so much fun." Galdino lifts him, and Valentina kisses Enzo's cheek.
"Wow, that sounds like lots of fun. Thanks for helping out with him," Valentina says as we go downstairs.
"It's nice having him here. Ari and I had just as much fun as he did. Galdino, can I talk to you for a minute?" He puts Enzo down and follows me to my office.
"What's wrong?" He asks as I lean against my desk.
"I want to run something by you before I say anything to anyone else." He sits in one of the chairs.
"Okay, but first, I want to thank you. If you hadn't kept telling me to give Valentina a chance, I would have ignored her effect on me. I didn't think someone like me would get a chance to find love, but you proved me wrong." I kiss his cheek and take the seat next to him.
"I knew she was perfect for you, and it only took a few hours. She's a total badass with an incredible son. What more could you want?" He chuckles, and his eyes light up. I seriously need to start a match-making business because I'm batting a thousand at bringing couples together right now.
"I won't mess up with Enzo like I did Ari." I reach over and put my hand over his.
"Ari loves and respects you. You didn't mess up with him as much as you think. Oh, and Benny spent the night with Shannon." Galdino tips his head back and starts laughing.
"Good, he's been teasing me about moving fast, and now I can give it back to him." Sometimes, these men still seem like big kids.