Lost

Chapter Twenty Two

Brianna/Lily's POV

"Do you have a name for him?" Nathan asks

"Yes, I do."

"Well, what is it?"
"Mariano Leo" I tell him with a smile.

"I think Mariano would love that you are keeping his name alive. My middle name, are you sure?"
"I am, you have been there for us since the beginning and when you found out that I was pregnant by another man, you didn't run and stepped up to be the father he will need."
"Thank you, I love him as my own already."
"Would you like to hold him?"
"May I?"
He gently takes Leo from my arms and holds him close. I can't help but smile seeing him cuddle little Leo. I can see the love in his eyes, and a few tears escape his eyes. My heart swells as I watch him love a baby that's not his. I can't hold it in any longer and have to tell him.

"I love you."

He stops and looks at me. His lips slowly turn up, and a wide grin grows.

"I have been wanting to tell you for so long. I love you too, and little Mariano. I don't know when it started, but I have loved you for a long time, and wanted to tell you, but I didn't want to scare you away."

He leans down and kisses my lips softly. I don't know what would have happened to me if he hadn't found me that night. He has been so amazing. We hear a soft knock on the door, and his mom peeks her head in.

"May I come in?" Abbey asks.

He looks over to me. "Is it okay if she comes in now?"
I smile and shake my head, yes. "Of course it's okay. Come in, Abbey."
She walks over and smiles at Leo, quickly taking him out of Nathan's arms.

"Give me my grandbaby. Oh, he is just the cutest thing. Congratulations, Abbey. It's just sad that his dad will never get to meet him."
"Thank you, Abbey. He would have loved him so much."
We sat and talked for a while before we heard another knock, and momma peeked her head around the door.

"Is it okay if we come in to see our grandson? I am so sorry for how Antonio treated you. He was in the wrong for what he did, and he was only thinking about himself."

I can see Nathan stand next to me, and his hands tighten into fists. I know he is angry at momma and poppa. Well, I am a little disappointed in them, too. I think they should be able to see Leo.

"I don't think that is a good idea. It's because of you that she is here. She could have lost the baby or died, maybe even both and it would have been your fault." Nathan says angrily.

"Please, we just want to see our grandson. Antonio is really sorry about what he did. He only wanted to protect him. Sophia says quietly.

"Please, I am so sorry. I realize what I did was wrong. You may not want to forgive me now, but he is all that I have left of my son." Antonio pleads.

I look over at Nathan, and I can see that he is really trying to control his anger. I reach up and touch his arm and he lets out an irritated breath.

"Fine, but if there is any thought of trying to take him away, I will be on you so fast your head will spin." Nathan spits out.

"There is no need for that. I wouldn't think of it. He belongs here with you both." Antonio answers.

"Come, meet your grandson, Mariano Leo."

Momma begins to tear up as she slowly walks over to mom. She gently takes him from her and kisses his forehead.

He's absolutely beautiful." Sophia cries.

"You named him after Mariano?" Antonio asks with a tear in his eye.

"Yes, I wanted him to have a piece of his father, and he will know what a wonderful man he was." I return.