Episode 13

I pour myself a glass of wine and head to my bedroom, recline and check the emails from Francisco as well as review the dealings with the Russian mafia.

I finish up and go to bed to sleep, but it's impossible—I can't sleep. I miss my little devil by my side, the warmth when I hug him. What have you done to me, Nick?

After hours of tossing and turning, I finally fall asleep. At dawn, I shower and dress quickly to leave.

I'm eager to see my little ones and Nick.

I open the door to leave and my mother barges in. "Didn't you tell me you had arrived?" "Mom, what are you doing? I have to go." "Oh no, you're not going anywhere. You have to accept a date with Nadia Black." "Mom, I won't do it." "Son, you need to get married and have a family." "Aren't you tired, Mom? I'm going to choose who to marry." "It must be a girl from a good family, but you have to go to this appointment, son. Here's the address."

She hands me a piece of paper and I leave it on the table. I storm out, angry for the time wasted; I'll never go to that meeting. I get in my car and head to the village. Once home, I change into something more comfortable and go to pick up the kids from the nursery.

"Daddy, you're here!!!" Their triple hug warms my heart—they're my adorable children. I put each of them in their car seats; I had three child seats installed in my car.

Once we're set, we head to the hospital to greet Nick. "Daddy! We brought you this, chocolate cake." "Thanks, kids." "Hello, Peter." "Daddy, aren't you going to give Papa a kiss?" Noha is so innocent. "Of course, princess." I give Nick a quick peck on the lips and we chat a bit until he's called away for an emergency. Then we head home.

At home, we get dinner ready. After eating, I put the children to bed—they love to have a story read to them at night.

Once they're asleep, I wash the dishes, head to my bedroom, lie down, and the pillow bears Nick's fragrance. I check my phone and have messages from Jasmine, who will be visiting with Lorenzo this weekend.

I fall asleep holding Nick’s pillow.

The next day, I make breakfast for the kids and we head to the nursery. As they walk in, they greet me with a kiss, and the teacher beckons me over.

"Hello, sir. I'm Carmen, the teacher of your little ones. May I have a word with you?" "Yes, of course. Let's go to the classroom." "Well, this week we're discussing the theme of family, and Joshua, Peter, and Noha's drawings caught my attention. As usual, they've drawn their father and grandparents, but this time they've included another dad." "I see they're very nice drawings. Miss, I am Nick's partner." "I see that, just wanted to know about your family, sorry to pry." "It's understandable." "Sir, what's your name?" "Peter Sanders." "Mr. Sanders, Nick often helps us out with organizing, but he's been busy with the hospital. I was wondering if you—" "Of course, I can help. It's the first time, but I'd be glad to assist you." "Thank you, Mr. Sanders. We appreciate your help."