Page 21 of They Found Us
Mark has gone back to his cartoons, and Leo is now standing over the cot cradling our new baby.
Feeling a little disappointed that I don’t get to playCandy Crush,I decide to be happy that at least Leo is letting me have a phone. Baby steps.
“Have you had any more thoughts on his name?” I’m really getting sick of everyone calling this baby Smith. A name that isn’t even ours.
“How about Zander?”
The name surprises me. It’s not one we’ve discussed or I’ve heard often. But I like it.
“So instead of Alex, short for Alessandro, Zander short for Alessandro?” I can’t help but smile as I ask, this means Leo has made peace with Alex.
“Yes, do you like it? Because if not, we can choose something else.”
“No, I love it.” I smile.
Leo places little Zander in my arms and then wraps his arm around me. We both stare at our second bundle of love.
“Zander Smith,” I say, while really thinking Zander Guerra. Wow. Zander Guerra really does sound like a mafia son.Thank goodness my boys will never live a life so dangerous. “It’s perfect, Leo. Ti amo.”I love you.
“Ti amo.”I love you.
The next day, all my test results come back fine. I’m pleased to be going home with my little family of four. Leo hasn’t let me lift a finger. He changed and dressed the boys and packed all my things. Much to my annoyance, he even dressed me, but you can’t argue with Leo Guerra—sorry, Smith.
A nurse pushes me to the exit in a wheelchair. In front of me, Leo walks proudly, carrying a car seat containing Zander while holding Mark’s hand. The nurses and patients he passes do a double-take. His muscular, six-foot frame, dark hair, and handsome face demand attention. Smiling to myself, I look at my boys.My boys. I’m the luckiest woman in the world.
Once Leo has safely fastened the boys into the car, he lifts me out of the wheelchair and carefully places me in the front seat of our SUV.
“Are you comfortable?” Leo examines my face.
“Yes, thank you.”
After double-checking my seat belt and kissing me gently on the lips, he rounds the car and gets in.
“Let’s get you home.”
It doesn’t take long. And the scenery on the way fills me with happiness. It’s a coastal drive with beautiful green trees and colourful flowers on one side and clear blue sea and white sand on the other. The windows are open in the car, adding to the sensation. The smell of the sea air and sound of the waves and birds are glorious. What a beautiful place to bring up our children.
Leo parks the car at the front of our house. As I study the door, grateful to be home, I notice something.
“Leo, what’s that?” I point to the black-and-white cylinder attached to the porch roof.
Without looking in the direction I am pointing, he replies, “It’s just a camera. I’ve had a couple fixed up around the house. Now that Mark is on the move at lot and with you not being as mobile for a while, I thought it would be helpful to keep an eye on everyone.”
A small part of me is a little concerned. Leo has never once been bothered about safety since we arrived. He always said we were safer without technology. But then, maybe it’s because he thinks we are so safe, we can use technology again. I’m definitely grateful for a mobile phone. I couldn’t cope when I had no contact with Leo. And maybe cameras will be helpful to keep an eye on the boys. Mark does have a tendency to run off.
Leo gets me out of the car first. Leaving Mark strapped in the car is a much safer option than getting him out and letting him run free in the house. I don’t think it will be long, however, until he is able to unfasten himself. As if I am going to break, Leo gently lifts me from the car and carries me into the house, heading for the stairs.
“Where are you going?” I ask.
“Taking you to bed. Bed rest for the next two days, apart from when the physios come. Doctor’s orders.”
“Yes, but bed rest doesn’t need to be in an actual bed. Can’t we make up a bed on the sofa so I can be with you and the boys?”
Leo stops in his tracks. “It would be easier to look after you all if you’re all on the same level.
“Exactly.”
Thankfully I was at the hospital when I had my cardiac arrest, so doctors were able to work on me straight away, and it didn’t take long for my heart to beat independently again. The doctors are sure I will make a full recovery and not have any long-term health issues, which is amazing, but I just have to take these next few weeks very slowly.
