A little while later, Maya's phone buzzed, and she immediately reached for it, her heart skipping a beat when she saw Carina's name on the screen. She took a deep breath before answering, trying to calm her nerves. This conversation was important—it felt like a turning point for them.
"Hey," Maya greeted softly, her voice filled with a mix of hope and caution.
"Hi," Carina responded, her tone equally soft. For a moment, there was silence between them, the weight of everything they had been holding back filling the space. Carina spoke first, her voice steady but carrying a deep undercurrent of vulnerability. "I've been thinking about what happened last night… and I'm sorry. I didn't mean to push you away. I was just so overwhelmed."
Maya exhaled slowly, feeling a pang of relief at Carina's words. "I'm sorry too," she replied, her voice gentle. "I know this is really hard for you, and I didn't mean to make it worse. I guess… I just felt like I wasn't being heard."
Carina's heart ached at Maya's words. "You're right," she admitted quietly. "I was so caught up in my own fears that I didn't listen to you. I've been carrying this burden for so long… raising Alex on my own, and suddenly this email from my ex just threw me back into that time. I felt like I had to handle it all by myself again, and I didn't know how to let you in."
Maya listened, her heart softening as she heard Carina's confession. She had known that Carina's past with her ex was a source of deep pain, but hearing Carina open up like this made Maya realize just how heavy that burden had been.
"I get it," Maya said softly, her voice filled with understanding. "You've been through so much on your own, and it makes sense that you'd feel like you have to protect Alex and yourself. But Carina… you don't have to do it alone anymore. I'm here, and I want to be part of this—with you."
Carina swallowed hard, feeling the tears welling up in her eyes. "I know," she whispered, her voice cracking slightly. "And that's what I want too. I just… I got scared. Scared of making the wrong decision for Alex, scared of letting someone who hurt me back into our lives. And I lashed out at you because I didn't know how to deal with it."
Maya's heart clenched at Carina's vulnerability, and she wished she could be there in person to hold her, to reassure her that they were in this together. "I'm scared too," Maya admitted softly. "I don't want to see you or Alex hurt by this. But I also don't want to be shut out. I love you both so much, and I just want to make sure we're making the right decision for our family."
Carina wiped away a tear that had slipped down her cheek. "You're right," she said quietly. "We need to make this decision together. I shouldn't have acted like it was just my decision to make. I realize now that we're a family, and you should have a say in what happens with Alex."
Maya felt a wave of relief wash over her at Carina's words. "Thank you," she whispered. "That means a lot to me. And whatever happens with your ex… we'll figure it out together."
Carina nodded, even though Maya couldn't see her. "I still don't know what the right answer is," she admitted softly. "But I promise I won't make any decisions without talking to you first."
Maya smiled faintly, her heart feeling lighter. "That's all I want," she said gently. "We'll take it one step at a time, and we'll talk through it together."
There was a brief pause, the tension between them finally beginning to ease as the conversation settled into a more comfortable rhythm.
"I love you, Maya," Carina said after a moment, her voice filled with emotion. "I know I haven't been the easiest person to talk to these past few days, but I'm so grateful to have you by my side."
Maya's heart swelled with love for Carina. "I love you too," she whispered. "We're going to be okay, Carina. We'll get through this."
Carina smiled through her tears, feeling a sense of peace wash over her. "I believe that," she said softly. "Thank you for being patient with me."
"Carina," Maya began, her voice gentle and filled with care. "I know you've told me bits and pieces about your past with Valentina… but if you want, I'd like to hear more. I feel like it might help me understand everything better."
There was a pause on the other end of the line, and Maya could sense Carina's hesitation. She knew that this was a sensitive subject for her, one that held a lot of pain. But after a few moments of silence, Carina let out a soft sigh, as though she had decided to open up.
"Okay," Carina said quietly, her voice wavering slightly. "I think it might help if I talk about it."
Maya listened intently, her heart already aching for what Carina was about to share. She could hear the emotion in Carina's voice as she began to tell the story.
"Valentina and I met in Italy," Carina started, her tone a mix of nostalgia and pain. "It was just before I finished my residency in med school. She was a photographer—bold, beautiful, full of life. We met at a friend's gallery showing, and I was immediately drawn to her. She had this way of making everything feel exciting, like life was this grand adventure waiting to happen."
Maya could picture the scene vividly in her mind, the romantic allure of Italy and the whirlwind romance that had blossomed between Carina and Valentina. She stayed quiet, allowing Carina to continue.
"We started dating quickly," Carina continued, her voice softening with the memories. "Everything happened fast between us. I was finishing my residency, preparing to move forward with my medical career, and Valentina was traveling the world for her photography. But we made it work. I fell in love with her—deeply. We fell in love so fast, like it was meant to be."
Carina paused for a moment, her voice growing a bit heavier. "Eventually, we got engaged. It felt like the natural next step. We talked about our future together and what we wanted our lives to look like. We both agreed we wanted to start a family. It was something we were excited about—a future full of love, art, medicine, and children."
Maya could hear the happiness in Carina's voice as she spoke about the earlier days of their relationship, but she could also sense the shift as Carina's tone grew more somber.
"We decided to start trying for a baby even before the wedding," Carina explained. "We knew with IUI, it could take a few tries, and we didn't want to wait. We were so eager to start our family. But then…" Carina hesitated, her voice faltering slightly. "I got pregnant on the first attempt."
Maya felt her heart tighten. She could imagine the excitement that must have come with that, but she also knew what was coming next.
"At first, Valentina was thrilled," Carina said, her voice filled with a bittersweet sadness. "She was happy, and we celebrated together. We thought it was a sign that everything was falling into place. But after a few weeks, something shifted. Valentina became distant. She started having second thoughts about the baby, about the life we had planned together."
Maya stayed silent, listening as Carina's voice grew more pained.
"We fought a lot," Carina admitted softly. "About the baby, about our future… about everything. Valentina said she wasn't sure if she was ready to be a mother, that she didn't know if she wanted to give up her freedom. I tried to reassure her, to make things work, but it just… it wasn't enough."
Carina took a deep breath, trying to keep her emotions in check as she recounted the hardest part of the story. "One day, I came home from work, and she was gone," Carina said, her voice trembling. "There was a note on the kitchen table, and all of her things were gone. She didn't even say goodbye to me in person. She just… left."
Maya felt a lump form in her throat as she listened to Carina's story. The pain of being abandoned by someone she had loved, someone she had planned a life with, was palpable in Carina's voice.
"I was devastated," Carina whispered, her voice barely above a whisper. "I had to pick up the pieces, alone, while I was pregnant. I had to grieve the loss of the relationship, while trying to prepare myself to be a mother. It was the hardest thing I've ever been through."
Maya's heart ached for Carina, and she wished she could reach through the phone and hold her, to comfort her in some way. "I'm so sorry, Carina," Maya whispered, her voice filled with love. "I can't imagine how painful that must have been."
"It was," Carina admitted, her voice still shaky. "But I had Alex. He gave me a reason to keep going. I threw myself into motherhood, and it saved me. I stopped thinking about Valentina, stopped worrying about what could have been. My life became about Alex, about my work, and I built something new."
Maya took a deep breath, feeling a surge of admiration for Carina's strength. "You're so strong," Maya said gently. "You've built such a beautiful life for Alex and yourself. And now… now we're in this together."
Carina smiled faintly, though her heart still felt heavy with the weight of the past. "I know," she said softly. "It's just hard, with her reaching out now. It's like all of those old wounds are being reopened, and I'm scared of what it could mean for Alex."
Maya nodded, understanding Carina's fears. "I get it," she said gently. "But we'll face this together, Carina. Whatever happens, we'll make the decision that's best for our family."
Carina's heart warmed at Maya's words, and she felt a sense of relief wash over her. It wasn't easy to revisit the past, but sharing it with Maya made her feel like she wasn't carrying the burden alone anymore.
"Thank you for listening," Carina whispered, her voice filled with gratitude. "It means a lot to me."
"Thank you for trusting me with it," Maya replied softly. "I love you, Carina. And I'm here for you, always."
"I love you too," Carina said, her voice a little lighter now, though still touched with emotion. "We'll get through this. Together."
As they ended the call, Carina felt a sense of calm that she hadn't felt in days.
After a long and grueling shift, Maya felt both physically exhausted and emotionally ready to reconnect with Carina and Alex. Their recent conversation had left her feeling closer to Carina than ever, but she also knew that they were still in the midst of healing old wounds. She wanted to do something small, something meaningful, to remind Carina how much she loved her and appreciated their family.
Before heading home, Maya stopped by a local florist, her mind already set on picking up Carina's favorite flowers—sunflowers. They were bright, cheerful, and full of life, just like Carina. She knew that even a small gesture like this could bring a smile to Carina's face, and that was all she wanted after the emotionally draining days they had endured.
With the bouquet of sunflowers carefully wrapped and tucked under her arm, Maya hurried to the apartment. She was eager to catch Carina and Alex before they both headed out for the day—Carina to the hospital, and Alex to preschool. She felt a sense of excitement bubbling inside her, a need to reconnect and show Carina just how much she meant to her.
When Maya reached the apartment, she could hear the soft sounds of Alex's giggles and Carina's melodic voice from inside. She smiled to herself, feeling a warmth spread through her chest as she opened the door.
Carina was standing in the kitchen, packing Alex's lunch while Alex sat at the table with his toys scattered around him. The morning light streamed through the windows, giving everything a soft, warm glow. It was such a simple scene, but to Maya, it felt like the essence of home.
"Mamma! Maya!" Alex exclaimed excitedly, looking up from his toys as Maya entered the room.
Carina turned around, her face lighting up with a smile as she saw Maya standing there. "Maya," she greeted warmly, wiping her hands on a dish towel. "You're home."
Maya grinned as she walked over, the bouquet of sunflowers hidden behind her back. "I missed you both," she said, her voice soft and full of affection.
Before Carina could respond, Maya pulled the sunflowers out from behind her back, holding them out toward Carina with a sheepish smile. "These are for you," she said. "Just a little something to brighten your morning."
Carina's eyes widened with surprise and delight as she saw the flowers. She let out a soft gasp, her hand flying to her chest as she looked at Maya with a mixture of love and gratitude. "Oh, Maya… they're beautiful," she said, her voice touched with emotion. She took the bouquet from Maya and held the flowers gently in her hands, admiring their bright petals.
"You didn't have to do this," Carina said softly, though her smile told Maya just how much the gesture meant to her.
"I know," Maya replied, stepping closer to Carina. "But I wanted to. I just… I wanted to remind you how much I love you."
Carina's heart melted at Maya's words. She leaned in and pressed a soft kiss to Maya's lips, the warmth between them filling the room. "I love you too," Carina whispered against her lips. "So much."
As they pulled apart, Alex tugged on Maya's pant leg, his small voice filled with excitement. "Maya, look at my dinosaur!" he exclaimed, holding up his toy with pride.
Maya laughed, bending down to pick Alex up and plant a kiss on his cheek. "That's a cool dinosaur, buddy!" she said with enthusiasm, making Alex giggle.
After a while, Carina glanced at the clock and sighed softly. "We should probably get going," she said with a hint of reluctance in her voice. "Alex has preschool, and I have a busy day at the hospital."
Maya nodded, still holding Alex in her arms. "I'll walk you both out," she said, setting Alex down gently before helping Carina gather her things.
As they headed toward the door, Carina stopped for a moment and looked at Maya, her eyes softening. "Thank you for the flowers," she said quietly, her voice filled with love. "And for everything."
Maya smiled, leaning in to kiss her again. "Anytime," she whispered. "I'll see you both later."
— — —
Running had always been her escape. It was a place where her thoughts could quiet down, where she could let the rhythm of her feet pounding against the pavement drown out everything else. Today, more than ever, she needed that release.
Maya laced up her running shoes, tied her hair back into a ponytail, and stepped outside into the cool afternoon air. The city streets were bustling with activity, but Maya paid little attention to the noise around her as she stretched briefly before taking off down the familiar path she'd run countless times before.
The first few steps felt liberating, her muscles loosening as she picked up speed. The air was crisp, filling her lungs with every deep breath. As her body fell into its natural rhythm, Maya let the tension in her shoulders melt away, focusing on the steady beat of her footsteps.
The scenery blurred around her—rows of trees lining the park, the occasional passerby, the distant hum of traffic—but none of it mattered. This run wasn't about the destination; it was about the release. With each stride, Maya felt herself leaving behind some of the emotional weight she'd been carrying.
Her mind wandered to the past few weeks. The fight with Carina, the difficult conversations about Valentina, and the uncertainty of what lay ahead had been weighing heavily on her. She had been so focused on supporting Carina, on making sure that their relationship stayed strong, that she hadn't taken much time for herself. Now, as she ran, she allowed herself to let go for a while—to be in the present moment without the pressure of making decisions or navigating complex emotions.
As she ran through the park, the sounds of the city faded, replaced by the rhythmic sounds of her breathing and the occasional rustle of leaves in the breeze. The sun hung low in the sky, casting a warm, golden light over everything. It was peaceful, and for the first time in what felt like days, Maya felt like she could breathe more easily.
Her thoughts gradually began to settle. She found herself thinking about the things that mattered most—Carina, Alex, their future together. No matter how difficult the conversations had been, Maya knew that what they were building was worth it. Their love was strong, and while they still had challenges to face, she felt a renewed sense of purpose to keep fighting for the life they wanted together.
After a few miles, Maya slowed her pace, her breathing steady but heavier from the exertion. She came to a stop near a bench, bending over slightly to catch her breath. Her heart was still racing, but in a good way—a way that reminded her she was alive, capable, and strong.
As Maya jogged her way back home from the park, her mind began to wander, not just to the present but to the future. She had started thinking about Carina in a way that she never thought she would about anyone. Despite everything—the emotional hurdles, the baggage from the past, and the challenges of merging their lives—Maya couldn't help but think about the long term.
A thought kept sneaking into her mind, one that she would immediately push away, but it kept returning, lingering in the back of her mind like an itch she couldn't scratch.
Proposing.
It wasn't something she ever envisioned herself doing. Marriage, commitment that deep—it just wasn't her. Or at least, it hadn't been. In the past, Maya had never wanted to be tied down, never imagined herself in a serious, permanent relationship. She had always enjoyed her independence, her freedom, and had no desire to live by anyone else's expectations. She never wanted a "happily ever after" in the traditional sense.
But now… everything was different.
She thought about Carina's smile, the way her laughter lit up a room, the way she cared for Alex with such tenderness and love. She thought about how Alex had worked his way into her heart, becoming like a son to her. It wasn't just about Carina anymore; it was about Alex too. The three of them had built something together—a family—and the idea of that being a permanent fixture in her life made her heart swell.
But then the doubt crept in.
What are you doing, Maya? she asked herself, her pace slowing as her thoughts became more intense. This isn't you. You've never wanted to be married. You don't do relationships like this. Why change now?
She tried to push the thought away again, but it wouldn't budge. Carina and Alex had become such an integral part of her life that she couldn't imagine a future without them. And that scared her. The idea of being so committed, of promising forever, of possibly disappointing Carina or not living up to the expectations that came with marriage—it made her nervous.
But I love them, she reminded herself. I want them in my life, forever.
Maya shook her head, trying to clear the confusion. Could she really propose? Could she be the kind of person who settled down, who made that kind of commitment? The old version of herself would have scoffed at the idea. But now, standing here in the park, sweat cooling on her skin, she knew that the old version of herself wasn't the same person anymore.
Maya's internal struggle persisted. She felt torn between who she had always believed herself to be and who she had become with Carina and Alex. The thought of proposing still scared her—terrified her, even—but the idea of losing them scared her even more. The way Carina looked at her with love, the way Alex adored her like she was his superhero, it all made her feel like she was finally part of something bigger than herself.
She sighed, slowing to a stop as she approached the familiar building. She leaned against the wall for a moment, catching her breath—not just from the run, but from the intensity of her thoughts.
Maybe I'm overthinking it, she thought. Maybe I don't need to make a decision right now.
But deep down, Maya knew that the idea of proposing wasn't going to go away. It wasn't just a fleeting thought. It was a reflection of how much she had changed, how much she had grown to want something real, something lasting. It was a reflection of how much she loved Carina and Alex.
The question wasn't whether she could see herself proposing—she could. The real question was when, and how she would get past the fear that had always held her back from making such a serious commitment.
For now, she pushed the thought to the back of her mind, though she knew it would return again soon enough.
— — —
Later that afternoon, Maya received a call from Carina, her voice sounding both excited and tired on the other end of the line.
"Maya, I just had two patients go into labor almost at the same time! It's going to be a long night here," Carina explained, her tone carrying a mix of pride and stress. "I'm sorry, but I don't think I'll be home anytime soon."
Maya smiled at the phone, imagining Carina's bustling energy as she managed multiple deliveries. "Hey, don't worry about a thing," Maya replied reassuringly. "I've got Alex. We'll be just fine. Focus on your patients and don't stress. We'll see you when you get home."
"Grazie, amore," Carina said, sounding relieved. "I'm lucky to have you. Give Alex a kiss for me. I'll call you when things settle down."
"Of course. Love you, and good luck with the babies!" Maya added before hanging up.
After she cleaned up from her run, Maya headed straight to Alex's preschool, ready for their evening together. As soon as she arrived, Alex came bursting out of the classroom, his backpack bouncing and a wide grin plastered on his face.
"Maya! Guess what? Guess what?" Alex called excitedly as he ran toward her.
Maya crouched down to his level, ready to catch him in a hug. "What, buddy? What's got you so excited?"
"My friend Dylan plays tee-ball! He told me all about it, and they hit the ball with a bat, and they run really fast! Can I play tee-ball too? Please, please?" Alex's words came out in one long, enthusiastic rush, his eyes wide with excitement.
Maya smiled at his eagerness, touched by how animated he was. She took his little hand as they started walking to the car. "Tee-ball, huh? That sounds awesome! You want to be a fast runner and hit the ball just like Dylan?"
"Yes!" Alex shouted with pure excitement. "Can we play tee-ball tonight? I want to hit the ball like they do!"
Maya chuckled. "Well, we don't have a tee-ball set at home, but I think we can work something out. Maybe we can find a fun way to practice until we can sign you up for a team."
"Really?" Alex's eyes lit up at the idea.
"Really," Maya confirmed as they climbed into the car. "But first, let's get home and have some dinner."
The whole drive home, Alex didn't stop talking about tee-ball—how Dylan's dad coaches his team, how they all get to wear special hats and jerseys, and how they even get snacks after the games. Maya listened with a smile, loving how excited he was about the idea. It reminded her of her own childhood passion for sports, and she couldn't help but feel a sense of connection with Alex's enthusiasm.
When they arrived home, Alex was still buzzing with energy. As they settled in, Maya kept her promise to keep things fun. They practiced some imaginary tee-ball in the living room, using one of Alex's stuffed animals as the "ball" and an empty paper towel roll as the bat. Alex swung at it with determination, giggling as Maya cheered him on.
"Home run!" Maya called out dramatically, clapping as Alex ran an imaginary lap around the living room, his laughter filling the space.
After some makeshift tee-ball practice and a playful dinner of sandwiches, Alex was finally winding down, still chattering excitedly about his dream of playing on a real team one day. As Maya tucked him into bed, he looked up at her with wide, hopeful eyes.
"Do you think Mamma will let me play tee-ball?" Alex asked, his voice soft with anticipation.
Maya smiled warmly and leaned down to kiss his forehead. "I think Mamma will definitely want you to try it out, buddy. You've been so excited about it all day. We'll talk to her about it when she gets home, okay?"
"Okay," Alex said with a sleepy grin. "Thanks, Maya."
"Anytime, little man. Sweet dreams," Maya whispered as she gently tucked him in and turned off the light.
Once Alex was asleep, Maya sat on the couch, her thoughts drifting back to how easily Alex had captured her heart. The way he looked up to her, his endless energy and curiosity—it was all becoming a central part of her life, something she hadn't expected but was now so grateful for.
Later that evening, Carina called with a quick update, her voice tired but happy after successfully delivering two babies. Maya filled her in on Alex's newfound obsession with tee-ball.
Carina sighed with relief. "Thank you, Maya. I feel so much better knowing you've got him covered. How was he tonight?"
Maya smiled, thinking back to their ice cream-for-dinner adventure. "He was great. Non-stop energy as usual, and he spent most of the time talking about tee-ball."
"Tee-ball?" Carina asked curiously. "Where did that come from?"
"He was telling me about his friend from preschool who plays tee-ball, and now he's decided he wants to try it too," Maya explained with a laugh. "He asked me about a hundred questions about it on the way home."
Carina laughed on the other end of the line. "That sounds like Alex. Once he has his mind set on something, he's all in."
Maya nodded, leaning back against the couch, feeling a wave of affection for the little boy. "Yeah, I think he'd have a lot of fun with it. He kept asking if he could play, and honestly, I don't see why not. It could be good for him."
Carina smiled softly, feeling a warmth in her chest knowing how invested Maya was in Alex's life. "If he really wants to play, maybe we should look into signing him up for a team," she suggested. "I think he'd love it."
Maya grinned. "I think so too. Plus, I wouldn't mind getting out there with him, showing him a few things. I used to be pretty good with a bat and ball, you know."
Carina chuckled. "Oh, I bet you'd be great at teaching him. I can already see the two of you practicing together in the backyard."
There was a brief, comfortable pause as they both imagined the scene—Maya and Alex playing tee-ball together, Carina watching from the sidelines with pride. It was such a simple image, but it felt like the essence of their growing family.
"I love that you're so involved with him," Carina said softly, her voice filled with warmth. "He loves spending time with you, Maya. He talks about you all the time, even when you're not around."
— — —
The next evening, Maya and Carina sat together in the quiet comfort of the apartment. Alex was asleep in his room, the soft hum of his white noise machine drifting through the slightly open door. Maya was sipping on a beer, and Carina had a glass of red wine in hand. They were relaxed, sharing a moment of quiet after the emotional whirlwind of the past few days.
But Maya could sense that something was weighing on Carina's mind. She noticed the way Carina was slightly more withdrawn than usual, her eyes occasionally flicking down to her glass, as if she was lost in thought. Finally, Carina took a deep breath and set her glass down on the coffee table.
"Maya," she began softly, her voice carrying a note of hesitation. "I've been thinking about Valentina… and what to do about her being in town the week after next."
Maya tensed slightly, her relaxed demeanor shifting as she focused on Carina. She had been dreading this conversation, but she knew it was necessary. They hadn't fully resolved what they were going to do about Valentina's unexpected reappearance, and it was clearly something that was weighing heavily on Carina's mind.
"I feel like I need to give her an answer," Carina continued, her voice uncertain. "She's asked to meet Alex, and I am torn. She was there when he was conceived but then made it known she didn't want to be a part of either of our lives"
Maya set her beer down and turned to face Carina more directly, her expression soft but concerned. "I get that," she said gently. "It makes sense that you'd want some kind of closure, and that you'd want to hear what she has to say. But, Carina… introducing Alex right away? I don't know if that's the best idea."
Carina looked down at her hands, nodding slightly. "I know," she said quietly. "It's just… She abandoned us, but she's also part of his story. The more we talk about it I realize that it may just be me looking for closure as silly as that sounds."
Maya understood Carina's conflicted feelings. Valentina had been a part of Carina's life for so long, and even though she had hurt Carina deeply, Carina's desire to be compassionate and fair to everyone involved was part of what made her so incredible. But Maya couldn't shake her concern about bringing Alex into the situation too soon.
"I get that," Maya said softly. "And I'm not saying you shouldn't meet her. I think you should, especially if it'll help you find some peace with everything. But… introducing Alex right away? That's a huge step, and I just worry about how that might affect him."
Carina nodded, her brow furrowed as she considered Maya's words. "I've thought about that too," she admitted. "I don't want to overwhelm him, or confuse him. He's happy right now. I don't want to disrupt that."
Maya gently reached for Carina's hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze. "Exactly," she said. "If you meet Valentina, and it feels right… then maybe you can introduce her to Alex later on. But give yourself some time to gauge how things feel first. Valentina's in town for two weeks, right? That gives you some time."
"I agree," Carina said quietly, her voice laced with concern. "And I love that you care about Alex and I the way you do."
Maya sighed, putting her beer down on the coffee table and turning to face Carina more fully. "I only want the best for both of you." she said softly, her tone more gentle now. "I support you in any decision you make, Carina. I always will, I hope I have communicated that clearly. Coming from a home where my parents were not supportive nor interested in what was best for me and my brother growing up, I vowed I would never live my life like that or make decisions the way they chose."
Carina nodded, her eyes filled with empathy for Maya's concerns. "I know you support me," she said softly. "I think I am going to respond that Valentina and I can meet for coffee or something. I do not want to give you the wrong impression either that I am looking for something in my past. I am completely in love with you Maya Bishop."
Maya looked down for a moment, trying to find the right words..
"I don't think that at all," Maya said quietly. "If this is what you need to do, I'm with you. I understand needing to settle some of the demons in your past in order to be able to move forward. "
Carina felt a rush of gratitude for Maya's support, despite her hesitation. She squeezed Maya's hand and leaned in to kiss her softly. "Thank you," she whispered. "That means more to me than you know."
Maya's hand moved to slide Carina's hair out of her face and tuck it behind her ear as she leaned back to capture Carina's lips. "Let me show you how much I support you right now," Maya breathed into Carina's ear.
"Si." Carina replied as Maya kissed down her neck finding her pulse point and began lightly sucking. Carina arched her back and dropped her head back onto the sofa allowing Maya more access to her neck.
Carina moaned as Maya's hands roamed down her body and slid under the hem of shirt, making contact with her warm skin underneath. Maya's fingertips grazed across Carina's belly just above the hem of her skirt.
"Shhh." Maya chuckled as she continued her exploration with her fingers under Carina's clothing. Slowly dragging her fingers against the expanse of Carina's belly.
"It is a little hard to do when you are doing these things with your mouth amore" Carina replied as Maya found another spot right under her ear that always made her squirm.
Maya pulled Carina's shirt up as her hands expertly navigated, unclasping her bra from behind and her mouth found the newly exposed nipple immediately. She sucked the erect nipple into her mouth, swirling her tongue around the small firm bud before leaning over to do the same with the other nipple.
Just as Maya was repositioning her and Carina on the couch they heard a door down the hall open and little feet running towards the direction of their room. Carina quickly straightened her clothing as Maya turned to follow the small footsteps.
"Maya, I had a dream that a dinosaur ate Mamma's car. It was scary." Alex said as he turned to see Maya in the hallway.
"Come here buddy. Mamma's car is ok." Maya said as she scooped him up and carried him to the living room where Carina was waiting.
"Bambino, everything is ok." Carina soothed Alex as Maya shifted him into her arms. After a little while later Alex was back asleep with Carina carrying him back into his bed.
Carina opened the door to their bedroom seeing Maya undressing and getting ready for bed. "What kind of support were you about to show me earlier, amore?"