Page 102 of Matteo

“Him and Mom were arguing. When she got loud, he went inside, and she followed him. What the hell are they arguing about now?” Rafe sends a hand into his hair.

Biting my tongue isn’t easy. All I want to do is tell them what I know. I hate being the only one who knows.

Layla lets out a shriek. I look to where she and Amy were a few minutes ago. Amy is carrying Layla away from the pony. And Layla is fighting like mad.

“What’s the matter?” I’m up.

“She’s soaking wet. I need to change her.”

“Shit. I’m sorry. I didn’t even notice.” What kind of dad am I to not notice?

“Dada,” Layla screams for me.

Amy shakes her head. “It’s fine. I’ve got her. You might want to clean up the saddle, that poor pony.”

I’m up, but one of the two handlers who came with the animals is already doing it. “I apologize.”

He chuckles. “It’s fine. I’ve had worse things happen with little kids. At least it’s just pee. She’s got some lungs on her for sure.”

“That she does.”

Riley is playing with Elena and Walter on the lawn. Walter comes running up to me, barks a few times, and then runs back to Elena—barking his head off the whole time.

“Thanks, by the way. Now, Carrie is talking about getting a dog. Which we don’t need with Stella being so small.”

“I’d rather have a dog than a cat.” Javi shakes his head. “I swear the cat is trying to kill me. It’s always underfoot.”

I shrug. “I got the dog for Amy, but he’s not so bad. Seeing Amy with him, I’ll fill the house with dogs if she wants.” I’m looking around. “Where did Santos go?”

Hope laughs as she sits down in Javier’s lap. “Poor guy was overwhelmed with all the babies and went upstairs to take a nap. I couldn’t tell if he really was or if he was just hung over.”

I look to Rafe. Rafe answers. “Both. And now that Matteo is getting married the day after tomorrow, Mom is already talking about he’s next.”

We’re all laughing at that.

“He told me last night that Mom was trying to fix him up with a date to your wedding.” Javi shakes his head. “I have a feeling he’s going to try and hitch a ride on the jet out of Dallas with you guys.”

“Where are you guys going for your honeymoon, after all?” Hope is curious as she takes Joaquin and bounces him to keep him awake.

“Florence, followed by Spain, a week in each. We’ll get Florence to ourselves, and then Doris will fly out with Layla when we go to Madrid. I appreciate you checking in on Mom, Layla, and Doris while we’re gone.”

“No problem. I know how anxious Amy will get while she’s gone. It’s not easy spending the night away from your kids. But Layla did really good last night. Doris was surprised and Elizabeth was smiling ear to ear. I think it was smart to do a test night before you guys left.”

I nod. "I have to admit, I was a bit hurt that she didn't seem very excited to see me and Amy when we arrived today."

Amy is back with Layla, who is still red-eyed and sniffling. The moment she spots me, she holds out her arms for me.

Rolling her eyes, Amy puts her in my arms. “Hey, baby girl.” I kiss her cheek and she cuddles into me. Then surprises the hell out of me when she pushes away to get down. Curious, I let her slide down off me. Her little hand is on my thigh, holding her up. “What? What are you doing?”

One hand is up, and she’s pointing at the pony across the yard. “You want the pony? No, you’ve been on the pony long enough. How about a cupcake?”

She lets go of my thigh and wobbles on her own two feet. “You think you’re going to walk to the pony?” I can’t believe her. From the corner of my eye, I see Javi whip out his phone, and he’s recording her. “Layla…”

Her hand is out and she takes one step, then another. And another. “Holy shit. She’s walking to the pony.”

Five steps, and then she trips over the edge of the cement patio. I scoop her up before she hits the cement. “What a big girl you are.”

Amy’s eyes are wide as she shakes her head. “We are not getting her a pony.”

---