Cris' POV
I must make sure I do not kill Chase here.
"He did what?!" Mr. Toscano was livid.
"Excuse me, Mr. Fiore, do you mind if we switch seats for a moment?" His wife asked. "Sure." Cocoa also switched seats with Jake.
"Kamea, listen to me, honey. Do you see those five handsome guys over there - my husband, Cam, Dominic, and your husband? What is your name, son?"
"I'm Jake, Kamea's bodyguard, and best friend."
"Okay. Thanks, Jake. My husband, Cam, Dominic, Cris, and Jake will make sure that he will not come near you. Cocoa and I will too. We have this place surrounded by security and want you to feel safe," Cocoa's mom told Kamea.
"Kamea, here is my number if you ever need someone to talk to. My mom and I will be here for you. How long are you all planning to stay in Italy?" Cocoa asked.
"Thank you, Cocoa." Kamea put the number in her phone.
"For a week. We just arrived yesterday."
Cocoa asked Cam, "Do you mind if we stay a bit?"
"Of course, we can stay."
Both Cocoa and Mr. Toscano's wife tried calming Kamea down.
"If he even breathes near you, let me know. I have people that will vanish him in 5 seconds. Consider yourself a part of my family and my daughter. I have no problem taking people out for hurting my family. If he is smart, he better not test me. Not here, not tonight or at all." Mr. Toscano was dead serious when he said that.
Chase's POV
"Well, well, well, what do we have here? I see that my prize is here right before my eyes."
As soon as I caught her eyes, I blew a kiss her way and winked.
"Look at her in that form-fitted dress." I started thinking of her in that teddy I stole from their house. The look on Cris' face was of anger. Meh, I did not care.
"He wouldn't dare touch me at this gala Mr. Toscano is hosting," This evening just got interesting.
"Ugh, what are they doing here?"
"How do you know, Cris?"
"He dumped me for her. I can't stand her for taking him from me."
I looked at her. Then, I looked at Cris' wife. "Well, looking at the both of you, I see why he dumped you. There is no comparison. You are a Volkswagen Beetle, and she is a Bentley - the most expensive model they make." Candi was livid, but I did not care.
"The truth hurts."
"Why did I choose to bring her anyway?" That was my mistake.
"Well, you want him, and I want her. So, how about I propose a joint plan to get what we want?"
Candi took no time to answer back. "Count me in. I want her gone."
"Chick, you won't lay a finger on her. If anyone is going to be gone, it will be you. You can bank on that."
Kamea's POV
When I saw him enter, I just froze. I could not move. I felt like I had a panic attack. "Thank you all so much. As soon as I saw him, I had a flashback."
Cocoa and Mrs. Alyshea wrapped their arms around me.
"He attacked me while Cris and I were on our honeymoon. We cut it a day short because I just wanted to go home and be with my family and kids. Día and Rocco are Cris' twins, but I love them like they are my own, and soon I will be adopting them. Their little angelic faces always brighten up my day. How Chase got out of jail so fast is disturbing."
I could see the anger in their eyes as I was talking.
Mr. Dominic said, "We are going to find out why he is out of jail. I have a feeling he bribed someone. No woman should have to fear for her life because of being attacked. We need you to focus on your family - your kids at home and the precious little ones growing inside you. The five of us will take care of him."
Valentino's POV
"That is Chase Dalton. He is one of the guys I thought had potential in the wine industry."
I motioned for one of my security guards to come over. "Bring Chase Dalton over here now!" So, he went to bring him over. "Sweetheart, I am going to make sure he never bothers you again, understand?" Cris' wife shook her head yes.
"Kamea, you are in good hands with my dad," Cocoa told her, and she was right. I do not play when it comes to my family.
"Before you are escorted out of here, I am going to make myself perfectly clear. I invited you here because I saw potential in you with your winery. That potential flew out the window when Mrs. Kamea said you attacked her. I do not take kindly to my family being attacked. If I get a call from her or Cris about you harassing her, I am going to ruin you and make your life span short, capiche?"
"Yes, sir, Mr. Toscano."
"Oh goodness, I need to throw up." Kamea got up and ran to the bathroom. "I'll go after her," said her bodyguard, Jake.
I did not like the smug grin on his face. "There is nothing funny about what I just said. Do you think I am playing? I am warning you, DO NOT TEST ME! Now, get him out of my sight!"
"Yes, sir, Mr. Toscano." And another security guard came over and escorted him and whoever the girl was off the premises.
"I'll be right back after my introductory speech." So, I made my way over to the platform.
"Welcome, ladies and gentlemen, to the first annual Toscano & Calabro Wine Gala. My family, as well as the Calabro family, wanted to start recognizing a new generation of wine producers. Our inaugural recipient is here from San Francisco, California - Mr. Cris Fiore."
Cris' POV
Wow, what an honor! To be the first recipient is wonderful. And, to be presented by Mr. Toscano is the bonus. Kamea has not come back yet. My poor baby. Her morning sickness is no joke. I wish there were something I could do for her.
I made my way to where Mr. Toscano was standing. He handed me the microphone. "Thank you, Mr. Toscano and Mr. Calabro, for the honor of being the first recipient of this award."
Everyone clapped their hands in applause. I scanned over to our table and saw that Kamea and Jake had just come back. Cocoa talked Kamea into walking over to where I was standing, and she came upon the stage.
"Ladies and gentlemen, this beautiful woman standing next to me is my wife, Kamea. We found out yesterday that she is pregnant with our children. We are having twins. That is the greatest news a father could ask for. And with receiving this award, this has become one of the best trips back home for me. Thank you again, Mr. Toscano and Mr. Calabro, for the honor."
Everyone then stood up and applauded as Kamea, and I exited the stage.
"Please sit back, relax and enjoy the rest of the gala. Dinner is now being served." Mr. Toscano then exited the stage.
Chase's POV
As we were being escorted off the premises, I overheard what Cris had just said about my prize. "She's pregnant - with twins?"
I could knock off Cris and claim his twins as mine. But that will have to wait until we are back in California. I do know where she works.
*Meanwhile, back inside. *
Kamea's POV
"Congratulations, handsome, on winning the award. You deserve it. This meal is delicious. Being pregnant with twins sure is making me extra hungry."
"I remember the cravings I had when pregnant with Cocoa. Out of all of my children, Cocoa was the calmest kid. As for my cravings, I ate more with Cocoa."
"When Eliana was pregnant with Cam and Tosca, I left the house almost every night to get for her."
"Cris and I are both Diabetic, so I will have to be careful about what I crave."
"I would love to make your cake for you. How about a cake for Diabetics and a regular cake as well?"
"Oh, my goodness, I would love that. Oh, shoot." I turned around to face Cris.
"It's okay with me, sweetheart. Get whatever you want. I'm not picky."
"Thank you, Cocoa." I couldn't help but smile. Yesterday, I found out I was pregnant, I got to meet my favorite families, Cris won an award, and to top it all off, Cocoa is making our wedding cake. Sweet.
Later, music came on, so the guests could dance. It was a mixture of slow dance music and dance music.
I started dancing a little in my chair, and everybody noticed.
"Do you like to dance?" Cocoa asked me. Of course, Cris chimed in on that one.
"That is actually how we met. I have a club in San Francisco, and the first night Kamea came, we held a dance contest. She danced to one of Beyoncé's songs, and I was hooked."
"Well, I don't like to brag, but I love to dance. I have been dancing for years. It is my exercise to keep me fit."
Jake chimed in too. "Every dance contest Kam entered in college, she won. In fact, it wasn't even a contest. You all should have seen the other contestants' faces when they saw that Kam entered."
"It may be a while before doing those dances, though, especially with me being pregnant with twins."
Mrs. Alyshea said, "Honey, don't let your pregnancy stop you from dancing. Do what you are comfortable with. I danced with all of my kids."
"Speaking of dancing, would you like to dance with the sexy one of the group?" Mr. Toscano held his hand to me and then looked at Mr. Calabro. I couldn't help but laugh, and everyone else did too.
"Why, yes, I would, kind sir." Mr. Toscano escorted me to the dance floor.
Cris' POV
I am so glad to see Kamea smiling again. And, it's worth repeating - I will do everything I can to keep her smiling.
"Thank you all so much for supporting Kamea. She has been through a lot this year. When I saw the look on her face walking over to the table, that brightened up not just her day but mine too."
"You're welcome, Cris. Where are you both staying?" Cocoa asked.
"We are staying with my grandparents at their mansion here in Naples."
"How old are your twins?"
"Día and Rocco will turn six this year. They wanted to come, but we just started them in a new school." I pulled out my wallet to show them a picture.
"They are adorable. We are staying in Naples, too."
"Tomorrow, I wanted to take Kamea shopping for some flat shoes. Where do you want us to meet you?"
Cam says, "I'll give you the address."
We had a wonderful time this evening. We did not let the run-in with Chase take away from the night we had. I got to meet my idol, and Kamea got to dance with her crush. And my winery won an inaugural award. Not too bad.
**************************
*The next day - Saturday *
It was a rough night. Kamea didn't really get much sleep because of her morning sickness. So, my nonna made her a drink like she did yesterday. Kamea fell right to sleep after that.
Later in the morning, we went to several designer stores for some flat shoes. I told her to get what she wanted. She mini-protested, but I put a stop to it.
"My baby is having my babies, so of course, I want you to have the best. And you are going to need some flats for the wedding also."
"Thanks, handsome."
By the time we were finished, Cocoa had called and said we could come over. So, we made our way over to meet them.
********************
Kam's POV
We pulled up to a beautiful, three-story brick house. It had a long, gravel-stoned driveway, and we could see the backyard from the front.
Cris gave Jake a break for the day since he was with me. So, we walked up to the front door and rang the bell. When the door opened, we saw Cam.
"Hi, come on in. Everybody is in the backyard."
So, we walked into the house and made our way to the backyard. Cris and I said hi to everyone. Cris went to fix me a plate of food.
"Thank you. We are hungry."
Cris then fixed himself a plate and sat next to me.
"I love the house. Italy has some of the most amazing landscaping and views. I love it."
"Thanks, Kamea. You, Cris, and Jake are welcome to stay with us for a few days," Mrs. Alyshea said. I gave Cris the 'Please, can we stay?' look.
"Jake and I will go get the luggage."
"Yes! Thanks, my wonderful hubby."
***************
Cris' POV
The time for us to leave came too quickly. We had an enjoyable time in Italy. Minus my aunt Livia and Chase, the trip to Italy was a success.
As we boarded the plane to go back home, Kamea's morning sickness started again. "Here it comes." And she ran up the steps and straight to the bathroom.
The pilot said we had clearance to leave and asked if we were to take off. "As soon as my wife comes back, we will be ready."
I went back to check on her. "Do you have a scrunchie or something to put your hair up?"
"There is something in my bag." Kamea dropped her bag on the bed, so I went to check.
"This bag feels like it weighs a ton. How does she carry it?"
Kamea said, "I heard that!" I looked in there and saw what she had in there - comb, makeup, phone, wallet, sunglasses, and a whole bunch of other stuff.
I eventually found what I was looking for and went back to the bathroom. "Here, love, let me put your hair up." I quickly put it in because soon after, she felt the urge. "I think they have some soup to settle your stomach when you are ready to eat something, okay?"
"Okay. I think I am okay now." So, I helped her up, and we went to take our seats. I let the pilot know we were ready to take off, and we did.
"When we get back, do you want to stay in Santa Cruz permanently or move back to San Francisco? Oh, and don't worry about the house, because we can rent it out. Chase knows where it is, and I will not have him touching or taking you from me."
Kamea thought about it, then said, "I have known San Francisco all my life, and I love it there. I do like Santa Cruz, though. But what would that mean for your winery and club? How about we stay in San Francisco? Besides, I had always wanted to stay at home with my kids until they were at least starting kindergarten. Then, I will worry about my next step. My focus is on my babies. I'm going to lie down. My body is tired."
Kamea then walked to the back to get some rest.
I wound up going back with her. It's a long flight back home. We won't be getting home until late this evening. We'll have the family over the weekend to announce Kamea's pregnancy.
******************************
Narrator's POV
There was a bad thunderstorm in one of the cities on their way home, so they had to land. They landed safely early Friday morning. They returned to the house in Santa Cruz and fell fast asleep from jet lag.
Cris' POV
It was noon by the time I woke up. I looked over, and Kamea was still knocked out. I would have to wake her up for her insulin.
"Sweetheart, I need to wake you up, so you can take your insulin," I called Kamea several times until she woke up.
"What time is it?"
"It is after noon. I need to give you your insulin, and you can go back to sleep."
Kamea was so tired that she didn't even say 'ouch.' After I gave her the shot, she fell right to sleep.
I made my way downstairs to make a call to my real estate agent. I told him what we wanted - a master suite with a walk-in closet, jacuzzi tub, fireplace in our room, large kitchen with double ovens, and large backyard with a pool and patio area. So, he said he would do his best to find the perfect house for us.
I then called everyone to come over Saturday for dinner. Everyone said they would be here. I'm excited to be a dad again.
Jake was knocked out too. So, I made some food for us to eat. When they wake up, they can fix something to eat. I also talked to Día and Rocco.
"I can't wait to see you, munchkins, tomorrow. Have you behaved for your Nonna and Nonno?"
"Yes, daddy. Can we talk to mommy?" Rocco asked.
"Mommy is still sleeping. We got some surprises for you both. We have some news for you too."
"You do, daddy? We miss you. Nonna is taking us for ice cream."
"Okay. Enjoy your ice cream, and see you tomorrow."
"Bye, daddy."
After talking with everyone, I watched a little tv, but eventually, it was watching me.
*An hour later. *
Kam's POV
I woke up to just myself in the bedroom. So, I went downstairs to get something to eat because the three of us were hungry.
Cris made some spaghetti, and he made coffee. But the smell of the coffee was making me nauseous.
"Oh goodness, I need to throw up." I made my way to the bathroom. I was in there for at least a good 20 minutes. After washing my hands and face, I noticed Cris asleep on the couch.
I covered my nose and threw the coffee out. Jake came out of his room. He went straight over to make some coffee.
"Kam, would you like some coffee?"
"I just threw some out. It makes me nauseous. Sorry, Jake."
"It's okay. I never did get a chance to say congratulations. Do you know whether the twins are boys or girls?"
"Thanks, Jake. I won't find out until July. Speaking of, I need to make an appointment with my doctor, so she can help me with the list of doctors I will need to help me through my pregnancy because of the Diabetes. I'll be right back."
I went upstairs to get my phone and called Doctor Sanchez. She put me on her schedule for Monday at Parkview. I needed to go there anyway to let them know about my decision. So, I went back downstairs. I started feeling a little dizzy, and Jake noticed.
"Kam, are you okay?"
"I just felt a little dizzy. I am going to lie down on the couch with Cris."
"Hey, let me help you because you look like you are about to pass out."
Jake grabbed my arm and helped me over to the couch. I laid down and wrapped Cris' arms around me and nuzzled my head into his chest. Jake brought over a blanket and put it over us. I fell asleep instantly.
Cris' POV
I don't know how long I was asleep, but I saw Kamea wrapped in my arms. I looked at my phone and noticed it was after 9 pm. We didn't get in the house until after 3 am. So, the lights were already out, and I didn't want to move and wake her up. So, I turned off the television and went back to sleep.
******************************
*Saturday morning*
I woke up to a pair of hands playing with my hair. "Good morning, handsome. Did I wake you up?"
"No. What would you like for breakfast?"
"Well, we are starving. So, pancakes, scrambled eggs, some potatoes, and waffles. And Cris, please don't make coffee. It makes me nauseous."
She started naming a lengthy list of things to eat. One thing I learned from when Alicia was pregnant was 'never question what a pregnant woman wants to eat.'
"I'll see what we have." We had pancakes and eggs, so that is what I fixed.
After we ate breakfast, I cleaned up the kitchen, and Kamea went to get a shower and change her clothes. "What should we have for dinner this evening?"
"Hmm, I have a taste for burgers, chicken, ribs, macaroni, and cheese, some corn on the cob, etc...."
She was doing it again. We will have all of that, but I am not going to let her eat all of that at one time and watch her get sick.
"Why don't you relax by the pool? Jake and I will take care of the food. I will have to go to the store. Día and Rocco are on their way with my parents. But I need you to sit back and relax."
"Fine." Then, Kamea huffed and stormed out of the room towards the pool.
"Meh, she will be fine."
I went to get a shower and changed into my clothes. I went to the kitchen to see what we needed. Then, I heard their little voices.
"Mommy! Daddy!"
"In the kitchen, sweetheart." I heard little feet running.
Día and Rocco ran over to me and hugged me. "Daddy! We missed you."
I scooped them both up, and Día kissed daddy. "I missed you too."
"Where's mommy?"
"She is out by the pool."
Día and Rocco wiggled out of my arms and ran to the pool.
My parents came into the kitchen with Italian dishes they made - lasagna, baked ziti, bruschetta, Caprese pasta salad, and more. "I have a feeling what the news is, but I can wait until it is confirmed."
"How could you tell?"
"A mother's intuition. Jayde could see it too. The only thing is we couldn't tell how many."
"Well, that will stay a surprise until everyone comes."
My father says, "I'm going to be a grandpa again. I can't wait. It's exciting news."
Jake came in too. "Hey Jake, can you go with me to the store? The food cravings have started."
"Sure. I'll go with you."
*Kam's POV*
"Hmph, it's hard sitting here not doing anything."
Soon, I heard my kids' voices. "Mommy! Mommy!"
They gave me hugs, and I gave them kisses. "How are mama's prince and princess?"
"We missed you, mommy."
"I missed you too."
"We bought some gifts for you both. Let's go see them."
"Yay! Okay, mommy."
We walked into the house. I said hi to Isabela and Antonio first and then took the kids upstairs to our room.
We had to buy a separate suitcase just for their gifts. Hey, I can't help it. I love my kids. We got Día a dress for the wedding and Rocco a cute little suit. We bought them shoes and t-shirts and got them personalized cups.
"Thank you, mommy! We love you!" They said in unison.
"You're welcome! And I love you too. We have another surprise for you. But, we must wait until daddy comes home. Let's go downstairs."
"Okay, mommy!" And we walked hand in hand downstairs.
By the time we made it downstairs, everyone was there - Marco, Noeli, my parents, Cris' parents, Marissa, and Andre. Alessandra and her family were on Skype. Tam was here and someone I had never seen before. Jake and Cris were just coming back from the store, I'm assuming. So, I went and asked.
"Where are you guys coming from?"
"We went to get some things from the store for the grill. Have you been relaxing?"
"Other than taking Día and Rocco upstairs, yes, I have," in an annoyed tone.
I hope he does not keep constantly asking me that.
I went over to talk to Tam and see who she had brought.
"Hey, Tam. Long time no see."
"Hi, Kam. Everyone said to tell you, hello, and they miss you."
"I'll stop in there one day next week."
"Kam, this is my new friend from the hospital."
"Hi, I'm Briana. It's really nice to meet you."
Hi, Briana. I'm Kamea. And these little munchkins are my kids, Día and Rocco."
"They are adorable."
"Thanks. So, what do you do at the hospital?"
"I am one of the new nurses at the hospital. I just started there a couple of weeks ago, and I like it."
When Jake and Cris came out of the house to start cooking on the grill, I noticed Jake was staring at her. "I think my friend Jake likes you. I will introduce him to you later."
"Ladies, I'll be right back."
I walked over to Cris and asked, "Can we make our announcement now? Momma is starving."
"Sure." So, Cris asked for everyone's attention.
"Can I have everyone's attention, please? Thank you all for coming over to the house this evening. Like the last family gathering, we have news to share with you all. The day we flew over to Italy, soon as we landed, Kamea was rushed to the hospital because she wasn't feeling well."
We heard gasps and sighs, but I wanted to get this over quickly because I was hungry and eating for three now.
"To shorten the story because I am hungry, it is great news. I am 7 weeks pregnant...with twins."
My mother started yelling, "I knew it! Isabela and I knew it!! Now, we didn't know about the twins' part." They both started high-fiving each other.
"I find out in July what we are having, and the twins are due in December."
My dad came over and said, "Congratulations, sweetheart. I'm going to be a 'Kupuna kane.' (In Hawaiian, it means 'grandfather.')
"I propose a toast," Antonio says. "Congratulations to Cris and Kamea on their new addition to the family." Everybody clinked their glasses of whatever they were drinking. One thing I do know is that wine is a no-no.
I noticed Jake was still looking at Briana. "She works at the hospital with my friend, Tam. She's a nurse. Go say hi to her. Now, I know Mr. Jake is not nervous?"
"No. I'm not nervous."
"Well, what are you waiting for? March over there, mister." Jake went over there and introduced himself to Tamia and Briana. They seemed to be hitting off already.
I told Cris, "I think Jake may have found someone to love."
*************
Thank you all for taking the time to read chapter 27.
A huge thank you to for letting me add her to the story. She is a writer on Wattpad and the Episode app. Her stories are Held You Down 1 and 2 and Winter: True Love Prevails on the Episode app. Her Wattpad stories are Dangerously In Love and Flames of Desire. Check them out! I guarantee that you will not be disappointed.
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