Impossible Love

Impossible Love 56

Maxieplus

I woke around dawn my head was okay and I had slept outside on a lounger, the possibilities running around in my head were invading my brain and all I could do was sit and wait. I looked at my phone it hadn't rung again so I went to put some coffee on and to splash my face.

I will have to go to work and we have the club tonight but she may ring, can I take the day off work? Of course, I can but I am better off going it will keep me occupied. I checked the computer and my phone again, but nothing so I went to shower. This was the first time since Gianni left I felt anything, and as the steam filled the bathroom I stood with legs apart and thought about better times in this shower. A good pull was what I needed, it calmed me down as I made my toast and more coffee. Lukas had been upset when he realized that Gianni wasn't coming home anytime soon, and the boys. He kept looking into their room and in ours from time to time, it broke my heart to see him like that. I kept him busy and he did talk to his daddy on the phone and saw him on the computer. I don't think he understood and I kept saying to him, soon baby he will be home soon.

I changed and dressed him for his day then fed him some baby food, he's getting good at eating now and the jar was almost empty by the time we finished. I found it was better to have him in front of the TV to feed him than at the table.

I picked Alice up on the way and didn't let on about the phone call, Iris has settled down and is arriving at work at the appointed time eleven am. I think it was all getting too much for her and she's shaved back her enthusiasm.

I had been having a coffee out the front thinking about the babies and Magdalena then a message came through.

'Meet me at seven by the fountain in your park, I have your babies.'

That started my shaking again I was reacting badly and so wanted to meet with her right now.

`I am free anytime'

`Tonight better for me my prince.'

Then nothing, I couldn't answer that message it said it all, she was still going through with the contract and felt blessed she was a good person after all. I still couldn't message anyone and I didn't know what kind of danger she was in, I didn't want to jeopardize her plans.

It was a horrendous day and everyone noticed I was running on adrenalin I was so worked up. Alice asked me several times what the matter was and Ted, Angelo, and Iris, when she arrived didn't let up to the point I had to tell them everything was okay I was just having one of my days. I did ask Alice to look after Lukas tonight she can take him to the club with her, I told her I wasn't in the mood and wanted to get an early night. She didn't believe me but she gets Lukas that's enough for her.

I sat around at home until six-thirty then I went and counted out some cash and placed it in my backpack, I don't know why I did that but if she's on the run from her father she will probably need money, well that was my way of thinking.

I avoided Gino and his group they would be going to the club so I made sure I didn't have any interference. Leaving by the back stairs down to the park to sit by the fountain my nerves were shot and I alternated between weeping and smiling for joy. Around seven I saw two young ladies walking up the pathway, they both carried baby baskets, I started crying again. They didn't look like Gypsy they looked more like a couple of locals out for a stroll.

They sat down opposite me and looked everywhere.

"Don't worry I wasn't followed and no one knows I am here."

"Thank you Mister Antonio, I have to be very careful because my father has eyes everywhere." She walked over with the two baskets and her friend stood and moved into the bushes, I suppose she is the lookout.

"How the hell did you get here?"

"I have passports already, different names everything you will need is in this envelope and please apologize to my prince for the delay."

"I will Magdalena but why are you here, what happened?" She dropped her head.

"My father made me have the babies, he took all the money the Gypsy king paid me and left me with little to live on. He and my brother forced me to have these for my prince and you, they also kept the money so I took your babies with what money I could steal and I came here. It took a while for me to get passports ready for travel for the babies. My friend Mary came with me and now we have to join the unseen in Australia."

"I can't fathom how scary it must have been for you."

"I did this for my prince, his father is my father's best friend and they told me all sorts of lies. I did it for the money to escape my father and brother but they chased me, they are bad men my prince be aware they may come here and try to blackmail you or take the babies."

"I am aware, and that will never happen. What are you going to do?"

"I have a new name and I will travel with the caravans here in Australia I can get work and be unseen, I am very good at that."

I took my backpack off and retrieved the envelope.

"There is a hundred grand in here and if you need more please get in touch with me, promise me, if you are in any trouble come to me."

She started crying bitterly and I held her to me she must be so scared.

"As long as our contract is done I will be all right, but yes, I will come to you, you are a very kind man Mister Antonio. I have written my father and brothers names down in case you meet them one day. Please I beg you, don't tell anyone I am here."

"I will have to tell some people but I will tell them you flew out to South America and I picked the babies up at the airport."

"That is a good idea mister Antonio, and god bless you. My friend and I are going to get a small home motor and travel around this land we will be unseen and traveling with the holiday's crowds." She handed a bag to me then she kissed me and she and her friend quietly left the park. I was stunned at how easy it was, I pulled back the covers and two tiny babies were sleeping, their dark hair matched Lukas's and I cried at their beauty. I have to be very careful what I do now and I must get our lawyer involved because I see a battle ahead. I picked up the baskets and walked back home. I had no idea what I was going to do but I did know at that moment I needed gran.

"Gran are you still at the club?"

"Yes Antonio, I have just eaten, is there a problem?"

"Can you get grandad to bring you here, I need your help."

"Right away son, have you eaten?"

"No gran I'm not hungry."

"I will bring food, do you want me to bring Lukas?"

"No gran, leave him with Alice for the night please."

"We will see you soon."

Fifteen minutes later the lift started its trip up and I had put the boys into Lukas's room, they are babies still and will sleep for hours yet.

Gran hugged me and went to fix some dinner Grandad asked where the fire was. I looked at them both and broke down again I was so happy, my brain also felt like it had fried.

"What's the problem son?"

"In Lukas's bedroom." I was over-anxious because they are going to go ape shit.

"Gran please don't scream."

She gave me a very wary look and went to see what all the fuss was. I heard her yelp then a lot of whispering, grandpa came out and grabbed me.

"How? How did this miracle happen, Mary mother of God?"

"She dropped them off, we have to keep it quiet, can you help?"

"Of course I can help, what do you think I am an idiot?"

"There's paperwork in that bag somewhere I haven't had the time to look."

"You won't understand it Antonio you didn't go to college."

I had to put up with gran next she had tears and plenty of them. Overjoyed was an understatement. While grandad rummaged through the bag I opened a wine. I needed a drink and I could now that gran was here. I passed one to grandad and gran wanted one also.

"They are so small and beautiful Antonio please tell me everything."

I told them both about the calls and meeting they were open-mouthed and that's when gran started, if she opened that bedroom door once she opened it twenty times.

"Now I have to figure out how to tell Gianni without making a big fuss."

"Tell Sabine to tell him on the quiet I don't think it will matter Antonio he is listed as the father and in Italy the father is God."

"I will get Sabine to sit with him." I went to turn the computer on while gran checked the boys. They will need bottles thankfully I saw some in the bag and I have got some new ones in the back bedroom. Thankfully I had moved the stuff over from the garden center.

"Sabine are you alone?"

"Yes Antonio I was just resting." She answered my call straight away.

"Is Gianni back at the farm?"

"Yes, he is with his brothers and Menowin they are planning the next attack."

"Can you go to the family room and skype me?"

"What is the matter Antonio you worry me."

"Please don't make a big fuss just get Gianni to the computer."

She hung up and I waited with new wine grandad passed over. Gran had gone off to rummage through the baby goods.

My computer lit up and my Gianni's face appeared on the screen alongside Sabines and the boys.

"They are here." I couldn't help myself, I had to tell the world.

"Who are there Antonio?" Sabine said.

"The babies." I started crying because my Giannis face was in shock.

"The babies are with you?" He asked.

"Yes they were dropped off tonight, I can't show you because they are sleeping and I don't want to disturb them." I looked at gran who huffed. I had taken a photo or ten when I put them down on the lounge floor so I held my phone up to the camera to show them. The yelling and crying were instant, and I couldn't get a word in because they started celebrating.

"How?" Gianni said through his tears. I told them all what had transpired because I have to anyway, they wouldn't thank me for keeping a secret. Menowin was listening and he had a proud look on his face. I saw adorable Adamo hugging Carlos, and Alessio hugging Ramone. Surprisingly Matteo was there to help, and who is that spunk with him.

I couldn't tell them any more than I did. I had stuck to the deal and said I picked them up from the airport and Magdalena had flown on to South America. Menowin had plenty of questions and I told him that her father and brother were in it with Basilio, it was all about fleecing the Gypsy of their money and blackmailing Gianni. I told him I would talk to him in private tomorrow but he has to do something about them.

He was more than happy the contract had been fulfilled and while I talked to him, grandad passed a piece of note pad to me. I looked at it and smiled.

"Gianni are you there?" He came on screen with a big glass of vino and a smile from ear to ear.

"What is it my love?"

"She named them Antonio, Gianni and Luca Cartasso."

The party started again in earnest and Sabine was using up all the tissues much to my Leon's dismay.

"She also color-coordinated them Yellow, Green, and blue here talk to grandad." I went into their room and pulled their blankets down sure enough they were dressed in different colored jumpsuits then I messaged a photo of each of them to Gianni and Sabine.

I could see them all looking at his phone but not Sabines, she wasn't in a sharing mood. Gran was in the kitchen she had settled down and was making up baby bottles, they will stay the night, hopefully.

I waited until it was just me and Gianni, I told him to get his ass home as soon as possible and to bring Adamo and Roberto with him. I also heard the lift coming up, visitors are supposed to ring me before they come by.

Alice rushed in with Federico who had Lukas over his shoulder, my beautiful son was fast asleep. He placed him in my bed and closed the door, I think they are staying the night also. Alice went to have a look and gran passed the tissues to her. She sat and stared at me and I waited for it.

"You knew today didn't you?"

"Yes, I knew last night Alice, I am sorry."

"Doesn't matter Antonio, the main thing is they are here and safe."

Another bottle was opened as Federico talked to Sabine and Gianni then we heard it. Baby cries coming from the bedroom, all battle stations were covered and Gran and Alice went into Nona mode even grandad was excited. When one is awake they all were. I hope this isn't going to be the norm with them. I got to hold my little Gianni and I kissed my Luca and Antonio before they were whisked away for a nappy change, the screen was full of my beloved family and I couldn't have been prouder to show Gianni his sons live.

I had moved the camera over to the kitchen bench so they could all watch them being fed, these things take time and no one left, no one complained, they all wanted to watch the babies. Adamo had cast the call to the big TV and they all sat with their drinks, some wept some laughed at the babies' movements. Rosa appeared and gave me the thumbs up and I saw Tinker and the housekeeper in the background. I didn't feed my sons, gran Alice and Federico did. Grandad was digging deep into his paperwork and I prayed it was all on the up and up.

I left the camera going and went to check on our number one son he was happily curled up in bed oblivious to everything. I Facebooked Gianni and he answered with his phone and I showed him Lukas asleep in our bed. Then I took it to the bathroom and had a private conversation with him. I told him everything that had transpired and I was worried that the two men would chase after her. He said they wouldn't dare do anything to the babies, the Gypsy would wipe their families from the earth.

He was so happy and a little randy I think, I told him to get Roberto to fix him up but he put his sad face on as I stripped naked for him, he went into his room and did the same and we had phone sex, it was swift and urgent as I gave him a good show.

The babies were asleep again they had been burped and changed once more, gran asked Alice if she was staying and the beds were turned down. Grandad had finished his initial reading and said everything was on the up and up and I waved to my family and said goodnight. Gianni's face was the last one I saw as I closed the screen, hopefully, he will be home in a few days.

I said my goodnights and left the boy's bedroom door open with the monitor by their cribs. I think gran and Alice will be the first up if anything is heard. I looked at my son and kissed his cheek then I turned the light out and went to sleep.

I slept well and didn't hear a thing all night, my son was slapping my face when he woke up. It was a surprise for him because he would have expected to see Alice. I kissed him and talked to him about the babies then he wanted to go and find them. I went to have a pee and when I got back he was in the kitchen talking to gran about babies I think. She had one in her arms and Alice had the other one, little Luca was still asleep but it won't be long by the way Lukas was kissing him.

"You should have called me."

Gran looked me up and down and said.

"You need to sleep also Antonio, as long as you have Lukas's back we have the babies organized. There's coffee on the stove and food in the oven for you and him." This woman never ceases to amaze me. I made a coffee and turned the TV on I will feed him after I have my drink.

"What have you decided for today, Antonio?'

"I don't know I will have to stay home with them, I will ring Angelo and see if his staff will help."

"I have Stavros onto it son, don't worry you are not expected to be in." Grandad smiled, thank you.

"And I have Bianca bringing in her girlfriend so I am not needed."

"Thank you, grandad and Alice." I looked at Federico.

"I'm going to work it's too fussy around here at the moment." He laughed.

"You should shut that shop down early and have a holiday Federico." I offered.

"I am." He sniggered.

I nearly cried when I looked at the babies they were beautiful and so content with their warm drinks, their baby smells were awesome all milky and powdery. I could hear the squeal of the teats and a few noises and I filmed them one by one. Luca had woken so I went to get his bottle then picked him up.

"Check his nappy first Antonio." Gran gently said. I did that he was wet so I changed him and wiped him down then I gave him his feed, his little eyes opened and he sort of smiled. A message alerted me that Anna and Sam were about to appear and ten minutes later Stavros was on my doorstep.

He and grandad went outside to look at the paperwork and Anna took one baby and cuddled him back to sleep. I grabbed little Sam and cuddled him because I wasn't going to get one of the others off the grans.

I changed their beds and pulled the blinds down they will sleep hopefully for another four or five hours. Gran shoved my breakfast in front of me then began to make Anna and Stavros some food. She didn't care if they had eaten or not she was going to make sure everyone was fed.

Federico left for work and the computer was ringing its twangy tone.

I answered it was Gianni who wanted to see the babies again so I panned the camera over them. He was ringing to say they are all on the next flight out and he was off to the airport in a few minutes. He talked to Lukas who had noticed him, the poor little fella started crying when he saw his other dad. I wished him a good flight and I said I will meet him at the airport. I didn't ask who was coming but I had better get some more beds in.

Gino had rushed home to have a look and next was Angelo and he had Iris with him. I was assured the café was in good hands. They didn't stay too long because gran was tapping her foot wanting the babies to go to their room and sleep. After everyone left I sat with Stavros and grandad, they went through the paperwork thoroughly and everything was legal and signed, customs would know the babies are in the country to be reunited with their father so there won't be any problems coming our way. I told them I had given the money to Magdalena and they understood if she gets stuck, I'll be helping her out in the future maybe.

I didn't want any grey areas with grandad you know how he gets about 'our' money. I had nothing to do except play with Lukas and wait for the bubs to wake again. I tried to tell gran to go and get some rest but she held on firmly and she and Alice started fixing something for lunch, God gran I have only just eaten breakfast give it a rest.

Alice ended up asleep on the sofa with Lukas and gran was asleep in the big easy chair Stavros had left and grandad was still sitting on the veranda but fast asleep, so I thought while they are sleeping I may as well get forty winks myself.

I toyed with my phone and answered all the questions from well-wishers then I shut it off, and with a heavy stomach, I went to sleep.

I had no idea how long I slept but I felt better for it, everyone else was up and rearing to go when I went out to grab a coffee. I took one look at them all sitting around the table and opened a vino instead.

They were staring at each other and waiting by the monitor for the first cry to come, I laughed. Grandad had a small vino and Alice had a big glass full Gran harrumphed at us all, then I made the big mistake of smiling at her.

I then got a good talking to about not drinking around the babies it isn't nice and anything could happen.

I saluted her with my glass.

"Do not disrespect your grandmother Antonio," Grandad said.

"Sorry, gran."

Alice was having fits at it all I told her it was the norm in my family. Thank god little Gianni woke up. I liked their names and I suppose if Gianni doesn't he can have them changed to something more suitable but we will talk about that when he gets back home.

When the time came I grabbed two bottles of wine and headed downstairs with Lukas. Alice and gran had finished the feed and she will follow me soon I think. I really shouldn't have done it but while I have the backup I may as well go greet and meet friends and the passer-byes. I should do something about a housekeeper, I was supposed to interview grans friend but she never turned up at the café, gran said she was out of town but should be back by the time the babies arrived. I had come to the obvious conclusion that gran knows best.

Alice arrived and she said gran was getting dinner ready, if anyone wants food they will come up and eat with us. Maxie and Tommaso were the first to raise their hands and they haven't seen their nephews yet so they will kill two birds with one stone. I sat next to Gino he was smiling and grabbed my hand and said.

"How the hell are you going to cope with four kids?"

"I have no idea, my friend. I suppose I will get more help when the boys get here and hopefully grans friend the housekeeper will be back from her holiday."

"Will she be able to cope?"

"I imagine she will do one and Gianni and I will do the others, I have no idea how it all works with staff."

"I see well you have me and Anna as backups."

"Thank you Gino, if we can't cope we will have to ask gran to move in for a while it's only until they settle into a routine then we will go from there."

Ladies, there were ladies galore passing by and all wanting to see the babies I have no idea how they knew but told them they were sleeping but if they wanted to come by later they should be awake around eight. They were mainly my florist ladies and some of Angelo's cooks so I did know some of them.

"It's a big deal Antonio, to have three identical babies in the community. It's been years since that has happened."

"Yes I heard that from gran, I suppose we will have to get some posters done so they can see them."

"Yeah place them in your empty apartment windows you can get them done at the market." Gino offered his advice.

"Good idea." The next thing I have to do is work out the logistics of taking them to work, Gianni won't let them out of his sight so I imagine the housekeeper will look after them in my florist shop with Lukas.

`At the airport Antonio, see you tomorrow night.' Gianni sent.

`All is good here plenty of helpers have a good flight.'

'I love you,'

`I love you back'

Maxie and Tommaso disappeared upstairs, I guess they are hungry and I couldn't stay on the steps all night I had to make the time go quicker because Gianni will be home about this time tomorrow night. I had bought three baby capsules for the van and grandad had found them and was unpacking the boxes.

"I will do these in the morning Antonio, you are not taking them to work are you?"

"No grandad not tomorrow maybe the day after." Gran dropped her big serving spoon.

"We have to get into a routine gran, the sooner the better."

"I agree with you Antonio, I will come to the market and help Alice, I will clean another day."

"Thank you gran any word on Angelina?"

"Yes Antonio she will be back tomorrow and will start straight away."

"Thank you again gran," I don't know how it all works and I hope she knows what she's doing."

Before she could lecture me one little cry was heard, she was like superman so swift and with stealth she had one in her arms.

"Here Maxie hold this one while I get his bottle." Maxie's face was lit up as gran handed him Antonio he was also worried and very gentle with him and Tommaso looked on. I actually fed him and it was the longest feed ever because he wanted to see me, Lukas came up with Alice and he sat next to me and talked wildly to him.

He was included when the next one cried but the other wanted to sleep on thank god. Gran placed one on the floor with heaps of pillows then she force-fed me and grandad while Tommaso learned how to feed Lukas in front of the TV.

"Antonio please do not worry about the babies we will all pitch in, all you have to do is call us we can be here within seconds." Maxie offered.

"You may regret that offer Maxie but thank you and I will be calling you."

"Just make sure their nappies are clean first." He laughed.

I guess I am going to be the chief nappy changer, I know when the boys come back they will more than help us so I don't see a problem at feeding time. I helped gran wash up no dishwashers for her, just good old-fashioned hot water and suds.

"We need to bathe them Antonio can you go and get the baths?"

"Yes at once gran." I went to get the three baths I had bought and then she put a towel in each bottom while Alice and I undressed the babies, they were so beautiful and after I took some shots she put some warm water in them just a few inches. Alice I and gran bathed them but before we did we put some colored ankle bracelets on them so we know who is who. They were perfect in every way and their jet-black hair was silky smooth, I don't know whether they liked the bath but they did splash with their arms a lot but that's just the reaction to having them not tied down by their blankets, I think.

Two had gone off to sleep and the other wanted to talk to his older brother and Alice on the sofa. She rocked him back and forth and eventually, he succumbed to the land of nod.

"We had better go to bed Antonio God knows what time they will get us up again," Gran said. I showered while they put them in their room then we got Lukas ready for his warm milk, I had moved his crib to my room so he doesn't disturb the others.

When I crawled into bed I kissed him again and lay there looking at him, he was beautiful in every way, and what a heartbreaker he's going to be. To be honest, when I woke up I didn't hear anything, it was dawn and the apartment was silent. I kissed my boy again then went out to make some coffee, two young men were asleep on the sofa, they had procured a blanket from somewhere, everyone wants to help. I made my coffee and went out to the veranda to watch the day arrive. My tummy had butterflies at the thought of Gianni coming home tonight and I couldn't wait to see him and the boys.

"Didn't they wake up?" I asked Maxie when he arrived with more coffee.

"No, we didn't hear them Antonio they must have slept through."

"Thank you for staying I appreciate it."

"No problem, we thought you might need a good night's sleep so we're ready for anything."

"Well thank you anyway."

"And we thought we might get in a nice gran breakfast if we were good." He grinned.

"Your mum doesn't fill your freezer up?"

"No my mum's not a cook, she tries but take away is her style and Tommaso's mum does drop off food but it's not as good as your grans." He sort of giggled.

"I have a bloody freezer full sometime today or tomorrow I'll bring a stack down just keep the containers for me will you?"

"Sure, we can get something from work but it's sometimes not available and we certainly don't cook."

"Ask gran to teach you, she might open up a brand new business for you both."

"I would love that, do you think she would teach me the basics?"

"Is the pope a catholic?" Gran would love to snatch a young man to teach her skills to. I was hopeless and more interested in my friends in their baseball jocks.

Tommaso came out then Federico, he was telling me that the Cartasso shop will close at the end of the month and he will move operations to their warehouse. I thought about Luka's hard work to get the store looking upmarket and now it will be destroyed. I guess as they used to say, the beat goes on. Gran was up and Alice was looking after Lukas, I went inside and kissed them all good morning then I had a small word to gran, her eyes lit up and she went to find Maxie.

"The secret to scrambled eggs my boy is butter, plenty of the butter. She whisked away at her eggs while he made toast, I had no idea butter was added to the eggs. The babies woke up finally and all needed a wipe down and a change, then they were hungry again.

The door buzzer went and she let Angelina in and I got to see my housekeeper for the first time. She was young and her eyes sparkled when she picked Gianni up and smothered him with kisses. I was introduced but she already knew me from the club. It was like all of a sudden we were all organized into a packing line.

Gran and Maxie made the breakfasts while Tommaso and myself were sent off for showers and to get ready for work. She fed one and Alice and grandad did the other two. When I had finished a big breakfast and a great smile from Maxie greeted me, and three babies were on the floor talking to each other and their big brother was teaching them Italian.

"Mr. Cartasso I will move my things in later on today. If you want to leave me any instructions please use the notebook on the table. These are my recommendations and my nursing certificates if you would like to look them over. Please call me Angie and if I may can I call you Antonio?"

"Of course Angie call me anything you want as long as you just stay here and help." I laughed.

We were both a little nervous and I didn't have a clue how to treat a housekeeper, but from what I have seen she will be treated as a friend first. She was full of experience and personality I was to learn that fact within an hour of meeting her.

"I thought you said there would be nudity?" She was addressing gran.

"The young ones are good boys they don't walk around without their clothes on, it's that one over there you have to watch he's a handful, and so are his husband and his brothers-in-law. You will meet them tonight they are flying back from Italy today." I stared at gran and she squared her shoulders and said.

"Antonio boys go to work, Alice, go with them we have this."

I saluted her and thanked Angie again and we all left for work, no van today grandad wants to do the capsules. I kissed my boys and Alice readied Lukas. Gran raised her eyebrows but must have thought better of it and allowed Alice to take him. I was pleased he was coming because I can get a cuddle anytime I want from my eldest son.

We walked in the morning sunshine the boys wanted to push Lukas and they were getting into this family thing.

It did take us some time because we were stopped at every opportunity by people asking about the babies. I almost had to run into the market to get some peace.

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