Ricardo holds Clara, Andre hanging onto his pantleg, looking up. "Daddy?" the little boy asks, thumb hovering near his lips.
"Here, Andre," he says, sitting down on the couch and patting the cushion next to him. Andre wiggles his way up and watches, eyes wide and curious, as Ricardo rests Clara in his arms, adjusting them to hold her properly. "There you go."
Andre blinks hard, staring down at his sister. "Does Mariana feel the same way?" he wonders.
"Close," Ricardo says. "Clara is a little heavier than her. We'll let you hold Mariana when she's awake again. Sound alright?"
Andre nods vaguely. "I guess so," he says quietly, watching as Clara blinks sluggishly, looking towards him. "Do you think she likes me, daddy?"
"Si, of course," Ricardo chuckles, stroking Clara's soft cheek. "She's very little, but she already trusts you, look how she's staring at you."
"It's kind of scary, daddy," Andre murmurs.
"I know, it is at first," Ricardo admits. "I remember when your aunt was first born. I felt like that, but you'll grow more comfortable with her, I promise. Just be patient with yourself. When she's older, you two will be best friends, along with Mariana."
"I hope so," Andre murmurs, looking relieved when Ricardo takes the baby from him.
"Come on, kiddo," Ricardo tells him. "Let's go get something to eat. Smells like Sofia's making some more of those stuffed shells that you like so much."
"Ok, daddy," Andre says, following him out.
Sofia watches as Andre runs into the bathroom to wash his hands before eating and Ricardo smiles at her. "How's he doing?" she murmurs.
"He's doing well," Ricardo says, lightly rubbing Clara's foot. "Just taking some time to adjust to everything. We'll get there."
Sofia smiles at him. "We will," she says. "But for now, food will help."
"I hope so," Ricardo says, chuckling as Andre comes back out. "Ready to go eat?"
"Yes, Daddy," Andre says, peering up at Clara in his arms. "Is Clara going to eat too?"
"Not shells," Ricardo says with a faint laugh. "She's going to have some warm formula though."
"Oh," Andre murmurs. "Alright." He presses against Ricardo's leg, the group of them slowly walking into the kitchen.
It'll take time, Ricardo thinks, but he has no doubt Andre will be as loyal a big brother as he was when he was his age.