Maya was bent over the kitchen sink, tools scattered around her as she tried to figure out the source of the leak that had been plaguing them for the past few days. She twisted a wrench and felt a sense of determination; she was going to fix this herself. Just then, her phone buzzed on the counter, and she wiped her hands on a rag before grabbing it.
Seeing Carina's name light up the screen made her smile. "Hey, beautiful! How did the meeting go?" Maya asked, eager to hear the latest news.
Carina's excitement bubbled through the phone. "Maya, you won't believe it! We received the funding for the women's clinic! They approved our proposal!"
"Really? That's amazing!" Maya exclaimed, her heart racing with joy for her partner. "I'm so proud of you! You worked so hard for this!"
"We did! And now we have the green light to start on the design of the building. This is a huge step forward!" Carina continued, her voice bubbling with enthusiasm.
"That's incredible! I can't wait to see how everything unfolds. You're going to make such a difference!" Maya said, feeling a swell of pride for Carina and her work.
"Thanks, love! I wish you could be here to celebrate with me," Carina said, her voice softening.
"Me too! But I'm working on fixing this leak in the kitchen—"
Just as Maya said that, a loud pop echoed from under the sink, and water suddenly sprayed out like a geyser, soaking her clothes and the floor. "Oh, for crying out loud!" she shouted, instinctively moving back and nearly slipping on the wet floor.
"Maya? What just happened?" Carina's voice turned serious, concern creeping in.
Maya cursed under her breath, trying to assess the damage. "The pipe broke! I'm okay, just a bit soaked," she reassured Carina, trying to maintain a sense of calm despite the chaos. "But I'm going to need you to pick up Alex from preschool. Can you do that?"
"Of course! Just stay safe, okay? I'll hurry over!" Carina said, her tone filled with urgency.
"I will! Just don't panic. I'll clean this up and figure it out," Maya assured her, looking down at the mess. "I just really need you to get him."
"Got it! I'll be there as soon as I can," Carina replied, and Maya could hear the determination in her voice.
"Thanks, Mamma. You're the best!" Maya said, trying to lighten the mood despite the wet chaos around her.
"I'll call you when I'm on my way. Just be careful!" Carina reminded her before they hung up.
Maya took a deep breath, trying to focus on the task at hand. The kitchen floor was a mess, but she had dealt with worse. She grabbed a bucket to catch the remaining water and rolled up her sleeves, ready to tackle the plumbing disaster.
Maya lay sprawled out on the kitchen floor, her upper body wedged under the sink. She was focused on the last part of the plumbing repair, her shirt riding up slightly and exposing her toned abs. Concentration etched on her face, she twisted a wrench, determined to get this leak fixed once and for all.
Just then, the front door creaked open, and she heard the familiar sound of Alex's excited voice. "Mamma, I colored a picture of a park today."
"You did?" Carina replied, her tone light. "I bet it was so beautiful."
Maya, still under the sink, felt a rush of happiness at their arrival. She could hear Carina and Alex bustling around, and she couldn't help but smile.
As Carina stepped into the kitchen, she glanced down and couldn't help but stare at Maya. The sight of Maya's hard-earned abs, slightly exposed, caught her off guard, and she felt a flutter in her chest. Maya's hard-earned physique was on full display, and Carina felt a rush of heat surge through her body at the sight.
"Wow, you really know how to handle that wrench," Carina said playfully, trying to break the spell she found herself under.
Maya looked up, a smirk on her face. "Just another day in paradise, right?" she replied, her tone light as she continued her work.
But Carina couldn't shake the wave of admiration washing over her. Maya was strong, capable, and undeniably attractive. The way she worked with such focus and determination made Carina's heart race.
Carina found herself drawn to the curve of Maya's waist, the way the muscles flexed as she maneuvered. It was a sight that sent a rush of affection—and something more—through her. She leaned against the doorframe, allowing herself a moment to appreciate her partner's beauty.
Alex, noticing his Mamma staring, turned around to see what she was looking at. "What's wrong, Mamma?" he asked, a hint of confusion in his tone.
"Nothing! Just admiring your Mommy's hard work," Carina replied, trying to keep her tone casual, though a smile tugged at her lips.
"Maya! Are you okay?" Alex shouted, running over to where Maya was, his small frame full of determination.
"I'm good, buddy! Just fixing the sink. Can you give me a hand?" Maya said, her voice cheerful despite her awkward position.
"Yeah!" Alex exclaimed, crouching down beside her. "What do I do?"
Maya smiled at her little superhero. "Can you hand me that wrench over there?" She pointed to the tool resting on the floor nearby.
"Here you go, Mommy!" Alex said, grabbing the wrench and passing it to her with pride.
"Thanks, buddy! You're the best helper!" Maya said, her heart swelling with affection. With Alex's help, she finished tightening the last few bolts, feeling grateful for both Carina's support and Alex's eagerness to assist.
As she crawled out from under the sink, wiping her hands on a rag, Maya caught Carina's eye, who was still admiring her. "You know, it's really not that glamorous under here," Maya teased, grinning.
Carina stepped closer, her eyes sparkling with warmth. "I think you look great, even covered in grease," she replied, her tone playful.
Maya laughed, shaking her head. "Just doing my part to keep our home running smoothly!"
Alex bounced beside them, eager to share in the moment. "Mommy, you fixed it!" he asked, his eyes wide with excitement. Alex then bounded out the kitchen towards his room.
Maya stood up from the kitchen floor, still slightly damp from the work of fixing the sink leak. She wiped her brow and glanced over at Carina, who was watching her with a mix of admiration and playful affection.
"Guess I made a bit of a mess, huh?" Maya said, her tone teasing as she wiped her hands on a rag.
"You did, but it was worth it to see you in action," Carina replied, a smile spreading across her face. The warmth in her eyes made Maya's heart flutter.
Feeling a rush of affection, Maya stepped closer to Carina, her pulse quickening. "Now you don't have to worry about the sink leaking," she said softly. Then, without thinking twice, she pulled Carina in for a kiss.
The kiss started gently, but the connection ignited a spark between them. Maya deepened the kiss, feeling the warmth of Carina's body against hers. Time seemed to stand still, enveloping them in a world of their own.
Just as they were lost in the moment, Alex came running around the corner, his crutches clanking against the floor. "Mamma! Mommy! Have you seen my toy?" His voice filled the kitchen, completely unaware of the scene unfolding before him.
Maya and Carina broke the kiss, both of them startled and laughing at the interruption.
"Eww!" Alex exclaimed, his eyes wide in mock disgust as he saw them standing close. "Why are you kissing like that?"
Maya chuckled, trying to catch her breath. "It's just a kiss, buddy. Nothing to be grossed out about!"
Carina laughed as she knelt down to Alex's level. "We were just sharing a moment. It's something grown-ups do."
"Grown-ups are weird," Alex said, shaking his head in exaggerated disbelief, though a smile tugged at his lips.
Maya couldn't help but laugh at his innocent reaction. "Maybe a little, but it's all part of being a family," she said, reaching out to ruffle Alex's hair. "Now, what toy are you looking for?"
"I can't find my race car!" Alex replied, his expression shifting from disgust to determination.
— — —
Carina stepped into the hospital on another busy day, her heart ready for the challenges that lay ahead. The experience from her previous day's appointments lingered in her mind, reminding her of the weighty responsibility she held as an OB-GYN.
Her first patient of the day was a woman in her second trimester, who was anxious about her pregnancy. After the preliminary examination, Carina performed an ultrasound to check on the developing twins. However, as the images appeared on the screen, her heart sank. The diagnosis was clear: twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS).
"Mrs. Thompson, I need to discuss the ultrasound results with you," Carina said gently, her voice steady but filled with concern.
The mother's face paled as she nodded, her eyes reflecting a mix of fear and uncertainty. "What's wrong with my babies?" she asked, her voice trembling.
Carina took a deep breath, choosing her words carefully. "The ultrasound shows that the twins are experiencing twin-twin transfusion syndrome. This is a condition where one twin receives more blood flow than the other, which can lead to serious complications if left untreated."
Tears welled in Mrs. Thompson's eyes. "What does that mean for them? Are they going to be okay?"
"I want you to know that there are treatment options available," Carina reassured her. "In cases like this, we often perform a procedure to help equalize blood flow between the twins. It's crucial that we act quickly."
Mrs. Thompson nodded, clearly distressed but wanting to understand. "What kind of procedure?"
Carina explained the specifics of the surgery while monitoring the mother's reactions, ensuring she understood the risks and benefits. "I'm going to call in a pediatric surgeon for a consultation. Dr. Reed is excellent and has experience with these types of cases," she said, her voice firm and supportive.
"Please do whatever it takes to help them," Mrs. Thompson pleaded, her voice shaky but resolute.
"Absolutely. We're going to do everything we can," Carina promised, stepping out of the room to find Dr. Reed.
As she walked through the bustling hallways of the hospital, Carina's mind raced with the gravity of the situation. She felt the weight of the world on her shoulders, knowing how critical it was to provide the best care for the twins and their mother.
After finding Dr. Reed in the pediatric surgery wing, she quickly briefed him on the situation. "Dr. Reed, I have a patient with twin-twin transfusion syndrome, and I'd like you to consult on her case. It's urgent," she explained.
"Of course, Carina. Let's go take a look," he said, his demeanor professional yet compassionate.
They returned to the examination room together, and Carina introduced Dr. Reed to Mrs. Thompson. "This is Dr. Reed, who will help us determine the best course of action for your twins," she said, her voice steady.
"Hello, Mrs. Thompson," Dr. Reed said, offering a warm smile. "I understand this is a difficult time for you. Let's go over the options we have to help your babies."
As Dr. Reed explained the procedure in detail, Carina stood by, offering supportive nods and reassurances. The combination of their expertise created a sense of calm in the room, and Mrs. Thompson began to relax slightly.
Carina sat at her desk, the soft glow of her computer screen illuminating her face as she scrolled through various engagement rings. Each design captured her imagination, but more importantly, each one symbolized the love she felt for Maya and the family they were building together.
After the recent accident, Maya had stepped up in ways that left Carina in awe. She had shown unwavering support, not just for Carina but for Alex as well. It was in those moments of kindness and strength that Carina realized how much Maya meant to her. She wanted her to be a permanent part of their lives—she wanted to propose.
Just as Carina was lost in thought, the door to her office swung open, and Amelia Shepherd walked in, her expression bright and welcoming. "Hey there! Mind if I interrupt?" she asked, leaning casually against the doorframe.
"Not at all! Come in!" Carina replied, her excitement evident.
As Amelia settled into a chair across from Carina, she noticed the open tabs on the computer screen. "Are you shopping for something special?" she asked, raising an eyebrow playfully.
Carina blushed slightly, quickly closing the tabs. "Uh, just looking at some jewelry for Alex's upcoming birthday," she said, trying to deflect.
"Uh-huh, sure. You know I'm a doctor, right? I can see through that," Amelia teased, a knowing smile on her face. "What's going on? You look deep in thought."
Carina took a deep breath, feeling a rush of vulnerability. "I've been thinking about Maya a lot lately. About how much she means to both me and Alex. And I want to propose to her," she confessed, her heart racing as she spoke the words out loud.
Amelia's eyes widened with genuine excitement. "Wow, Carina! That's amazing! How do you feel about it?"
"I'm excited, but also nervous. I want it to be perfect, and I want to make sure she knows how much I love her and appreciate everything she's done for us, especially after the accident. I want to spend the rest of my life with her," Carina replied, her voice filled with emotion.
Amelia leaned forward, her expression supportive. "That's so sweet. You should definitely go for it! But how do you know she's the one?"
Carina paused, reflecting on Amelia's question. "That's a good question. I mean, when I'm with her, everything just feels right. She makes me laugh, she supports me, and she loves Alex like he's her own. I can't imagine my life without her," Carina admitted, her heart swelling at the thought.
Amelia nodded, her expression thoughtful. "When I knew I found the person I wanted to marry, it was like this overwhelming sense of peace. I felt like I could be myself, flaws and all, and that person would love me for who I was. I didn't have to pretend."
"Exactly! That's how I feel with Maya," Carina said, feeling more confident in her feelings. "I just want to show her how much she means to us."
"Then you should definitely do it! Trust your instincts. It sounds like you have a beautiful foundation to build on," Amelia encouraged, her enthusiasm infectious.
Carina smiled, her nerves easing slightly. "Thanks, Amelia. I really appreciate your support. It means a lot."
Just then, Carina's phone buzzed, pulling her attention momentarily. She glanced at the screen, smiling as she saw a message from Maya. "Looks like I need to get back to work," Carina said, feeling a sense of determination.
"Good luck with everything! And keep me posted on the proposal plans," Amelia said, winking as she got up to leave. "You've got this!"
— — —
The sun streamed through the hospital windows, casting a warm glow in the waiting room as Carina and Alex sat together, their excitement palpable. It had been weeks since they had their casts put on, and today was the day they would finally get them removed.
"Are you ready for this, buddy?" Carina asked, glancing down at Alex, who was practically bouncing in his seat.
"Yep! I can't wait to see my leg!" Alex replied, grinning from ear to ear. His enthusiasm was infectious, and Carina couldn't help but smile back at him.
Just then, Link entered the waiting room, a friendly smile on his face. "Alright, you two! Who's ready to say goodbye to those casts?"
"Me!" Alex shouted, jumping up. "I'm ready!"
"Okay, let's get you both in for a quick check," Link said, leading them into the examination room. Carina felt a rush of relief knowing that both she and Alex were healing well.
After a brief assessment, Link carefully removed the casts, and Carina held her breath, waiting to see how Alex's leg looked. When the cast came off, Alex's leg was a little pale but otherwise healthy.
"Wow, look at that!" Link exclaimed, turning to Alex. "It's looking great! You've done a fantastic job taking care of it."
Alex looked down at his leg in awe, wiggling his toes and feeling the newfound freedom. "I can move it! I can run again!" he declared, jumping up and down in excitement.
"Absolutely! Just remember to take it easy at first," Link cautioned, but the joy in his voice was clear.
"Can I call Mommy and show her?" Alex asked, his eyes wide with anticipation.
"Of course! Let's get a picture first," Carina suggested, pulling out her phone. "We need to document this moment!"
They quickly snapped a few pictures, capturing Alex's beaming smile and the pure joy radiating from him. Once they finished, Carina nodded. "Okay, let's call Mommy!"
She dialed Maya's number, excitement bubbling as they waited for her to answer.
"Hey, Mommy!" Alex shouted as soon as Maya picked up.
Alex exclaimed, his voice filled with excitement. "You're never gonna believe what just happened!"
"What is it, buddy?" Maya replied, her voice warm and engaging despite the background noise.
"I got my cast off! Look at my leg!" Alex said, lifting his leg for Carina to hold the phone so Maya could see.
Maya's eyes widened with delight. "Really? That's amazing, Alex! You're a superstar! How does it feel?"
"It feels awesome! I can move it and run again!" Alex said, bouncing on the balls of his feet.
Carina smiled at her son's enthusiasm, feeling her heart swell with pride. "He's ready to take off running, but I reminded him to take it easy," she said, chiming in on the call.
"Good! I'm so proud of you both," Maya said, her voice filled with affection. "I can't wait to see you when I get home."
"I want to show you in person, Mommy!" Alex said, his excitement palpable.
"Trust me, I'll be there as soon as I can. Just don't run too fast without me!" Maya laughed, her heart warm with love.
After a few more moments of chatter, they wrapped up the call, and Carina could see the happiness glowing on Alex's face.
Carina held Alex's hand as they stepped out of the hospital, both of them feeling lighter without their casts. The afternoon sun warmed their faces, and Alex was buzzing with excitement about having his leg free again.
"Mamma, can we go to the park now?" Alex asked, looking up at her with hopeful eyes.
"Maybe later, tesoro," Carina replied with a smile. "I have a quick errand to run first. How about we get some gelato afterward?"
"Gelato! Yes!" Alex cheered, his enthusiasm unwavering.
They walked down the bustling street until they reached a quaint jewelry store tucked between a café and a bookstore. The storefront was elegant yet unassuming, with a delicate display of rings and necklaces glittering in the window.
"Why are we here, Mamma?" Alex inquired, his eyes wide with curiosity.
"I need to look at something special," Carina said gently. She handed him her phone. "Here, you can play a game while I talk to the jeweler, okay?"
"Okay!" Alex agreed, taking the phone eagerly.
As they entered the store, a soft chime announced their arrival. The jeweler, a kind-eyed man named Daniel, greeted them warmly. "Good afternoon, Dr. DeLuca. I've set aside the rings you wanted to see."
"Thank you so much," Carina replied, her voice tinged with excitement. She glanced at Alex, who was happily engrossed in a game, but noticed his gaze wandering around the store, fascinated by the sparkling treasures.
Carina approached the counter where two rings rested on a velvet display. Both were bands with crushed diamonds embedded seamlessly into the metal—elegant, understated, and perfect for Maya's practical lifestyle.
"I wanted something that Maya could wear at work or at home," Carina explained to Daniel. "Something beautiful but not too flashy, and practical enough for her to wear every day."
"I think these designs suit that description well," Daniel agreed. "This one is set in white gold, and the other in platinum. Both are durable and low-profile, ideal for someone active."
Carina picked up the platinum band, its surface shimmering subtly with the embedded diamonds. It caught the light in a way that reminded her of Maya's eyes when she was particularly happy. The ring felt right in her hand.
"I think this is the one," she said softly, a smile spreading across her face.
"A wonderful choice," Daniel affirmed. "Would you like any engraving on the inside?"
Carina thought for a moment. "Yes, please. Could you inscribe 'Per sempre'?"
"Of course," he replied, noting down her request. "It will take about a week to have it ready with the inscription."
"That's perfect," Carina said, feeling a flutter of excitement in her chest.
Meanwhile, Alex had wandered over to a display case filled with colorful gemstones. "Mamma, look at this one!" he called out, pointing to a sapphire necklace. "It's blue like Leonardo!"
Carina walked over to him, chuckling softly. "It is, isn't it? "
Alex grinned. "He is not my favorite but he has two cool swords. Mommy likes blue too, we could get it for her."
Carina's heart warmed at his thoughtfulness. "Actually, that's what we're doing here. We are picking out something for Mommy," she whispered conspiratorially. "But it's a surprise, so we have to keep it a secret, okay?"
"A secret mission?" Alex whispered back, his eyes lighting up. "I won't tell!"
"That's my little ninja turtle," Carina said, giving him a quick hug.
After finalizing the details with Daniel, Carina thanked him and took Alex's hand as they prepared to leave. "Remember, not a word to Mommy," she reminded him playfully.
"My lips are sealed!" Alex declared, miming a zipper across his mouth.
As they stepped out of the store, the enticing aroma of fresh pastries from the nearby café wafted through the air. Carina glanced at her watch. "How about that gelato I promised?"
"Yes! Gelato time!" Alex cheered, pulling her gently toward the café.
They sat outside under a bright umbrella, enjoying their treats while Alex chattered on about all the things he wanted to do now that his leg was free. Carina listened, her mind happily drifting between his animated plans and thoughts of the upcoming proposal.
"Do you think Mommy will like me not having a cast anymore?" Alex asked between bites.
"She is so excited for you," Carina replied, smiling softly. "She'll be so happy to see you running around again."
"I can't wait to show her how fast I am!" he exclaimed.
Carina reached across the table to squeeze his hand. "Me too, tesoro."
— — —
The door clicked shut softly behind Maya as she stepped into the house. She set down her bag and immediately felt the warmth of home wrap around her like a comforting blanket. The familiar sounds of laughter and the clatter of pots and pans from the kitchen filled the air, and she could already smell the delicious aromas of dinner being prepared.
"Mommy! Look!" Alex's excited voice echoed from the living room.
Maya turned her head just in time to see Alex, without his cast, darting across the room with all the energy in the world, his little feet pounding against the floor as he zoomed past.
"Whoa, buddy!" Maya called out, a grin spreading across her face. "Look at you! No cast and already running laps!"
"I know! I'm so fast again, Mommy!" Alex exclaimed, his face beaming with joy as he spun around in a circle to show off his newfound freedom. "Watch me! I can jump too!"
He hopped up and down a few times, his laughter filling the room. Maya's heart swelled as she watched him, happy and carefree, without the weight of the cast holding him back anymore. It was a beautiful sight.
"That's amazing, Alex! You're unstoppable now!" Maya said, her voice filled with pride.
Alex grinned before running off again, his boundless energy carrying him around the living room like a little whirlwind.
Maya let out a soft laugh before turning her gaze toward the kitchen, where Carina was busy cooking, her back turned as she stirred something in a large pot. The scene was so domestic, so perfect, that Maya paused for a moment, letting herself take it all in.
The soft sounds of Carina humming a tune while chopping vegetables, the sight of Alex giggling and running around the house, and the warmth of the home—they all reminded her of how lucky she was. After a long shift at the firehouse, coming home to this—her family—felt like a gift.
Maya stood in the doorway for a moment longer, watching the scene unfold, feeling her chest swell with love and gratitude. Everything about this moment felt right. She had everything she could ever need right here in front of her.
Finally, after a deep breath, Maya stepped forward, making her way into the kitchen. She wrapped her arms around Carina from behind, pressing a soft kiss against her cheek.
Carina smiled, leaning back into the embrace. "Hey, you," she said warmly, turning her head slightly to meet Maya's eyes. "How was your day?"
"Better now," Maya whispered, giving her another quick kiss. "It's so good to be home."
Carina chuckled softly, her voice filled with affection. "We missed you. Alex has been running around like crazy since we got back from the hospital. He couldn't wait to show you his leg without the cast."
"I could tell," Maya said with a laugh. "He looks so happy."
"He is," Carina agreed, stirring the pot again before turning off the burner. "Dinner's almost ready. I thought we could celebrate with a special meal tonight."
"Sounds perfect," Maya said, tightening her arms around Carina's waist for a brief moment before pulling away slightly. She watched as Carina moved effortlessly around the kitchen, and a soft warmth settled over her again. "I love you."
"I love you too," Carina replied, her voice soft and sincere. "Now go wrangle our little superhero before he runs through the wall."
Maya laughed, turning her gaze back to Alex, who was still buzzing with excitement. "On it!" she said, stepping out of the kitchen.
"Hey, buddy!" Maya called out as she approached Alex, who was now dramatically leaping off the couch. "Think you can help me set the table for dinner?"
"Sure, Mommy!" Alex replied, his face lighting up with excitement at the chance to help. He ran over to her, his eyes wide with eagerness.
Maya smiled, reaching down to ruffle his hair. "Great job, champ. Let's get everything ready so we can eat. Mamma's made something special."
"Yay!" Alex cheered, running off toward the kitchen with Maya close behind.
The dinner table was filled with warmth, laughter, and the sound of utensils clinking against plates. Carina had outdone herself with the meal, and Alex was busy enjoying every bite, his energy from being free of the cast still buzzing in the air.
"Mommy, when does tee-ball start again?" Alex asked suddenly, his eyes bright with enthusiasm as he looked up at Maya.
Maya smiled, setting down her fork. "Tee-ball season's over for now, buddy. But there's a soccer league that's starting soon. How do you feel about trying soccer?"
Alex blinked, thinking for a moment. "Soccer? What's that?"
Maya leaned in, her tone playful. "It's kind of like a superhero game. You run around, kick a ball, and try to score goals by getting the ball into the other team's net. It's a lot of fun, and you'll get to run even more than in tee-ball."
Alex's eyes lit up with curiosity. "Running? I like running!" He wiggled in his seat, clearly excited by the idea.
Carina, who had been listening with a smile, jumped in. "You know, tesoro, in Italy, soccer—or 'calcio' as we call it—is a huge sport. Italy has one of the best soccer teams in the world."
Alex turned to Carina, wide-eyed. "Really, Mamma? Do they have superheroes playing soccer?"
Carina chuckled softly. "Well, they're not exactly superheroes, but sometimes it feels like it! Soccer players are very fast and strong. And Italy has won many championships, including the World Cup. I grew up loving soccer."
Alex sat up straighter, clearly intrigued. "Tell me more, Mamma! What's the World Cup?"
Carina's eyes sparkled with enthusiasm as she explained. "The World Cup is the biggest soccer tournament in the world, where teams from all over compete to see who is the best. Italy has won it four times! When I was little, I would watch all the matches with my family, and we'd cheer so loudly for our team. Everyone loves soccer in Italy—it's like a tradition."
"Wow!" Alex exclaimed, leaning closer, his excitement growing with each word. "That sounds so cool! Did you ever play soccer, Mamma?"
Carina nodded, smiling fondly at the memory. "Yes, I played a lot when I was young. I loved running around on the field with my friends and scoring goals. It's such a fun sport."
Alex's eyes gleamed with excitement. "I want to play soccer too! Can I, Mommy?"
Maya laughed, loving how easily Alex's enthusiasm shifted gears. "Of course you can, buddy. You'll get to run, kick the ball, and maybe even score a goal like Mamma did."
"Can I play for Italy?" Alex asked, his voice filled with the same awe that he usually reserved for superheroes.
Both Maya and Carina burst into laughter, sharing a look of amusement and love. Carina leaned in, ruffling Alex's hair. "Maybe one day, if you practice a lot, tesoro. But first, you have to join the little league team here and learn how to play."
Alex nodded eagerly, already lost in the excitement of his new dream. "I'm gonna practice so hard! I want to be the fastest and kick the ball really far, just like Italy's team!"
Carina smiled, her heart swelling with pride. "I'll help you practice, and we can watch soccer games together. You'll see how fun it is."
"Yay! I'm going to play soccer!" Alex cheered, his excitement palpable.
Maya reached over and gave Alex's shoulder a squeeze. "You're going to love it, buddy. Soccer's all about having fun, being part of a team, and running as fast as you can."
Alex bounced in his chair, barely able to contain his excitement. "I can't wait! I'm going to be the best soccer player ever!"
Carina leaned back in her chair, beaming as she watched Alex's joy unfold. Her love for soccer, and for the traditions she grew up with, was now being passed on to her son, and the thought made her heart swell even more.
The evening had wound down to its usual quiet, the hum of the day giving way to the gentle sounds of bedtime. Maya and Carina sat on the couch, enjoying a brief moment of peace while Alex was in his room, picking out a book for storytime. After their soccer-filled dinner, Maya suspected that bedtime would carry that theme as well.
Sure enough, Alex came running down the hall, his favorite blanket dragging behind him and a book in his arms. "Mommy! Mamma! Look! I found a soccer book!" he exclaimed, climbing onto the bed where they usually read together.
Maya smiled at Carina knowingly. "I had a feeling tonight would be all about soccer," she said, her voice soft with affection.
Carina laughed as she joined them on the bed, pulling Alex into her lap. "You're really excited about this soccer thing, huh, tesoro?"
Alex nodded vigorously. "Yep! I want to learn everything, so I picked this book." He held it up for them to see, the cover showing two kids kicking a soccer ball in a field, with bright, colorful illustrations that made the sport look even more exciting.
Maya leaned in, playfully ruffling his hair. "Well, let's see what this book is all about then."
She settled in next to Carina, the warmth of their little family wrapping around them like a cozy blanket. Carina opened the book, and they began reading, Alex listening intently to every word.
The story followed a young boy who joined his first soccer team and learned how to dribble, pass, and score goals. As Carina read, Alex's eyes lit up with each new discovery about the sport. He'd gasp with excitement whenever the boy scored or cheered for his teammates.
"I can't wait to do that!" Alex said, his voice full of determination. "I'm going to be so fast, just like the boy in the book!"
"You will be, buddy," Maya said with a smile. "And you'll have Mamma and me cheering for you every game."
Carina kissed the top of Alex's head, her heart full as she watched him become so engrossed in the story. "And maybe you'll even score goals like the Italian team."
"Yeah! And then I'll play for Italy too, right, Mamma?" Alex asked, his voice brimming with hope and excitement.
Carina chuckled softly. "Maybe one day, tesoro. But first, let's focus on getting you through your first game here."
As they continued reading, Alex's eyelids started to droop, the excitement of the day finally catching up to him. His little body relaxed into Carina's arms as she turned the last page of the book.
"And that's the end," Carina said softly, closing the book as she looked down at her sleepy son. "Did you like it, Alex?"
"Yeah… I'm going to play soccer like them…" Alex murmured, his words slurred as sleep took over.
Maya leaned over and kissed his forehead. "Goodnight, buddy," she whispered.
Carina carefully tucked the blanket around him, her movements gentle as not to wake him. "Sleep tight, tesoro," she added, her voice full of love.
They watched for a moment as Alex snuggled deeper into his blanket, already dreaming of his future soccer adventures.
As they stood up to leave the room, Maya reached out and took Carina's hand, giving it a soft squeeze. "You were right. Soccer's going to be perfect for him."
Carina smiled, leaning her head against Maya's shoulder as they quietly walked out of the room. "He's going to love it," she whispered.
With Alex fast asleep, the house had settled into a peaceful calm. Maya and Carina sat on the couch together, the soft glow of the lamp casting a warm light over them. Maya shifted slightly to get more comfortable, still thinking about the excitement Alex had shown during their bedtime story.
"I was thinking," Maya began, turning to Carina with a smile, "I'll call the little league soccer group tomorrow and sign Alex up. He's already obsessed, and I think he'll love it once he starts playing."
Carina smiled at the thought, her heart swelling with warmth. "That sounds like a great idea. He's already talking about running and scoring goals. I'm glad he's so excited about it."
Maya chuckled, leaning back against the cushions. "I've never seen him get so excited about a sport so quickly. But I guess that's your Italian influence. Soccer runs deep in the family, huh?"
Carina laughed softly. "It really does. I love seeing him so happy about something I grew up with. It makes me feel like I'm passing a part of my culture to him."
Maya reached out, gently placing her hand on Carina's arm. "Speaking of which," she said softly, "how's your arm feeling now that the cast is off?"
Carina flexed her arm slightly, testing the movement with a thoughtful expression. "It feels a lot better. It's still a bit stiff, but nothing like before. I'm just happy to have it free again."
Maya nodded, her eyes soft with concern. "That's good to hear. I know it was tough for you these last few weeks, especially not being able to do everything you're used to."
Carina stretched her arm a little, flexing her fingers as she sat beside Maya on the couch. A playful smile spread across her face, and she let out a content sigh. "I've been waiting for this moment for six weeks," she said, her voice full of anticipation.
Maya raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Oh yeah? What moment?"
Carina leaned in slightly, her eyes twinkling with excitement. "My first shower without the cast. I've been dreaming about this since the day I got it put on."
Maya laughed softly, her smile widening. "I can imagine. Six weeks without being able to shower properly must've been torture."
"You have no idea," Carina replied, standing up and stretching. "But tonight, I'm finally free."
As she headed toward the bathroom, Maya stood up as well, watching her with a playful grin. "You know…," Maya started, her voice teasing, "you don't have to enjoy that first shower alone. You might want some company."
Carina paused in the doorway, glancing back over her shoulder with a smirk. "Oh? Is that your way of offering to help?"
Maya took a step closer, her eyes gleaming with mischief. "Maybe. I mean, it's been six weeks, and you've had a rough time with that cast. I think you deserve a little extra pampering."
Carina laughed, her heart fluttering at the offer. "Hmm, you do make a tempting argument. Are you sure you're up for it?"
"Absolutely," Maya replied with a grin, closing the distance between them. "I'm always up for helping you out."
Carina's playful smile softened as she looked into Maya's eyes, her heart warming at the love and affection that radiated between them. "Well, in that case, I think I'd love some company," she said, her voice full of warmth.