"Well, that explains what happened to you two," Annalisa chuckles. I just finished recounting the events of last night to her.  

"So, how did it feel to be with JP again?" 

"We didn't do everything, but I was a little nervous; so much time had passed, but at the same time it felt like we had never been apart," I smile.

"You don't have to tell me, but you and Sean never...?" Annalisa asks.

"No, we did, but...."

"Don't tell me he wasn't good? With those hands?" She grins. 

"Anna!" 

She laughs. "What?!" I join in with her laughing. 

"Well?" Annalisa questions. "I'm waiting." 

"Sean was great--amazing, but with JP, he...he knows what I want even before I do. I can't explain it. He lights this fire within me, he makes me feel alive and when he looks at me, it's like he's looking straight into my soul."

I turn my head to look at her and see that she's watching me, a soft smile on her face. I smile back at her. "I've missed this so much, Annalisa," I hold her hand in mine. "I've missed having someone to talk with and share things with." 

Annalisa wipes her eyes and hugs me. "I felt the same. Having Sam helped a lot, but I know what you mean, girl." 

She chuckles as she squeezes my hand. I can't help the tears that come to my eyes, too, as I look at her. "I still have a hard time believing we are together again. There were times, it felt like I would never see you again." 

After a few minutes, she leans away. "Alright! Help me out of this death trap." 

I laugh as I get up and out of the hammock and help her out; not wanting her to get hurt getting out. She exhales as she stands with her hands on her hips. "I'm going to go find Joey, I need a fire lit within me! I had no idea being pregnant would make me as horny as I am, but hearing all the erotic details of your night is leaving me in need of a Salvatore fix!" 

She hooks her arm in mine and we head back to the house, laughing as we walk into the kitchen to find Dot and Isabella making lunch and JP, Cristian, Joey and Enzo conversing around the island. 

JP's smoldering eyes find mine and I instantly feel the pull towards him. I walk over to him and he puts his arm around my shoulders and kisses my head. 

I watch as Annalisa stands behind Joey and runs her fingers through his curly hair and then hugs him around the neck as she whispers in his ear before she walks out of the room; I chuckle as he stumbles out of his chair, tripping over his own feet to go after her. 

"What was that about?" JP asks. 

"Annalisa is need of a 'Salvatore fix', " I smile up at him.

JP moves behind me and wraps his arms around my waist. "Hmm, I need a Stella fix," His gravely voice against my ear sends a shiver down my spine. 

I grin up at him as I turn around in his arms. "John Paul you're insatiable." 

"Only for you and that sweet tasting---" I cut him off by kissing him and he chuckles against my lips.

"Trust me, we all heard how you couldn't get enough of Stella last night," Enzo says as I pull away from JP. "You both owe Santino big time for keeping the older kids outside." 

My eyes widen in horror as Cristian, my mom and Dot all chuckle.

"What? You seriously don't think these walls are sound proof do you?" Enzo questions.

"JP!" I look at him horrified and embarrassed. 

"Why are you mad at me?" JP feigns innocence.

"Because you...and then you...and I...ugh!" I cover my face humiliated as he pulls me into him, his chest vibrates against me as he laughs holding me. 

I squeal when JP picks me up and sets me up on counter of the island and then holds my face. "I'd rather the whole fucking world heard what I was making you feel and knows you're mine, princess. Sei il grande amore della mia vita." (You're the love of my life)

JP kisses me slowly as I become completely lost in the feeling of how he holds me against him and how his lips move over mine. 

"Well! I never wanted to be thirty years younger more than I have these last couple of days being around these two lovebirds," Dot's voice reaches my ears. 

"John Paul e Stella sono un buon esempio di l'amore vince sempre," I hear my mom tell Dot. 

My mom then talks to Enzo in Italian. "Enzo, per favore traduci per me." (Please translate for me)

"Isabella said 'John Paul and Stella are an example of love conquers all,' " Enzo tells Dot.

"Ain't that the truth!" Dot agrees.

JP pulls away and pecks my lips before he hugs me tightly against him.

I lean away and smile at him as I trace his face with my fingertips. "Sei tutto per me." (You are everything to me)

JP smiles softly before he gives me another kiss and then I chuckle; JP pulls back arching an eyebrow. "What?"

"You would care if the kids heard, JP. I'm curious how you would explain what they heard to them," I tease. 

"Okay, fine, maybe not the whole world," JP agrees and pecks my lips again. "Come, we need to brief you on what the plan is when we get back home next week. We have time before the kids return from their hike with Santino, Tej and Topo." 

JP lifts me down from the counter and takes me by the hand out of the kitchen, and signals to Enzo and Cristian to follow. 

We sit in the large office of the Lake House and I have a moment of nostalgia hit me as we walk in remembering Timo sitting behind the desk. I look at the pictures along the wall several of us and the men who worked for him still adorn the wall. 

I walk over and see the one with Timo, my dad-Dominic, Tobias and Tony, smiling as they sit around the campfire smoking cigars. 

"Katalina D'Angelo has made progress in befriending Armend's daughter, Samira." JP begins grabbing my attention and I move to sit down in one of the chairs next to him. 

"Don D'Angelo agreed after all?" I question, surprised.

"I wouldn't say agreed," Cristian chuckles. "More like Katalina went behind his back and shocked us all when we received a detailed report from her regarding her plan after she sent us pictures of the recon she did on her own."

"A girl after my own heart," I say appreciatively as I look over the detailed notes and pictures. 

"Yes, well, Don D'Angelo nearly blew her cover when he found out, but ultimately realized that without her efforts, we would not have been able to infiltrate so easily," JP states.

"Samira's even introduced Katalina to Jimmy," Enzo adds.

"So, does it look like Samira's in on this whole thing or is she an innocent?" I ask as I continue going through the pictures.

"She seems to have no part in the family business, so both Jimmy and her family are using her, it appears. But from what Katalina says, Jimmy seems very much in love," JP states.

"Is that so?" Not believing that for one second. "So, what's the plan?"

"Katalina states Samira's is planning a come to New York for her birthday in a few months. With Katalina's help we'll get Jimmy and then we'll have Samira to get to the Albanians," JP tells me. 

I furrow my eyebrows as I think it over. 

"What is it?" JP asks me as he watches me. 

"Well, Jimmy's reputation will catch up to him eventually. Why not have David and Mateo do what Tej did with Gio. Have them hack into the Albanian's accounts so it looks like Jimmy embezzled from them. "

"You think he hasn't smartened up and avoided using banks after what happened with Gio?" Enzo leans forward and rubs his chin.

"It wouldn't hurt to check and even if he doesn't, he probably has offshore accounts," I tell them. "If we can avoid any more bloodshed, then that's what I would do, but obviously it's your call." I look over at JP.

"It's yours, too," JP leans forward and grabs my hand. "I'm only standing in until you decide what you want to do."

"What?" I look around at Enzo and Cristian.

"You don't have to decide anything right now, but you are Timo's heir and while you didn't want any part of it growing up, you've been deep inside this world more than I ever thought you'd be and you've found a way to do things in your own way. People are drawn to you; they are loyal to you and are willing to die for you," JP explains holding my hand and his words remind me of Timo's video message.

I look at Enzo and he gives me a warm smile as he leans his head to the side observing me. Cristian also smiles softly. "If you decide to step in, piccola, no one expects you to do this alone."

"But if you chose to walk away, you know you won't be getting rid of us; well, except JP, you can kick him to the curb if you want," Enzo gives me a lopsided grin and I chuckle as JP glowers over at him.

I pull on JP's hand as I stand and then move to sit on his lap, I wrap my arm around his shoulders and then hold his face in my hand. "Finché sei con me, mio ​​re" (As long as you are with me, my King)

JP's eyes glisten as he looks back at me and kisses me softly. "I know you like to think things out and you should about this; we have to think of the kids, too." 

"The kids need both of us. And I know that you and I are stronger together than we are apart. I also know they will be taken care of if anything were to happen, John Paul. I mean, how many kids do you know that are lucky enough to have an Uncle Enzo and a Grandpa Cristian," I tease and I hear Cristian make a choking sound which makes me burst out laughing.

"Did she call me Grandpa?" Cristian asks and he almost sounds outraged which makes it so much funnier.

 "I love you," JP pulls me against him as he chuckles.

"Come on, take me out on a jet ski like you used to when we were kids," I stand and pull JP up.

"First, he has to race me around the lake; who ever wins gets to take Stella out on the jet ski," Enzo challenges JP.

"You're going down, Romano," JP says and they start shoving each other to try to get out of the room first. 

"You're not racing yet, you idiots!" Cristian states as he almost gets knocked over by their rough shoving. 

<><><><>

"Don't be such a grumpy bear, JP," I kiss JP's cheek after I sit on his lap; everyone is settling in around the table to eat dinner. 

"Enzo won fair and square."

"No he didn't, he cut the corner on that last turn," JP argues petulantly and I bite back a smile. 

"So, he took me around the lake a few times, what's the big deal?" 

His eyes flicker to where Enzo is sitting talking to Annalisa and then back to me, "It's not, it's just something we used to do as kids and this would be the first time taking you around when we're together, making new memories together." 

I smile softly at him. "It's hard to remember you're this intimidating mafia boss when you talk so sweet and vulnerable like this, John Paul." I brush my lips on his neck lightly. 

He makes a soft groaning sound as I continue to kiss his neck. "You can take me later, plus I'll make it up to you tonight, amore. I promise," I tell him as I pull back. 

"You don't have to make anything up to me, princess." JP tells me as he nuzzles my neck and breathes deeply. 

I start to get up to sit in my own chair but JP holds me to keep me in place. "You're not going anywhere."

He proceeds to feed me some of the food on his plate. It feels so intimate yet natural and I smile as he continues to feed me.

"I've never felt so single in my entire life," Santino states watching us.

"Same bro," Topo chimes in and I chuckle hiding my face in JP's neck. 

I look around the two tables and have a sense of contentment come over me as I watch the kids interact with each other as well as the adults who are talking and joking with each other. 

"You alright?" JP asks as he squeezes my knee. 

I look over at him and smile, "Yes, just happy being together with everyone." He smiles back at me as he lifts my hand to his lips. "Being with you."

"Capo, I apologize for the disruption, but this is urgent." Adonis walks in and stands by the doorway. 

JP looks at me. "Go ahead," I give him a reassuring smile; he gives me a quick kiss before I get up and he excuses himself from the table. Adonis asks Enzo to join them too and he wipes his mouth with a napkin before excusing himself from the table as well.

"Hey mom, do you mind if we go into town and grab some more snacks for our game night later?" Miles asks getting my attention. 

"Sure, just make sure you take Nicky with you guys," I tell him. We sit enjoying the rest of dinner without any other interruptions. 

After dinner, I help the two youngest take their baths and then I help put them to bed. Carmen wanted to stay up with Lucy, but I told her after spending the whole day with her, Lucy also needs to spend time with kids her own age. She still wasn't very happy about it and reluctantly went to bed.

Annalisa and I decide to take a walk around the property. "So are you planning to do a gender reveal after your appointment?" I ask her.

"We hadn't really planned to do one. I feel like nowadays every life event has to be this huge celebration, and I get it; the excitement and the thrill of a first baby, but sometimes it feels like everything has to be a show," She sighs.

"It doesn't have to be a big thing and I can help. It can be just us and you can do a video call with your families if you don't want them all to come," I tell her.

"I'll talk to Joe and see what he says." 

We hear laughter coming from within the house; the older kids are having their own game night tonight. 

"Do you remember all the games we used to play when we'd come here during the summers?" Annalisa asks. 

I chuckle. "Good memories."

"Remember how Joey always tried to get us to play spin the bottle even though it was us and like five guys," Annalisa laughs.

"JP always shot the idea down, thankfully." I laugh, remembering how JP would always slap Joey on the back of his head for even suggesting it.

"You don't think these kids would play that, do you?" Annalisa asks me amused. I start shaking my head no, but then I stop to think. 

"Let's go spy on them," Annalisa whispers conspiratorially. 

We make our way back to the house and then decide to go around through the front. Nicky gives us a quizzical look when we tip toe by him and a few of the other guards who are smoking outside as we come in through the front door. 

 We make our way through the house until we get to the huge family room, we hear old rock music playing in the background. There's a partition with open shelving that allows us to watch and listen in, while still hidden. 

"Okay, time for a new game," Talia announces as she stands. "Let's do something a little more age appropriate." She winks at the twins and I have an uneasy feeling settle over me. 

"I mean these games are fun and all, but we're not little kids." 

I look at the large table and it looks like they just finished playing the board game, Chameleon, which isn't a little kid game, but a family game. Talia continues rambling as she walks to the kitchen. 

Annalisa leans over to me. "Who put her in charge?" I shake my head, shrugging.

"We're not doing '7 minutes in hell 'again," Marco comments and I smile knowing he's referring to when he played that game and kissed her.  

"Funny," Talia scowls at him. "This game is called suck and blow."

Annalisa gasps loudly. "What the what?!" 

I watch as Lucy's eyes widen and she looks at Miles and Kai who also look uncomfortable. Annalisa grabs my arm, "Should we intervene?"

"No, not yet, I'm curious what the kids will do," I tell her and we watch and listen.

Talia grabs a card from a deck of cards and proceeds to show everyone she has to keep the card against her lips and then passes it to someone else and then the card continues to be passed on. 

If you drop it as you pass it you have to kiss the person you were supposed to pass it to. Then after a round the guys rotate one spot to be next to a different girl. Seems innocent enough even though I have a feeling she has some hidden agenda.

"Yeah, I'll pass. Miles and Kai are my brothers," Lucy stands and starts walking towards the back door. 

"Don't be such a baby," Talia taunts her. "We'll make sure you're not next to them."  

"Come on Lucy, you could end up winning and not have to kiss anyone," Marley encourages and the other girls join in on trying to convince her to play.

"You don't have to play, if you don't want to Lucy," Marco tells her.

"I'm pretty sure the intent of the game is to kiss though, right?" Annalisa whispers to me. 

"Probably," I respond. 

I watch as Lucy walks back hesitantly and the rest of the group stands in a circle in boy-girl sequence. 

"Okay, but what if someone drops it on purpose?" Lucy folds her arms, "I'm not kissing anyone because they purposely drop it." 

Talia rolls her eyes, "You're such a buzzkill." 

"Shut up, Talia," Marco retorts. 

The game begins and the card starts making its way around. I hold my breath as one of Marco's friends turns to pass the card to Lucy and I can see she's nervous. Marcos watches anxiously, too. But Lucy takes the card and then successfully passes the card off. 

As the game continues the pace picks up and of course the card is dropped a few times and Miles and Kai were both kissed a couple of times by the other girls who are playing but it wasn't anything other than a quick peck, thankfully. 

I breathe a sigh a relief when the game is finally over and then they decide to watch a movie. However, I notice the girls that did kiss Kai and Miles are now practically glued to them. Marco and a couple of the guys head to the kitchen to grab drinks.

"See, it wasn't as bad as you thought, right?" Talia pesters Lucy. "But...I'm guessing you haven't kissed anyone yet, because you're saving it for someone special, right?" 

"So?" Lucy responds, "What's wrong with waiting? I want it to mean something instead of kissing anyone or everyone I come across." 

Talia sniggers, "That's cute, but what if you suck at it?"

Lucy shrugs, "Then I suck at it I guess, but I don't think the person I choose to kiss will think so." 

"What planet are you living on, girl?" Talia continues with her condescending lecture. "Guys like it when girls know what they're doing, trust me." Some of Marco's other friends try to get Talia to leave Lucy alone. 

"Just admit the real reason is you're scared," Talia smirks at her, "You're afraid no one wants to kiss you in the first place." 

I know that struck a nerve with Lucy remembering the talk we had in Miami. Lucy narrows her eyes and Talia and I watch as she squares her shoulders and walks away. At first, I think she's walking away from the group but then I see she's heading straight for an unsuspecting Marco, who is coming back from the kitchen, laughing and talking with his friends.

Uh oh.

Lucy grabs Marco by his shirt and kisses him. Annalisa covers her mouth as she gasps and then grips my arm tightly with her other hand. I look back at Talia who's got a sour expression on her face.

Marco is clearly shocked--startled even and doesn't know what to do being caught off guard. Lucy steps back and her eyes are wide. "I'm sorry, I--" She starts apologizing before Marco pulls her back to him and kisses her this time.

"OMG!" Annalisa whisper shouts next to me, hitting my arm repeatedly. 

Kai and Miles both clear their throats loudly. 

"Bruh..." Kai says and Marco finally pulls away from Lucy, but Lucy still has her eyes closed. Marco smiles as he looks at her and he says her name quietly. Her eyes flutter open and she looks at him completely out of it. 

"Are you okay?" Marco asks her. 

"What?" She asks as she looks at him dreamily. 

"Why is she so sweet? Oh my gosh!" Annalisa squeezes my arm again. 

"Are you okay, Luce?" Marco repeats. Lucy seems to snap out of her moment and looks around flustered and embarrassed.

"Oh, yeah, I...I need to go... I need to...I need to go," She walks out of the room and Annalisa and I bump into each other, trying frantically to get out of the spot where in. 

"What are you two up to?" We hear Enzo which causes us to scream in surprise and then we see him and JP are standing behind us.

"Shit! Enzo!" Annalisa smacks his arm and he flinches away from her. 

"Ow, what the hell, Anna!" Enzo rubs his arm where she hit him.

"Don't you know you're not supposed to scare pregnant women?" Annalisa glares back at him.

"Why are you two spying on the kids?" JP asks me, folding his arms.

Before I can answer him, Lucy rushes past them, "Mom, I need to talk to you!" She pulls me out of the hiding spot. 

I look at JP and mouth "later" to him and follow Lucy out of the little nook area.

~~~~~~~

Drama, drama, drama! But also really cute! 

Don't forget to vote and comment please! =)