Mamma laughs and says: "By the way, I've decided that the men take care of dinner today."

She looks at Bruno, who jumps up excitedly. "Yes! Barbecue! Is there enough meat mamma?"

Mamma nods, "In the fridge in the garage. The salads and condiments are in there too. I'm leaving it to the men tonight, so us girls can have a chat." She gets up and pulls a bottle of wine from the fridge. She grabs four glasses and fills a sippy cup with juice for Pia.

She walks back into the living room where Scorpia is getting a bit more cuddle time with Leo. Logan walks in with the baby sling and helps Ciro put it on. Scorpia lays Leo down in it and Ciro looks all proud. Leo touches Ciro's chin and babbles at him.

Scorpia kisses Leo's cheek and says: "You took look beautiful together."

Ciro stares deep into her eyes, "I love all the kids but Leo is a special one. I can't explain it but I feel connected to him." He kisses Scorpia on her forehead and walks out, to join the rest of the men.

Scorpia sits down on the couch and looks at the four glasses. "Mamma? Why are there four glasses?"

Mamma looks at her, smiling mysteriously before nodding at the front door. The door opens and Violetta and Dino walk in. Violetta looks a little shy but Dino is beaming.

"Did someone say barbecue? The guys are outside I take it?"

Mamma nods and waves at him.

"Yeah, yeah, I'm going." He walks out laughing.

Violetta steps into the living room, looking like a ball of nerves as her gaze lands on the empty spot next to Scorpia. Mamma pours the wine into the glasses and hands everyone a glass. She looks at Violetta and says: "Sit down girl. The wine tastes better when you're relaxed."

A nervous laugh escapes Violetta's lips. She sits down next to Scorpia and takes a sip of her wine. Scorpia sips her wine too and waits patiently. The last thing she wants is to chase Violetta off again.

Dino is pulled into a group hug with Bruno and Logan the second he steps out onto the terrace. He laughs, "Afternoon to you too guys. So we're barbecuing today? Anything I can do?"

Bruno shows him that it's all taken care of. The table is set and there's a buffet table full of side dishes. Next to the huge barbecue, that Flavio is getting started, sits a table full of meat.

Dino grins, "Well, it looks like you've got it all under control."

Bruno says: "Yep bro. That Flavio is a valuable add-on to the family. That guy knows a lot more about cooking than we do."

Ciro smiles proudly and pets Leo's hair.

Bruno asks: "Did you bring Violetta back?"

Dino nods and sighs. "Yes, but is quite the challenge because she's scared to face Logan. And Lexy and Scorpia... She feels guilty about what she said to Logan. There's a story behind it but still."

Logan's eyes clearly show he's confused and Dino says: "She gave me permission to share it with you... Her dad wasn't her father biologically... The bastard told her the day that her om died. And kept on repeating it till the day she ran off to Salvatore. So yeah, kids of your own became this huge thing... In short, she's battling herself for years about it and the things you said, Logan..."

He runs his fingers through his hair, "In her words, that damn Scot looked straight at me with eyes filled with love for his family and his words smashed all my worries and fears into tiny little pieces. She called you a martello."

Dino chuckles as he watches the confused look on Logan's face. "Martello means hammer bro. And we already knew your love ran deep. But that it ran this deep for all of us was a surprise to me too. Although, when I think of my sister, it makes sense. Your hearts are the same."

Logan look shocked now, "What the hell? I'm telling you that wasn't something I prepared or anything. It just came out because she touched a nerve."

Bruno puts his hand on Logan's shoulder, "Yeah, and that's why it hits the person your words were aimed at that hard. Well done, Logan."

Logan looks at both of the brothers, "I'll be right back." He walks inside, making his way to the woman in the living room.

Violetta looks Lexy and Scorpia in the eye, "I'm sorry. For what I thought... What I said... That I didn't believe in unconditional love for a child that's not yours biologically... Sorry."

She starts to cry and Lexy and Scorpia hug her from both sides, kissing her cheek. Violetta tells them in short about her dad and her talk with Dino.

And finally about her talk with Logan. Scorpia listens to Logan's words through Violetta's mouth with a hand on her heart and Lexy's jaw drops.

Violetta takes a deep breath, "I have to apologize to him. I never meant to hurt him with my words. I just never thought about it deep enough... And he was so angry..."

She trembles and her eyes show fear when she hears Logan come in.

Logan walks straight up to her and looks into her eyes. "Could you get up for me, Violetta?"

She gets up nervously and Logan wraps his arms around her.

"I'm sorry Violetta. So sorry about all the pain you went through and that you came to believe you're not good enough. You're wonderful! I have Leo thanks to you. You're more than enough and you perfectly fit into this family of damaged souls with hearts full of love."

He kisses her cheek before looking at her.

She stammers, "I-I S-should b-be..."

She starts to cry and Logan hugs her again.

"You don't have to say sorry, Violetta. I understand where it all came from now. I just hope you don't actually believe the words you said. Look around you. Open your heart to the people in this house. They are worth it. And so are you."

He breathes out slowly. "Okay, that's enough. I will have to eat all the meat available if I keep going like this. I shouldn't be good at this... All this emotional shit."

The women chuckle and Scorpia says: "But you are are, my handsome Scot."

She gets up and drags Logan into the kitchen. Logan's eyes move from the kitchen island to her. A cheeky smile creeps onto his lips and he lifts her onto the island. He rests his hands on the countertop, encasing Scorpia with his arms and leaning forward to kiss her slowly.

"Mmm Logannnn."

She wraps her arms around his neck and he deepens the kiss, while he wraps his arms around her.

"Bonnie, I love you. So so much. Forever."

He rests his forehead against hers and stares deep into her eyes. She smiles at him, matching the unconditional love readable in his eyes.

"Ti amo, martello."

They laugh and she says: "Go back to the guys. I'll see you in a bit."

They quickly kiss again before going their separate ways.

Scorpia drops onto the couch and the other three women look at her. "What?"

Violetta says: "I really like Dino but the kind of love you and Logan have..."

Lexy adds: "It's maddening. I'm happy for them both but at the same time I'm envious."

Scorpia laughs, "True love, right mamma?"

Mamma nods and raises her glass, "Cheers ladies! To all the men in our lives and each other! To staying strong enough to be able to handle all the guys outside." They laugh and Pia raises her sippy cup too. The little girl crawls onto Violetta's lap and cuddles up to her. Violetta strokes the girl's soft blond hair and Pia sighs happily.

The women talk about engagements, weddings, kids, Scorpia's interview, and the boxing tournament scheduled for next weekend.

Scorpia looks at the other women, "I hope you're willing to help me with Leo this week because I have to bring it in training this week to make sure I don't make a fool of myself on the tournament. I also have to start running tomorrow."

She makes a disgusted face and Violetta asks: "You're not a fan of running?"

Scorpia laughs, "I only run when I'm chased. And do only two kinds of cardio. Jumprope and I'll leave the second one to your imagination."

Lexy yells: "No details, please! That's my little brother!"

Violetta laughs, "Maybe we should meet Scorpia. I run every morning. We could run together if you want to that is."

Scorpia looks at her, "Really? I'd love to! Running with someone already sounds more fun. And it increases the chances of me actually doing it."

She laughs, "Logan is insanely fast, he's not a fun running partner."

Lexy laughs, "Yeah, he was in the track team in high school. He's always been fast."

Lucas opens the backdoor and yells: "Ladies! Dinnerrrrrrr!"

They laugh and get up to go outside. They mix with the men and admire their hard work.

Mamma looks around and breathes in the relaxed atmosphere. The air is full of love and joy, there's laughter, and hugs are given. Young and old are having a great time like they've been together forever. This patchwork family, full of people who found a place in her heart. Her kids who all found a partner and are getting along better than ever before.

She sighs happily and Scorpia sits down on the armrest of the chair.

"Are you happy mamma?"

"Si, mia figlia. I'm very happy with everything and everyone. With the people you have become and are going to be. La vita è bella."

Scorpia hugs her mom, looking at the loving mess around them.

She meets Logan's eyes and he winks at her before yelling: "Incoming!"

Scorpia looks around and sees Enzo run up to her. She laughs at his focused look and determination in his steps.

"Soppia! Soppia! Dance! Daddy said!"

She picks Enzo up when he's close enough and her eyes scan her surroundings to look for Bruno. Bruno has found the old sound machine in the garage and connected it with an extension cord. He points at Scorpia and hits play. He starts to dance wildly and Scorpia gets up with Enzo.

She moves closer to Bruno and they dance on 'I wanna be like you'. Bruno pretends to be a monkey and Enzo's excited laughter fills the air. Dino and Ciro sing the part of the back-up singers as the other kids rush over.

Flavio whistles along a little before focusing on grilling the meat. The next song is 'In The Jungle' and perfect to sing with the entire family. It even has a high pitched, opera-like part for mamma. They all dance and sing with the kids.

They all radiate with joy and when the song comes to an end, Bruno yells: "This one's for you Enzo!"

Enzo almost leaps from Scorpia's arms, who puts him down quickly.

"Pappa? Pizza pie?"

Bruno laughs and nods. Bruno lifts the boy onto the table for his performance and Enzo looks serious.

Logan stands behind Scorpia, wrapping his arms around her belly. "Bonnie? What are we about to witness?"

"A performance by the charming singer Enzo. He has always loved this song."

Enzo sings along to the song perfectly, winking at all the women present. Logan chuckles and Scorpia enjoys the show. The cute boy makes large gestures as he sings and blows kisses at everyone. He bows down deeply at the end of the song, getting showered with applause and cheers from the entire family.

Enzo's very proud and wild. Bruno lifts him from the table and he starts running towards Scorpia. But his eyes land on Logan's arms around her and stops in his tracks, thinking for a second, before rushing over to Lexy for a ton of hugs and kisses.

'Sway' by Dean Martin starts to play and Bruno turns the sound machine off, yelling to Lexy: "Shall I get your version from the car?" She doesn't understand what he means and he adds: "Sway? Pussycat dolls?"

Lexy grins and nods. She sets Enzo down and walks over to Scorpia. She drags her along towards Violetta and pulls her from Dino's lap.

"Come on girls. Dance!" They take their positions on the grass, side by side, as Bruno comes running back.

He puts the CD in the player and says before hitting play: "We might have to cover the kids' eyes because I know how Lexy dances to this song."

Dino and Logan suddenly get more interested and move closer to the ladies.

"Okay, here we go." Bruno hits play and the girls start to dance sensually. Lexy is the most confident, sex dripping from every move. Scorpia mostly focuses her movements on her ass and Violetta is a bit shy. But soon they rub their bodies up against each other like they're getting paid for it.

A few more sexy girl songs follow and the men are getting excited watching them. The women are greatly enjoying themselves and Scorpia dances over to Logan. She sways her hips, shooting him a naughty look. She pulls him down by his shirt and kisses him wildly. He picks her up with his hands on her ass. Violetta and Lexy do the same with their men until mamma whistles on her fingers.

"Hold it! There are kids present! It's great that you love each other but there are limits!"

Logan gets startled and almost drops Scorpia but she clings to him. She laughs and tightly wraps her legs around him. "Bonnie... what if she goes to the kitchen."

Scorpia lets herself slide down his body slowly. He closes his eyes and holds his breath. She spanks his ass and walks away laughing.

She walks up to Lexy for a high five, "Sexy Lexy! Holy shit Lex, I'm with the wrong Brewster. You even turned me on."

Bruno pulls Lexy closer and shoots Scorpia an angry look. Scorpia holds her hands up and says: "Easy Bruno. But she's yummy, your future wife."

Flavio laughs, "It could turn a gay person straight in an instant! Well me that is. For Scorpia it's the opposite."

Scorpia hugs him warmly. "It doesn't really matter in this family. Love is love. I'm really glad you joined us this weekend, Flavio."

"Me too, my sweet Scorpia. I haven't had this much fun in years. And I can't remember the last time I felt this relaxed, surrounded by people I don't know."

Scorpia leans against him and he kisses her forehead.

"And watching Ciro with your Leo is very special. He gets lost in that little man."

Scorpia looks at Ciro, who is sitting in a chair, his face close to Leo as he tells him something. She sits down on the armrest and looks at them. "What kind of lies are you telling my little man, Ciro?"

Ciro smiles at her and strokes Leo's cheek.

Leo looks at Scorpia and yells happily: "Mommy! Amo!"

Ciro whispers: "Well done little man. Just repeat it often. Because you have the sweetest in the whole wide world."

Scorpia looks at her brother with tears in her eyes and kisses Leo. Leo holds his arms out to her and she lifts him from the sling. She holds him against her shoulder and Leo lets out a happy sigh, nuzzling her neck.

Ciro gently pulls her onto his lap and cuddles her. "Ti amo, sorellina."

The rest of the afternoon goes by without any issues. They all go home with full stomachs and hearts. This was one of the best Sundays ever. Filled with attention, love, fun, and good food.

Mamma stands in the doorway, waving at Dino and Violetta, who are the last ones to leave. She locks the door and hums as she starts to clean up with Matteo. They are done quickly because everyone helped cleaning before they left.

Mamma and Matteo ascend the stairs hand in hand and she follows the boy to his room.

Matteo looks at her, "Mamma, grazie mille. Ti amo, ti amo." He cries softly and mamma's loving arms find their way around him, pulling him close.

Oh sweet Matteo, I love you too. You will always have a family. A weird family, with very different people. But we all love each other. And you. Go and get your sleep. Good night and I'll see you tomorrow."

"Til tomorrow mamma."

Leo is asleep in his car seat on the back seat and Logan watches him through the rearview mirror. He never thought he'd be where he is right now. Dad to a special child, owner of his own cafe, and above all loving a woman like Scorpia. His Bonnie. The woman who will always have his heart, no matter what happens. She is it. The one. Forever.

He smiles and drives home with a full heart.

They don't talk much when they arrive home. All three of them are relaxed and tired.

They tuck Leo in, set their alarms, and crawl into bed, snuggling up and falling asleep right away. 

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The last chapter before this strange year is over.
Tried to give you a good one.

Happy New Year!

XO Hankie