Megan Ward Online

[NewsGirl]

Chapter 25...

“But you don’t understand,” Sonny said desperately, a pleading tone in his voice as he leapt up from his chair and stared at the judge. “My restaurant means so much to me. It’s not just a restaurant,” he said, ignoring Diane as she implored him to stop and sit back down. He knew he probably wasn’t helping the situation with this last-ditch effort, but he had to try anyway. He’d never forgive himself if he didn’t. “It’s not just a restaurant,” he repeated. “It’s been my dream for so long and something I’ve worked so hard for. I’ve put so much of myself into that restaurant. Please, ma’am, you can’t take it away from me.”

“Oh, but she can,” Kristin said snidely, her arms crossed over her chest as she shot Sonny a satisfied glare from across the courtroom. “And she just did. Perhaps you should have thought about how much your restaurant means to you before you started serving food that’s disgustingly raw and undercooked. There’s nothing like food poisoning to turn people off. I know what your life used to be like, Mr. Corinthos. I know you’re used to getting your own way. You’re just upset because you lost. This has nothing to do with your restaurant and everything to do with your own arrogance.”

“Don’t let her get to you,” Diane whispered under her breath as she stood up next to Sonny. “She’s saying those things deliberately to try to rile you up. We all know they’re not true. She wants you to make a scene so it helps her case even further. Don’t fall into her trap. You’re much, much better than that and everyone knows it. You know how the saying goes – kill them with kindness.”

“I’m trying,” Sonny said. “Honest, I am. I’ve been trying throughout the whole trial. And look where it’s gotten me,” he muttered, glancing at Kristin and shaking his head slightly as she glowered back at him with a stare so icy he was entirely certain it could have turned water into ice even in the hot desert sun.

“Mr. Corinthos, I’m going to have to ask you to sit down,” the judge said. “My decision has been made. The ruling stands. I don’t doubt that your restaurant means the world to you. That was evident in your testimony. Unfortunately, the incident that occurred with Ms. Winnfield is simply not one I can ignore. Sometimes these situations happen despite our best intentions. The issue is a healthy and safety concern, and as such, I cannot overlook it. It’s not common practice for a judge to comment on a case after a ruling has been made, but I’d like to take a minute to make my intentions clear. This is not about your devotion to your restaurant. The testimony provided by a myriad of witnesses speaks to that. But people make mistakes for various reasons, and this is one that cannot be overlooked. Negligence is simply not alright in an industry such as yours. I’m sorry, Mr. Corinthos,” she said. “The ruling stands. Court is adjourned.” Sonny cringed as she banged her gavel against the judge’s bench, its sound of finality echoing in his ears with a loudness that made him want to cry. He couldn’t believe what was happening. It was like a bad dream that he was watching unfold before him, powerless to stop it as it played out. The knot in the pit of his stomach told him that this wasn’t a bad dream, though. It was real, and he was positively sick over it.

“I’m sorry, Sonny,” Diane said. “I’m so, so sorry. I swear I thought I had an airtight case. I don’t know what happened. Don’t worry,” she said, gathering up the papers spread out across the table and stuffing them into her briefcase. “I’m going to appeal this. I don’t know how long it will take for it to be filed and heard, but it should at least put a stay on things so that she can’t take action immediately. I’m not going to let her do this. I’ll take her down myself if I have to,” she teased quietly, knowing full well that if Kristin overheard her, she would deliberately try to misconstrue her words into something with malicious intent. “You have no idea how powerful and painful high heels can be when hurled at someone’s head at a blistering speed. I may be pregnant, but that doesn’t mean I have to be maternal all the time.” Sonny was just about to answer when Kate come rushing up to the front of the courtroom, tears streaming down her cheeks as she hurried over to his side and threw her arms around him in a hug.

“Oh Sonny, I’m so sorry,” she whispered, her cheek pressed against his as she held him close. “I’m so very, very sorry. I never in a million years thought she’d rule this way. I don’t know what’s wrong with her,” she said, gently rubbing Sonny’s back as she tried to comfort him. “Anyone could see that Kristin’s testimony was nothing but lies strung together with a very clear bias and personal vendetta. And then there was your testimony,” she said, pulling back and staring into Sonny’s eyes. She could see the pain and distress in them, and it broke her heart in a way unlike anything she had ever felt before. “Your testimony was heartfelt and touching. The way you talked about your restaurant and what it means to you … I swear, the emotion was so real that it was actually palpable. I felt like I could reach out and touch it as it hung in the air.”

“Don’t cry, love,” Sonny said, wiping away the tears that were rolling down Kate’s cheeks as she stared at him. Her eyes were glossy, her lip quivering as she reached up and rested her hand on his cheek.

“We’re going to fight this,” she said, her voice firm with conviction despite how upset she was. “I don’t care what that dreadful woman thinks. This is far from over. Did you see that disgusting smirk on her face?” she asked, glancing over at Kristin out of the corner of her eye. Sonny could tell by the look on her face that she was getting infuriated all over again, so he reached out to grab her hand and give it a gentle squeeze. “She thinks she’s won. Well, she thought wrong.”

“Kate’s right,” Diane said. “You know the expression about things not being over ‘til the fat lady sings, right? Well, I haven’t sung yet,” she quipped, glancing down at her very visibly pregnant stomach. “And even though I may not be as maternal as some mothers-to-be, I love my son enough to never torture him with my atrocious singing voice. That means this isn’t over yet. It won’t be until you win that appeal and the judge’s decision is reversed.”

“Good luck with that,” Kristin said as she walked over to join them. Her eyes were as cold as steel, the smug look on her face so maddening that Sonny wanted to scream. “You can appeal it all you’d like, Ms. Miller, but I assure you that the verdict will remain the same. Your restaurant is mine now,” she said to Sonny. “And no appeal is going to change that. My attorney will be filing a court order to bar you from the premises, and it’ll only be a short amount of time until that building is gone entirely. I made a vow to myself quite some time ago that I was going to destroy your life like you destroyed mine. Looks like I was successful. Such a shame, really,” she said, her face devoid of emotion as she stared at him. “Or not.”

“Deep breath,” Kate whispered, resting her hand on Sonny’s arm as they watched Kristin turn around and flounce through the courtroom. “She wants you to get upset. She wants to elicit a reaction out of you. Don’t give her that satisfaction.” Sonny sighed heavily, running a hand through his hair as he sank back down into his chair. For a moment, he didn’t say a word. He simply stared at the now empty judge’s bench, trying to process everything that had just happened. He had never in a million years expected the judge to make such a severe, harsh ruling. Precedence in cases like this generally involved some sort of large cash settlement, but nothing like this. To have his entire restaurant taken away and given to the woman who had been so intent on ruining his life and everything in it … to say he was completely distraught would be an understatement.

“What am I going to do?” he asked. “What in the world am I going to do?”

“You’re going to be the strong, resilient man that I know you are, that’s what you’re going to do,” Kate said, sitting down next to him and reaching over to take his hand in hers. She gave him a gentle, reassuring squeeze, holding tight to him as she met his gaze. “I know how hard this is for you, darling. You’ve put so much of yourself into that restaurant, and it’s easy for everyone to see what a labor of love it is for you. That restaurant is a very important part of who you are, and no one can ever take that away from you. No one can ever take away your devotion, commitment, and dedication. No one can ever take away the pride you felt when you took that dream of yours and made it a reality. No one can ever take away what you have right here,” she said, gently tapping Sonny’s chest directly above his heart.

“I’m going to go file that appeal right now,” Diane said. “Don’t worry, Sonny. This isn’t over yet, not by a long shot.” Sonny sighed again as he watched her walk out of the courtroom, the hollow click of her shoes on the floor resonating in his ears as he wondered what in the world he was going to do next.

“This is a nightmare,” he whispered as he turned his gaze back to Kate. “An absolute nightmare. I just … I don’t know what I’m going to do.” He knew he was being repetitive and that he had just said that a moment earlier, but he couldn’t help it. He was positively shocked and completely crestfallen over the ruling the judge has issued.

“You’re going to believe in the power of good,” Kate said. “You’re going to believe that Diane can win the appeal and stop Kristin in her tracks. You’re going to keep fighting for what’s important to you. You’re going to be the strong, courageous person that you’ve always been. Ever since the first time we met all those years ago, you’ve been the bravest person I’ve ever known. Don’t let Kristin take that away from you. Don’t let her take anything away from you. What you’re going to do is continue to fight her every step of the way. There’s no way that ruling came about out of nowhere. Things like that just don’t happen, and Diane and Alexis can confirm that with all the research they’ve done on similar cases. So what you’re going to do is trust in yourself,” she said, gently stroking Sonny’s cheek and wiping away the lone tear that escaped his eyes. “You’re going to believe in yourself like I believe in you, and you’re going to fight this until you can’t fight it anymore. And you’d better believe that our dear hearts and I are going to continue to be at your side the entire time. We love you with all our hearts, and we’ll support you always.”

“I don’t know what I did to deserve you,” Sonny said, resting his hand on Kate’s knee as he leaned over and kissed her lightly. “But I thank God for it every single day. You’re the best thing that’s ever happened to me, all those years ago and now, too. Knowing I have you and our little ones at my side gives me a strength I can’t even begin to explain to you,” he said, pulling out the pocket watch Kate had given him for Valentine’s Day the year before, when she was pregnant with the twins. “I carry the three of you with me always,” he continued as he looked at the picture of Kate, Hope, and Noah that he had placed inside. “Right here and right inside my heart. Thank you for that. Thank you for everything.”

“No need to thank me,” Kate said. “I will always be here for you, and I promise you that Hope and Noah will be too. Do you know what else I promise? I promise that Kristin’s going to be sorry she ever decided to mess with you. She will rue the day she ever tried to destroy your life. This ridiculous, inane vendetta of hers has run its course. She’s delusional to think you ruined her life all those years ago. You did nothing of the sort. I don’t care what vow she made to destroy your life. It’s not going to happen. No buts,” she said, putting a finger to Sonny’s lips as he began to speak. “I know things seem bleak right now, but sometimes they have to be dark so you can see the full beauty of the sun when it begins to shine again. We are not going to let that appalling, reprehensible woman destroy your life. No way, no how, forget it.”

“You’re right,” Sonny said, forcing himself to push aside all the upset and anger that had overtaken him as the judge had issued her ruling. “I won’t let her win. I won’t let her do this to me and our family. I love you all so much, and I’ll always take care of you. I won’t let Kristin bring me down. I won’t let her destroy my life like she’s so intent on doing.”

Sonny awoke with a start, his heart pounding so heavily that he had to take multiple deep breaths to calm himself down. His dream had felt so real that he had actually thought it was reality, actually thought that Kristin had managed to win the court case and successfully rip his restaurant out of his grasp. It wasn’t until he heard Kate stir beside him that he realized it had all just been a very, very bad dream.

“Sonny?” she asked quietly, her eyes fluttering open as she looked at him. “Sweetheart, are you alright?” Sonny took another deep breath, running a hand through his rumpled hair as he sat up in bed. He couldn’t quite get over how real his nightmare had seemed, how everything had been so vivid, so full of emotion … and so full of heartache.

“I’m … I’m okay,” he said, closing his eyes momentarily. The scenes from his dream immediately started to play out in his mind again, each terrible part unfolding for a second time. “I just had a nightmare, that’s all.” He shook his head slightly as he opened his eyes, almost as a physical show of pushing the thoughts from his mind.

“What about?” Kate asked, taking his hand in hers and gently pulling him back down next to her. “Unless you don’t want to talk about it, of course. I just know from personal experience that sometimes it helps to verbalize what you were dreaming about. Once you get it out there in the open, it doesn’t seem quite so daunting. Sonny, are you sure you’re alright?” she asked, her hazel eyes filled with concern as she looked at your husband. “You look really shaken.”

“I am,” Sonny admitted. “That dream really threw me. It was set a couple months in the future, and it was all about the restaurant,” he said. “And the trial. God, it just felt so real. It’s like in that moment, I was really in the courtroom listening to the judge say that she was ruling in favor of Kristin. She took my restaurant away,” he said, his voice quiet as he looked at Kate. She was hanging on his every word, compassion in her eyes as she gave his hand a gentle squeeze to show her support as she waited for him to continue. “She took my restaurant and she gave it to Kristin,” he said. “I tried to protest, tried to explain how much I loved it and that it was more than just a place of business to me. It didn’t matter, though. Her mind was made up. I kept trying to plead with her, but it didn’t help. I kept saying that most similar cases just involved a cash settlement and I kept begging her to save my restaurant and let me keep it. It didn’t work, though. Diane left to appeal the ruling, but I couldn’t help but worry that it wouldn’t do any good.”

“Oh Sonny,” Kate said. “I’m so sorry, darling. I can’t imagine how difficult that had to be, to experience it all as though it was really happening. Nightmares are terrible, and I wish more than anything that I could have had that one instead of you. Anything to take away that upset for you. I know how hurtful and painful that dream must have been. That’s the thing about how vivid dreams can be. Sometimes it’s a wonderful, beautiful thing … but sometimes it’s the exact opposite. Sometimes it can be just awful. You have to remember that it was only a dream, though. It seemed as real as could possibly be, but it wasn’t. Do you know what’s real?” she asked, reaching over and gently stroking Sonny’s cheek with her finger. “Your strength and resolve are real. Your dedication and devotion to your restaurant, your customers, and the community you serve are real. You know, I truly believe that sometimes we have our dreams for a reason. They’re our subconscious way of dealing with things that we might be afraid to address otherwise. And sometimes they’re our way of reminding ourselves just what we have to fight for and how strong we are. I can tell how terrible your dream was, and I hate that it’s upset you so badly. But maybe you were supposed to have it to remind you just how important this fight is. Not that you don’t already know that, but maybe this was your subconscious’s way of preparing you for what’s ahead. Because this is one dream that reality is not going to emulate,” she said firmly. “This is one nightmare that’s going to never be anything more than a bad dream.”

“I hope you’re right,” Sonny said. “I really, really hope so. You had that same determination in the dream, you know. You were right there in the courtroom with me, and you promised me that everything was going to be alright. I took comfort from that,” he said, gently pushing up the sleeve of Kate’s crimson silk pajamas and rubbing his thumb along the inside of her wrist. “There was something about the way you said it that just made me know that somehow things really would be okay. Do you wanna know something you said to me in the dream?” he asked, his gaze fixed on Kate as she nodded.

“Of course,” she said, leaning over to kiss his forehead. It was a morning tradition that she would never break, no matter what. “I want to know anything that will help you not be so upset. You can tell me every single minute detail of the dream if it helps. I’m always here to listen.”

“And I love you for it,” Sonny said. “More than you know.” He paused for a moment as he gently brushed his mouth against Kate’s, his panic and upset over his nightmare fading away as they were replaced with a comfort and reassurance that came just from being close to her and from the way she was trying so hard to make him feel better.

“Right back at you, babe,” Kate said. “I love you always and forever. So what brilliant words of wisdom did I offer in the dream?” she asked, trying to make Sonny smile. She could see the tension easing from his face, but she was still more than a bit concerned about him. She wanted to cry every time she thought about how upset he had been since the whole ordeal had started, and she had to admit that there were times when she wanted nothing more than to let the street-smart Connie in her come out so she could march over to Kristin’s office and tell her exactly what she thought of her. That had been exactly what she wanted to do after Kristin had had the audacity to call her earlier in the week, but she had forced herself to stay as calm and cool as possible because she knew that’s what would be best for Sonny. She had suppressed the urge to yell – and to show up at Kristin’s office and deck her – instead choosing to tell her off in the cool, collected way that Sonny always told her she did so well.

“You said ‘I know things seem bleak right now, but sometimes they have to be dark so you can see the full beauty of the sun when it begins to shine again,’” Sonny said, smiling as he watched Kate’s mouth immediately curl up into a grin at his words. That was exactly the type of thing she’d say and they both knew it.

“So basically what you’re saying is that I was my naturally wise self,” she teased, still trying to make Sonny forget about what she could tell had been an utterly awful nightmare.

“That’s exactly what I’m saying,” he said, his dimples sparkling as he leaned over to kiss her again. A smile spread across Kate’s face as she kissed him back, so relieved to see that he was in better spirits that she wanted to cry from happiness. It positively broke her heart to see him so upset, and she could tell how badly his nightmare had rattled him.

“I want you to listen to that advice I gave you in the dream,” she said. “Because it’s true. I know how tough things have been lately, but if there’s one thing I know about you, it’s that you’re stronger than anything that can be thrown your way. You’ll get through this, Sonny. We’ll get through it together. I know we planned to take the day off from work today and just spend that family day together that we were talking about earlier in the week, but if you think it’s important to work on this Kristin situation instead then I’ll completely…”

“No,” Sonny interrupted, his voice filled with conviction. “Absolutely not. It’s finally Friday. I’ve been looking forward to this all week. Nothing sounds more wonderful than spending the entire day with you and our little ones, away from work and all the stress that’s been coming with it lately. I love the idea of getting to focus on our family today. I can’t wait to spend the whole day with you, Hope, and Noah. Nothing could keep me from that, especially not that viper Kristin and her disgusting plan. She may be trying to ruin my career, but I refuse to let her ruin anything else. There are some things she can’t touch with her vindictiveness, and the love we share as a family is one of them. We’re taking our special day away from it all. No ifs, ands, or buts.”

“Good,” Kate said, a smile lighting up her face as she kissed Sonny’s nose. “Because I’ve been looking forward to it all week too. I’ve been counting down the days. And besides, I think you were right with what you said when you first suggested it. Sometimes the best time to take a day off is when everything is so crazy, busy, and stressful. It makes you appreciate it more. So that’s what we’re going to do,” she said. “We’re going to forget all about Kristin, her venomous plan, and all the trouble she’s trying to cause. We’re going to forget about business meetings, conference calls, new menu editions, photo shoots, and everything. We’re going to concentrate on nothing but each other and our dear hearts. I can’t wait for them to wake up,” she said, smiling as she listened to the sound of their quiet breathing emanating from the monitor and filling the bedroom with sweetness. “I’m so excited to get this special day started. You’re sure about this, right?” she asked again, just for good measure. “Because I know how much that dream threw you and if you’d rather…” She trailed off as Sonny leaned over and pressed his mouth to hers, running his fingers through her hair as he kissed her.

“Is this the only way I can get you to stop asking me that?” he teased. “I’m sure. That dream was horrible. The only way I can describe it is a complete nightmare. But you’re right, maybe I had it for a reason. It’s just made me even more determined to make sure that Kristin doesn’t get away with this. I won’t stop until I make certain that nightmare of mine stays as nothing more than that. I love my life far too much to let her destroy it.” He paused as the words came out of his mouth, sitting up in bed as he remembered something Kristin had said in his dream.

“Sonny?” Kate asked, sitting up next to him. “What did you just think of? What’s going through that mind of yours?”

“I just remembered something Kristin said in my dream, that’s all,” he said. “Something to the effect of she made a vow a long time ago to destroy my life like I had hers. And then later on, you said she was delusional to claim that I had done that because I had done nothing of the sort. What do you think that means?” he asked, his dark eyes filled with curiosity as he looked at Kate. “Maybe it’s a clue or something. You just said that you believe sometimes we have dreams for a reason, right? Maybe that was the reason behind this one, to give us another clue about Kristin’s motivation for what she’s doing.” There was a spark in Kate’s eyes as she met Sonny’s gaze, a spark matched only by his own as he stared back at her.

“Maybe so,” she said. She grabbed a notepad off her nightstand, handing it to Sonny along with a pen. “Jot down everything you remember, as close to verbatim as you can get it. We can analyze it in conjunction with everything we’ve come up with so far from the documents Stephen was able to get on Monday. We can get started right away and…”

“No,” Sonny said firmly, his hand flying across the page as he wrote down everything he remembered. “We can’t. Because as important as this is, there’s something even more important to do today. That’s our special family time together, our special day just for us and our little ones. Even the twins agree,” he said, smiling as he heard Hope and Noah begin to stir.

“I’m not going to bother to protest,” Kate said. “Because I see the determination in your eyes and I know there’s no convincing you otherwise when you’re so set on something. I suppose it doesn’t hurt that I’m looking forward to today as much as you are. I can’t wait. But that doesn’t mean we’re not going to give this new clue the attention it deserves. We’re going to analyze it all and figure out this Bensonhurst connection once and for all. We’re going to get to the bottom of this and stop that disgraceful woman before she can do any more damage.”

“Yes,” Sonny agreed. “We are. But first we’re going to get our babies from their cribs because they’re calling for their mama and daddy with those cute little babbles of theirs.” Kate smiled as she listened to the twins, her heart warmed by their most precious little gurgles and giggles.

“Let’s go,” she said, grabbing Sonny by the hand. “We have dear hearts to say good morning to, a special family day to cherish, and a mystery to finally solve.”
- - - - -
“Where’s Mommy?” Kate asked, covering her eyes with her hands and smiling as she peeked between her fingers and saw Hope looking from side to side as she sat nestled in the corner of the sofa. The inquisitive, wide-eyed look of curiosity on her daughter’s face was so precious that she almost abandoned the game in favor of running for her camera to document the moment, but she couldn’t bring herself to stop playing when Hope was having so much fun. “Can you find Mommy?” she asked, bending down slightly so that she was level with the baby girl. “Can you help me out and find where I am?” It was all she could do not to laugh out loud as Hope turned to look at her, her big blue eyes wide as she tried to figure out why she could hear her voice but not see her face. She leaned a little closer to her, a smile instantly sweeping across her face as she felt Hope put her tiny hands atop her own.

“You’re right, honey bunny,” she said, moving her hands from in front of her face and tickling Hope gently. “You found Mommy, you brilliant little dear heart. How did you know where I was hiding?” she asked, tickling her again and smiling as she laughed almost giddily. “You’re getting to be an expert at playing peek-a-boo, do you know that? Daddy and I think it’s so, so adorable that you and Noah love to play that game with us so much. Where’s Mommy?” she asked again, covering her face once more and laughing as Hope began to babble loudly. “Can you find me?”

“Uh oh,” Sonny teased as he walked down the steps with Noah in his arms. “Did Mama disappear again? She’s been doing that a lot lately, hasn’t she? She disappears behind pillows, her hands, the side of the sofa … that must mean she’s waiting for us to find her. What do you say, guys?” he asked Noah and Hope. “Can you help me find that wonderful mama of yours?” He paused for a moment as he looked at Kate and the twins, his dimples sparkling with a happiness and relaxation that he hadn’t felt all week. It was as though a sense of calm and comfort had swept over him, a calm and comfort that he knew came from the fact that today was a day solely to concentrate on his family. To say it had been a trying week would be an understatement, and even though he knew this probably wasn’t the most opportune time to take a day off, he also knew that it was the best time to take a day off. He needed to push the Kristin situation aside, needed to take the real life work nightmare he was living and bottle it up for the day.

“Sonny?” Kate asked, misinterpreting his silence to mean that he was up to something. “What are you doing? Don’t get any bright ideas about sneaking up behind me when my eyes are covered and tickling me, got it?”

“Would I do that?” Sonny asked, pushing aside all thoughts of the lawsuit and vowing not to think about it again for the remainder of the day. “That sounds like something someone mischievous would do. I’m not a trouble maker.” Kate burst out laughing at his comment, dropping her hands from her eyes as she whirled around to look at him.

“You are such a liar!” she exclaimed. “You’re not a trouble maker? On what planet?”

“I’m hurt,” Sonny said. “Very, very hurt. What exactly are you implying there, love?”

“Oh, I’m not implying anything,” she said as Sonny sat down next to her on the sofa and set Noah on his lap. “I’m flat-out saying it. You’re a mischievous trouble maker, and you love every minute. Don’t even bother pretending that you don’t. We both know that you like to be impish, so there’s no point in …” She broke off as her gaze settled on Noah, a wave of giggles instantly washing over her as she looked at him. “Case in point,” she managed to say through her laughter.

“What?” Sonny asked. He adopted the most innocent expression he could muster, flashing his dimples at Kate as she stared at Noah for a minute longer before breaking out into giggles all over again. “What’s so funny, love? Listen to your mama,” he said to the twins. “She can’t stop laughing. Do you think you can help me figure out why?” He chuckled as Hope began to laugh too, her little high-pitched giggles almost a perfect reflection of Kate’s. He had always thought Kate’s laughter was contagious, and this just proved it.

“You know exactly why, thank you very much,” Kate said. “What on earth did Daddy do to you, sweetpea?” she asked Noah, her laughter increasing as he flashed his little mini dimples at her just like Sonny had done moments before. If she didn’t know better, she would swear that he was trying to mimic his father.

“Tell Mama you have no idea what she’s talking about,” Sonny said in a loud whisper. “Tell her she must be seeing things.”

“I most definitely am not,” Kate said, reaching over to pick up Hope as she tried to slide herself down so that she was lying flat on the sofa. “Look at your brother, rosebud,” she said to her, standing the baby girl up on her lap and smiling as she instantly began to pump her little legs. “Look what Daddy did to him. Look how silly he made Noah look.”

“But it’s the newest trend,” Sonny said. “And I know you always like to be on the cutting edge of fashion, so I figured you’d want our little ones to be, too. You can’t blame me for this one,” he continued, trying to keep a straight face as Kate stared at him with her eyebrows raised. He could tell by the way her shoulders were shaking that she too was trying not to laugh, and he was determined to hold out longer than she did. “If you have an issue with the fashion statement our son is making, I suggest you take it up with the designers who chose to make this a popular look, not me. Maybe you can even interview them for Baby Couture once it formally launches.”

“Like I said, a mischievous troublemaker,” Kate said, a spark in her eyes as she sat Hope down on her lap and reached over to tickle the bottoms of Noah’s feet. Sonny had deliberately dressed him in one of the most mismatched outfits she had ever seen – forest green pants, a yellow top with blue monkeys on it, and two different colored socks, one red and one orange.

“Okay, so maybe it has nothing to do with the latest look on the runways and in the magazines,” Sonny admitted. “The truth is that Noah told me he felt like getting dressed up for Halloween even though it’s the end of February. He said he had so much fun on the day all about candy that he wanted to give it another go. It took awhile for me to think of a way to compete with that adorable moon costume Neela made him for the real holiday, so I decided to take a creative approach. Guess what he’s supposed to be?”

“A rainbow?” Kate asked, her eyes sparkling as Noah reached down and grabbed at one of his socks. “Look,” she said, giggling as he tried to pull it off. “Even he’s trying to tell you that the mismatched look is definitely not in this winter season. You know, I always say that Hope is my mini fashionista, but it looks like Noah might have inherited some of my fashion sense too. Either that or this is going to be his new game, pulling off his socks all the time. I can definitely foresee that happening. You know, since he’s our little monkey and all.” Sonny chuckled, straightening out Noah’s little sock and handing him a stuffed toy to play with instead.

“That means I’ve taught him well,” he said, amusement dancing in his eyes as Noah dropped the toy and reached for his sock again. “Can you tell Mama she still hasn’t guessed what you’re dressed up as?” he asked, standing the baby boy up on his lap so that he was at eye level with Kate. “Tell her to think back to just a little while after she came to Port Charles and did me the honor of coming back into my life.”

“Are you deliberately being incredibly vague with your clues?” Kate asked. “Can you give me something that’s a little more specific?”

“Nope,” Sonny said simply. “You’re one of the most intuitive, clever people I’ve ever known. You can figure it out. You might wanna hurry up, though,” he teased. “Because the longer our little guy stays in this outfit, the more he’s gonna love it. He may never want us to take it off. See?” he asked, laughing as Noah waved his arms in the air and babbled loudly. “He’s saying I’m right.”

“Or that you’re wrong,” Kate countered. “Maybe he’s saying that he would rather wear one of his baby couture outfits instead of this brightly-colored cacophony of clothes that resembles a crayon box more than a … that’s it!” she exclaimed, giggles immediately overtaking her again as she stared first at Noah and then at Sonny. “A crayon factory that exploded, right? Like that first horrendous apartment we looked at when I was trying to find a place in Port Charles.” Her laughter only grew louder and more high-pitched as she thought back to that early June day over a year and a half earlier. If she closed her eyes, she could still remember every single thing about that day as though it had just happened. She could still remember the hysterical peals of laughter she and Sonny had broken into when they walked into the neon-colored apartment, could still remember how she had teased him about buying it and he had told her he would only visit if she bought him a pair of sunglasses to protect his eyes. It had been a day filled with laughter and joy, with a carefree happiness that she had still been learning to allow herself to feel back then.

“See?” Sonny asked, leaning over to give her a quick kiss. “I told you that you’d figure it out. I thought it would be nice to pay homage to that beautiful apartment.”

“You did not,” Kate shot back. “You just wanted to be a troublemaker and dress our son in completely mismatched clothes to get a reaction out of me. Admit it.”

“No idea what you’re talking about,” Sonny said as he sat Noah back on his lap. “No idea at all.” He chuckled as Kate raised an eyebrow at him, her silence speaking a thousand words all on its own. “Okay, well maybe,” he conceded. “I just couldn’t resist. It’s so fun to tease you like that, and I knew it’d get a reaction out of you. You played right into my hands. Thanks for that, love.” Kate shook her head slightly, pursing her lips and trying not to smile as she looked at her husband. She wouldn’t give him the satisfaction of admitting it, but she was more than a bit amused by his playful behavior. It was one of the things she loved most about their relationship, that even as adults, they still had this sense of joy and fun surrounding them. Those were qualities that had been missing from her life for far too long, and she adored that Sonny had brought them – and so much else – back into her world.

“Your daddy is a silly willy,” she said to the twins. “He has a playful streak unlike anyone I’ve ever known. I probably shouldn’t be saying this, but I happen to love it. It makes me smile. Your daddy always knows just what to do and say to make me smile,” she added, lifting her gaze and meeting Sonny’s eyes as he grinned at her.

“Must be because I know you so well,” he said. “Or maybe that your smile lights up my world and I’d do just about anything to put it on your face. I’d do anything to make you happy.”

“Right back atcha,” Kate said, her eyes sparkling as she purposely fell back into her Brooklyn accent from all those years ago. She and Sonny had been setting aside time to read her teenage diary every evening that week, and it was invoking a nostalgia stronger than she had ever imagined.

“Suppose I said that keeping Noah in this outfit all day would make me smile?” Sonny teased. He had no intention of actually following through with that, but he knew his playful teasing would make Kate’s nose crinkle up with laughter and that was a sight he just couldn’t resist seeing. It made his heart do a somersault every time.

“Well then our daughter would have to tell you that you simply must find something else to make those dimples sparkle,” Kate said, laughing as Hope leaned forward in her arms and reached out for Noah’s foot. She latched on to the top of his sock, her tiny fingers curling around the fabric as she tugged at it. “See, I told you she’s our mini fashionista,” she quipped, giggling as Hope tried to pull off Noah’s sock. “And as such, she simply won’t stand for her brother looking like a crayon factory that exploded. I guess it could be worse, though,” she said, still laughing as she gently pried Noah’s sock out of Hope’s grasp. “The clothes could have been neon like that oh-so-chic apartment we visited.”

“I still can’t believe you insisted on going inside,” Sonny chuckled. “Especially after we saw that electric blue paint on the exterior. It wasn’t exactly a building that suited you, love. I thought I was hearing things when you said we should check it out anyway.”

“Do you know what thought ran through my head right after I said that?” Kate asked. She adjusted Hope on her lap, moving her forward slightly so that she and Noah could continue the precious little babble-filled conversation that they were having.

“That you had lost your mind?” Sonny teased.

“Not quite,” Kate said. “I believe I said something to the effect of the experience giving us stories to tell. I stopped myself before I could add the part about it giving us stories to tell our children one day. That thought ran through my mind almost immediately, like it was a natural reaction even though it had only been a month since we had found each other again. And look at us now,” she said quietly, her voice filled with emotion as she gazed down at the twins. “Here we are, sitting with our beautiful dear hearts and telling them about our apartment hunting adventure, just like I had hoped for. Funny how things work out sometimes, isn’t it?”

“Wonderful how things work out sometimes,” Sonny said. He couldn’t help but smile as he looked at Kate, able to tell just from the expression on her face that she was momentarily lost in the sentimentality of it all. He knew her so well that he could read her emotions – and often times her thoughts – without her ever having to say a word. She had the same ability with him and it was something he positively loved, because he knew it showed the strength of the deep connection between them.

“It sure is,” Kate said. She was quiet for a moment longer as she looked at Sonny and the twins, reveling in the fact that her wistful thought from more than a year and a half before had now turned into the most special reality she ever could have imagined. It was amazing to her just how much her life had changed since she had found Sonny again, amazing and truly, truly breathtaking.

“Noah wants to know if you’re gonna cry,” Sonny said, smiling down at his son as he leaned back against his chest and blinked his big hazel eyes at him as he babbled softly. “He says if you are, he’d be happy to say his costume is a rainbow instead so he can be the light that comes at the end of the rainstorm. He just requests a warning first so he can go get a little poncho or something.”

“So funny,” Kate said. “So funny he thinks he is, this husband of mine. No tears, I promise. Just one of these,” she said, leaning over and brushing her mouth against Sonny’s in a kiss so delicate and sweet that it instantly caused a row of goosebumps to line the back of his neck. “Or maybe two,” she whispered, smiling against his mouth as she kissed him again and he immediately, instinctively responded.

“I’ll take one of those any day,” he said. “Or two. Or three. Or five thousand.” Kate smiled, her eyes sparkling with a happiness that was so pure that Sonny found himself almost mesmerized by her. It was at moments like these that he knew everything was truly going to be alright. It was at moments like these when he was reminded all over again that Kristin could never, ever take away the part of his life that mattered the most. She could try all she wanted to ruin his career and the restaurant he had worked so hard to build, but she could never steal away what mattered more than anything else. She could never take his family and the love they shared, could never take away the people who had changed his life so profoundly in so many ways. Just knowing that gave Sonny a renewed determination, a resolve to take the strength his family gave him every day and channel it into every aspect of his life.

“Hey,” Kate said quietly, taking one of Hope’s little hands in her own as the baby girl reached up and tried to yank on her earring. “Are you okay, Sonny?” He nodded slightly, snapped out of his thoughts by her voice.

“I’m okay,” he said. “Promise. I was just thinking about how lucky I am, that’s all.”

“Are you sure?” Kate asked. “Because you had this faraway expression on your face, like you were lost in your thoughts. Sweetheart, you know we don’t have to go anywhere today, right? We can just as easily take Hope and Noah out tomorrow or Sunday. We don’t have to go today. We can stay here and work on getting to the bottom of this Kristin situation. I know how shaken your dream left you, and if you’d rather work on the Kristin case, I completely understand and I’ll help you in every way I can.” Sonny shook his head slightly, not even the slightest bit surprised that Kate had known immediately what he had been thinking about. She knew him better than anyone else. She always had.

“No,” he said. “I love you for offering and for looking out for me, but no. I meant what I said this morning. We’ve been looking forward to today all week, and there’s no way I’d rather spend it than with you and our little ones. This is exactly what I needed right now,” he continued, smiling down at the twins as they both simultaneously tried to bat at the plush red ball Kate was holding in between them. “It’s been a tough week. It’s been tough a lot of the time lately, thanks to Kristin and her attempt to destroy my career. That’s not to say that there haven’t been some really special times too, because there have been thanks to my amazing wife and our sweet children. But the work situation has been really difficult, and I have a bad feeling it’s not gonna end anytime soon. I refuse to think about that anymore today, though. I’m putting it out of my mind once and for all. Because today’s been nothing but wonderful. Spending the morning just relaxing and having fun with you and the twins has been great. It seems like we’re both busy pretty much non-stop these days, and just getting to get away from it all and spend time together has been perfect.”

“No argument from me there,” Kate said, handing the red ball to Noah and grabbing a yellow one for Hope. “So many people put so much focus and importance on the big, milestone moments and experiences, but for me, mornings like this one are just as special. The mornings that are completely ordinary on one hand, but completely extraordinary on the other. Mornings like this are what I used to only be able to dream about. Just a normal, every day morning spent with my husband and children. Everything about it has been special, especially since it’s a rare occurrence to be able to do this during the week. Mommy and Daddy better be careful,” she said to the twins, smiling as Hope leaned back against her chest and stared up at her with wide eyes. “We’re going to get very spoiled and want to stay home with you both every Friday from now on. Today has been a wonderful gift so far,” she said, kissing Hope on the top of her head and leaning over to do the same with Noah. “And there’s still so much more to come.”

“Wait until you see what Mama and I planned for you guys,” Sonny said, pausing so that the twins could babble back at him. It had become common practice for them to do that, and for all the teasing he always shot Kate’s way, he would be the first to admit that it was indeed the cutest thing ever. “We thought it would be fun to spend the morning at home, just playing and having a good time together. I think it’s safe to say you’ve both been having a good time,” he said, smiling as he thought of the delighted smiles on the twins’ faces as they had played with their castle, their activity gyms, and so many other of their toys. “But now it’s time for your mama and me to take you out for awhile. We have something very special planned for you.”

“We sure do,” Kate said. “And we’re so, so excited to see your reactions to it. You charged the video camera, right?” she asked Sonny. He nodded, bending down to pick up the ball Noah had tossed onto the living room carpet.

“Charged, packed, and ready to go,” he said. “I daren’t incur your wrath for forgetting.”

“Excuse me?” Kate asked. “My wrath? I’ll show you my wrath, Mr. Corinthos,” she said, raising an eyebrow at him. “You just wait until later when our dear hearts are taking a nap. I’ll leave the meaning behind my words up to your own interpretation.”

“Somehow I don’t think you need to,” Sonny said. “Somehow I think I have a pretty good idea what you’re talking about. Yet another reason why I’m loving this day off,” he teased. “The prospect of having some fun with my wife in the middle of the…” He trailed off, narrowing his eyes as he watched Kate peer past him and out the window in the dining room. Her eyes were squinty with confusion, almost as though she couldn’t quite make out what she was seeing. “Kate?” he asked. “Everything alright, love?” She stood up from the sofa, holding Hope against her hip as she walked across the carpet and into the dining room.

“Everything’s fine,” she called over her shoulder. “It’s just that I could have sworn I saw Stephen’s car going down the street. I know that sounds ridiculous because he’s at work in Manhattan, but I swear it looked exactly like his car. I’m sure it was nothing more than a coincidence,” she said, looking out the window and down the street. It was completely empty now, not a car in sight. “It just caught me off guard for a second. But enough about that,” she said as she walked back into the living room, tickling Hope and smiling as she began to giggle. “Right now my only focus is on you and our dear hearts. What do you say we go change our little boy out of his daddy’s rainbow-colored attempt to tease his mommy and get both our dear hearts ready for their little road trip and adventure?”

“What do I say?” Sonny asked, holding Noah against his chest as he stood up from the sofa. “I say that I think it’d be really, really amusing to leave our little guy dressed just like this, but that I have a feeling you don’t agree. I say that I’m sure I can think up some other way to tease you instead. I say that this has been the absolute best Friday I’ve had in as long as I can remember, and I can’t wait to see what the rest of the day has in store for the four of us. That’s what I say.”
- - - - -

[NewsGirl]

Kate navigated her way through the crowd, weaving between the scores of children darting back and forth at what she swore had to be the speed of light. They ran this way and that, their faces lit up into smiles as they raced through the large gymnasium. It was almost as though the cheerful music and bright lights were calling their names, as though they were actually drawn to the carnival atmosphere that was so pervasive all throughout the room. Kate couldn’t say that she blamed them. Truth be told, she was a bit drawn to it herself.

“Well, well, well, look who finally decided to join us,” Sonny teased as Kate squeezed her way between two groups of teenagers and joined him and the twins. “We were getting ready to send out a search party. Did you get lost?”

“More like trapped,” Kate said, handing Sonny a box of popcorn and a soda. “I can’t get over how many people are here. Was it this crowded when we were kids?”

“Not even close,” Sonny said as he surveyed the room and took in all the people. “Apparently when everyone used to tease us about having eight kids one day, they were serious. The population of Bensonhurst seems to have doubled in size since the days when we lived here.” Kate smiled as she glanced around the room, her eyes darting back and forth as she tried to take everything in. She and Sonny had been trying to think of the perfect place to take the twins, but for all their brainstorming, they hadn’t been able to come up with much. The cold, snowy weather precluded anything outdoors, and it wasn’t until Kate had randomly mentioned their plans to her mother on the phone one evening that the perfect place came about. Mrs. Falconeri’s voice had practically been bubbling over with excitement as she suggested the local indoor carnival that the school district held every February. It was a carnival Kate’s parents had taken her to every year when she was younger, and one that she couldn’t wait to show the twins now. She knew they were too young to really understand what everything was about, but she could also tell by their wide-eyed expressions as they looked all around that they were fascinated and completely mesmerized by everything.

“Remember when you brought me here our senior year?” Kate asked. “Or maybe I should amend that to say remember when I forced you to bring me here?” Sonny chuckled, his dimples sparkling as he allowed himself to get lost in the memories of a time when everything was so much simpler.

“Of course I do,” he said. “You threatened to break up with me if I didn’t take you. I knew you were bluffing, but there was no way I could resist when you turned that smile on me and batted your eyelashes. You had me wrapped around your little finger.”

“Glad to know things haven’t changed in that regard,” Kate teased. “I don’t think I’ll ever forget the look on your face when I asked you to go with me. Talk about panic. You were the epitome of that whole deer caught in the headlights phrase.”

“It’s just that I knew how many people would be there,” Sonny explained. “I’ve never really been one for crowds, even in big, open places. Or maybe I was just worried that you were gonna show me up and win me a stuffed animal like you kept bragging about. I bet you guys don’t know that about your mama, that she can be a big show off when she wants to be,” he teased, kneeling down by the twins’ stroller and smiling as he looked at them. Their attention had shifted immediately as they heard his voice, all the hustle and bustle around them fading away. For now, they only had eyes for him.

“Watch it, Corinthos,” Kate warned. “We’ve been having such a wonderful day. It would be a real shame if it ended with you having to sleep on the couch tonight. And besides, I don’t think you’re one to talk about being a show off. Which one of us claimed to be able to conquer that dart throw on the first try?”

“And which one of us bragged for an entire week after she was successful?” Sonny retorted, laughing as Kate scrunched up her nose at him. She always did that when she knew he was right and didn’t want to admit it. It was one of her little quirks that he thought was adorable, even though it only made her scrunch up her nose more whenever he pointed it out to her.

“Women don’t brag,” she said, giggling as Sonny shot her one of the most comical looks she had ever seen. “We just tell the truth.”

“What your mama’s leaving out is the part about telling the truth over and over and over again,” Sonny said to the twins in a conspiratorial whisper that he deliberately made loud enough for Kate to hear. “Also known as gloating.”

“You’ll have to forgive Daddy,” Kate said. “Clearly all the greasy carnival food has gone to his head and he doesn’t know what he’s talking about. Mommy never gloated. What?” she asked as Sonny stood up and raised his eyebrows at her. “I’m an honest person, sweetheart. I can’t help it if I told the truth. Besides, I think that stuffed teddy bear I won for you was rather cute. Do you know what else was rather cute? Watching you carry it around with you for the rest of the afternoon. It was the complete opposite from the normal stereotype. We were an anomaly even then.”

“Well, we’re not going to be for much longer,” Sonny said. “I have to redeem myself. Just because I couldn’t win that dart throw game all those years ago doesn’t mean I can’t now. I know they have to have it around here somewhere,” he said, narrowing his eyes as he scanned the large gymnasium that was part of the local high school. “If there’s one thing I know for sure about Bensonhurst, it’s that things don’t change. If they had that game then, they have it now.”

“But honey, we said we were only going to stay here for a little while,” Kate said, smiling sweetly at him. “We agreed that we didn’t want to expose our dear hearts to so many germs for a long period of time. Maybe we should just subscribe to the notion that history repeats itself and let me play the game instead to save time. I’m sure I could win you another bear.”

“No way,” Sonny said. “I’m gonna win one for you, just like I got you that peacock in Atlantic City. Well, maybe not just like that,” he amended quickly. “Since I’m pretty sure the sun set and then rose again in the time it took me to win.” Kate laughed out loud, bending down to unbuckle Hope from the stroller as she began to cry.

“I thought your determination was very, very sweet,” she said. “You knew how much I wanted that peacock and you didn’t let anything stand in the way of winning it for me.”

“Well of course not,” Sonny said as he popped a piece of popcorn into Kate’s mouth. “What my lady wants, my lady gets.”

“Did you hear that?” Kate asked Hope, gently bouncing her in her arms as her cries quieted to whimpers. “Your daddy spoils me. Kind of like we both spoil you. What do you say we try to go win some stuffed animals for our dear hearts?” she asked Sonny.

“Because they don’t have enough already?” he quipped as he turned the stroller around in the direction of the carnival games that lined the far wall. “I’m pretty sure there’s the equivalent of an entire zoo in our house. You know what I think is cute?” he asked, falling into step next to Kate as they wove their way through the crowds of people walking around the small carnival. It was late afternoon already – they had stopped to visit Kate’s parents before continuing on to their old high school – and the gymnasium was mobbed with throngs of people.

“What?” Kate asked.

“The fact that they already have their favorites,” Sonny said. “Noah has his monkey and giraffe, and Hope has her bunny and that ballerina doll. It’s pretty cool to watch them forge these bonds with their toys. I love getting to watch their personalities develop.”

“And such precious personalities they are,” Kate said, tickling Hope and smiling as she giggled. “It’s fascinating when you think about it, how they’re similar in so many ways but so completely different in others. I love that they have their own distinct personalities while also sharing this beautiful bond that will always be special and unique just to them. I think it’s just…” She broke off as she felt a tap on her shoulder, her eyes widening in complete shock as she turned around and met the gaze of the woman who had walked up behind her. It had been almost twenty years, but she still recognized her instantly.

“Connie?” the woman asked. “Connie Falconeri? Is that you?” She gasped slightly as her attention shifted to Sonny, her eyes darting back and forth between him, Kate, and the twins. One look at the four of them was all it took to make her realize that they were a family now.

“Sonny, you remember Julie, right?” Kate asked as she glanced at him. “One of my best friends from high school and my go-to girl whenever I needed an alibi so I could sneak out of the house and see you. Julie!” she exclaimed, reaching over to give her a one-armed hug as she shifted Hope to her hip. “My God, it’s been forever. How are you? How’s your family?”

“Doing well,” Julie said, her gaze traveling back and forth between Sonny and Kate as though she couldn’t quite comprehend what she was seeing. “My dad still owns that hardware shop down on fifty-second street, and my mom’s started this great little baking business. I’m the assistant principal at the elementary school now. I started out teaching second grade, but then moved into administration. Married with four kids, all of whom are running around here somewhere. But enough about me,” she said, her eyes brimming with curiosity as she stared at Kate. “I wanna hear about the two of you. I’m guessing you’re happily married, judging by that rock of an engagement ring and the beautiful wedding band.” Kate’s cheeks were flushed with a happy glow as she stole a glance at Sonny, reaching out to give his hand a gentle squeeze.

“Very, very, very happily married,” she said. “So it’s Kate Corinthos now, not Connie Falconeri, and I couldn’t be more elated about that. We just celebrated our first wedding anniversary on New Year’s Eve. And these are our precious dear hearts,” she added as she looked at the twins, her eyes shining with a pride so strong that it was almost palpable. “They were born at the end of July, so they’re almost seven months old now. They’re our absolute pride and joy. This little lady is Hope Elena.”

“And this is Noah Aaron,” Sonny said as he bent down and picked Noah up from the stroller. “Can you say hi, buddy?” he asked him. “This nice lady was one of your mama’s very best friends when she was growing up.”

“They’re adorable,” Julie said. “Absolutely adorable. Hi guys,” she said to the twins. “I knew your mom and dad when they were younger. They used to be inseparable. Some things never change, apparently. And others change completely,” she said as she lifted her gaze and looked at Kate. “CEO of a multi-million dollar publishing company now, right? I’ve read all about your accomplishments in the press. You always were the one who got the highest grades in English class.”

“You always did just as well,” Kate said. “Which is why I’m not at all surprised to hear that you’re an assistant principal now. There’s something that’s just perfect about that, especially since studying with you was always my excuse when I’d sneak off to go see Sonny.”

“It’s a rewarding job,” Julie said, smiling as she thought of the memories Kate was bringing up. “And I love it. Knowing I’m making a difference in children’s lives is a wonderful feeling. So what brings you to town? I haven’t seen you back around here since winter break during our senior year of college.”

“I sincerely apologize for that,” Kate said, her voice instantly changing as a sadness crept into her eyes. “It was entirely my fault that we lost touch over the years. I just got swept up in my life,” she explained. “Things got crazy once I started at Couture, because I threw myself into my work two hundred percent. That’s still no excuse, though. I know a phone call every few months wasn’t nearly the same as coming back to visit. I’m truly, truly sorry,” she said, shifting Hope into her other arm as she began to squirm.

“No need for apologies,” Julie said, her voice compassionate. “You did what you had to do. You did the best with what you had, and that’s all anyone can ask for. You moved to Manhattan and I stayed here. It was natural for our friendship to change. I’m just glad we ran into each other today. It’s been years since we’ve talked.”

“You’re being too kind,” Kate said. “But thank you for understanding. We’re not going to let years go by again, that’s a promise. And to answer your question, this carnival is what brings me to town. Sonny and I both decided to take the day off from work and do something special with our little ones. My mom mentioned that the district’s carnival started today, so we thought we’d bring the twins to experience the event that will always hold a special place in our memories.”

“I personally think Kate just wanted to show off and beat me at a bunch of arcade games in front of our children,” Sonny quipped. “It wasn’t enough that she showed me up at Coney Island when we brought the twins here over the summer. She wants to do it again.”

“You’ll have to excuse my husband,” Kate said, a sparkle in her eyes as Noah twisted around in Sonny’s arms and began to repeatedly hit his shoulder with his little hand. “Apparently he’s still operating under the delusion that he’s a better carnival game player than I am. He’s still every bit as confident as he used to be,” she said, making the statement as much for Sonny’s benefit as for Julie’s. She knew he was still upset over the dream he had had that morning, and she was taking every opportunity she could to subtly remind him of how strong he was.

“And he’s still got the infamous dimples, I see,” Julie said, her gaze trained on Sonny as he tickled Noah. “So how long have you two been back together? The last I heard from you, Kate, you were single and focused on your career in Manhattan. Now you’re married to your high school sweetheart, with two adorable babies.”

“And three fantastic step children who I love like they’re my own,” Kate added. “It’s amazing how life can change dramatically when you least expect it. Let’s just say that Sonny and I are a shining example of destiny and faith. I was on my way to Port Charles for a business meeting and I happened to get a flat tire right in front of the coffee shop Sonny used to own. I went inside to see if I could use the phone, and the rest is history. You know all those clichés you hear about someone changing your life for the better? They’re not just clichés. They’re true. My heart had been closed off since I left Bensonhurst, but Sonny opened it back up again. He broke through all my walls and showed me what it was really like to live.”

“And Kate did the same for me,” Sonny said. “She’s changed my life in more ways than I can count. I’ve never been happier than I am now, and I owe that all to her.”

“So no more being a player, hmm?” Julie teased. “No more flashing those dimples with reckless abandon?”

“Only at this lady right here,” Sonny said as he leaned over and kissed Kate’s cheek. She smiled happily, emotion filling her eyes as she looked at him.

“All my life, I thought I knew what I wanted,” she said. “And it turns out that what I wanted, what I needed, was right here all along. It just goes to show that sometimes you really can go home.”

“I’m happy for you both,” Julie said. “Truly happy. We all always knew you two would end up together for good. You’d better get to work on the children, though. You have a few more until you get to eight.” Kate laughed out loud, reaching up to pry her shirt out of Hope’s hand as the little baby grabbed on to it.

“I think we might wait a little while to expand our family,” she said. “Hope and Noah can be a handful all on their own. But a wonderful handful,” she added as she smiled at the twins. “A special, amazing, dear-to-our hearts handful.”

“They sure are,” Sonny agreed. “And we couldn’t be happier to be their parents. Kate likes to say it’s a dream come true more than two decades in the making.”

“I like that,” Julie said. “I like it a lot. No wonder you’re the CEO of such a successful publishing company, Kate. You’ve always had a way with words.” She paused for a moment, looking across the room as a young girl with auburn hair caught her eye and waved wildly at her. “I hate to do this, but I’d better get going,” she said. “Mommy duty calls. I’m sure you know how that can be.”

“Oh yes, I definitely do,” Kate said, a loving smile on her face as she glanced down at Hope and Noah. They were babbling quietly, their eyes wide as they continued to stare at everything surrounding them. It was as though they still didn’t know where to look first, as though everything and anything was catching their attention at the same time.

“It was so, so, so nice to see you again,” Julie said, reaching over to give Kate a hug. “Congratulations on everything. It couldn’t happen to a nicer person.”

“That goes double for you,” Kate said. “And I promise to be in touch. I’d love to come back and meet your husband and children. I stayed away from Bensonhurst for far too long, and that’s not going to happen ever again. Even though my true home is anywhere that my husband and dear hearts are, I’ll always hold a special place in my heart for Bensonhurst. I’ll happily embrace and admit that now.”

“Glad to hear it,” Julie said. “Because I’ve missed you. Good luck with those adorable little ones of yours,” she added, chuckling as Noah attempted to wiggle his way down Sonny’s body so he could crawl around. “Soak in every minute, because they’ll be leaving for their first day of kindergarten before you know it. Don’t be strangers, you two,” she said to Kate and Sonny. “I’ll be looking forward to hearing from you soon.” Kate was quiet for a moment as she watched her walk away, following her with her eyes until she disappeared into the ever-growing crowd that was meandering around the gymnasium.

“Don’t beat yourself up over this,” Sonny said, resting his hand on Kate’s shoulder. “Don’t feel guilty. Like Julie said, you did what you had to. We all understand that.” Kate couldn’t help but smile at his comment. She hadn’t said a word about how guilty she felt, yet Sonny knew. He always knew. That was just one of many things she loved about him, how he could read her like a book and always know what she was feeling inside before she voiced it out loud.

“You know, I don’t regret most of the choices I made,” she said, shifting Hope back into her right arm so she could push the stroller with her other hand. “I know that the decisions I made all led me to where I am today. I love my career and I know how lucky I am for that, because far too many people don’t get the chance to do what they love every day. I just wish I had done some things differently, that’s all ... starting with not running away from you without even so much as an explanation.”

“Hey,” Sonny said quietly, the chimes of the carnival and the chatter of the crowd fading away as he focused on Kate. “We’ve been over this before. Aren’t you the one who always says that things happen for a reason?” he asked. “Like how we were apart for so many years so we could fully appreciate the joy that being together again has brought us. I know you feel guilty about losing touch with Julie, but things like that happen to everyone, love. Even our little ones are telling you so,” he added, smiling as Hope and Noah babbled happily, their soft voices somehow managing to stand out amongst all the frenetic activity in the gymnasium.

“Is that what you’re telling Mommy?” Kate asked. “Or are you telling me that you’re ready to go play some games now? Maybe Daddy and I can have a contest to see who can win you the most stuffed animals. Does that sound like fun?”

“Say no,” Sonny said in an exaggerated whisper, stepping to the side as a group of children ran by with balloons strings clutched tightly in their hands. “Tell Mama that absolutely does not sound like fun because she’ll have an unfair advantage. I am gonna prove to you that I can conquer that dart game, though,” he said, winking at Kate. “Prepare to be amazed by my incredible abilities.”

“I already am,” Kate said. There was a sparkle in her eyes reminiscent of that from when they had gone to the carnival as teenagers, a playfulness to her actions as she tapped him on the chin. “I’m very, very impressed with all of your amazing talents and attributes. It’s just a shame for you that dart throwing isn’t one of them,” she teased, deliberately egging Sonny on. “Can you both tell Daddy that you’ll cheer him on as we watch from the sidelines?” she asked the twins. “Maybe if you promise not to laugh at him, he’ll agree. Then again, I am trying to teach you to only make promises you can keep.”

“Mama thinks she’s such a comedienne,” Sonny said. “She thinks she’s really, really funny. What do you guys say we go on a ride or two before we head over to the games? I know Mama already took you on that fun car ride, but that carousel over there looks like fun too. What do you think?” he asked Kate. “Are they old enough to sit on the horses?” His mouth curled up into a grin as she hesitated, his gaze focused squarely on her as he watched her stare at the small carousel in the middle of the gymnasium.

“I suppose it would be alright,” she said finally. “As long as they’re buckled and we’re standing right next to them and holding them. It’s just …” She trailed off, knowing that Sonny was going to tease her about what she said next.

“It’s just what?” he asked.

“It’s just that the poles could be germy,” she said. “And you know how explorative and inquisitive our dollbabies are. They’re gonna hold on to the poles and then put their hands in their mouths. Do you think cold and flu season is over yet?” Sonny chuckled, bending down to kiss Kate on the top of her head.

“I love your overprotectiveness,” he said. “Especially when it involves the germaphobia.”

“Is that even a word?” Kate asked, smiling as the twins swung their feet back and forth and gurgled cheerfully.

“Nope,” Sonny said. “But it should be. Can’t you use the billions of antibacterial wipes you brought to wipe their hands afterwards? I’m sure they’ll do the trick. Noah says he really, really wants to ride the horse,” he said, holding the baby boy up in front of his face. “Please, Mama? Pretty please with a cherry on top?”

“There you go again,” Kate said, shaking her head slightly as she pursed her lips. “Using tactics that you know I can’t refuse. Come on,” she said, leading the way over to the carousel. “Let’s do this.” Her eyes sparkled with an excitement that instantly took Sonny back more than twenty years in time as he looked at her, an excitement that perfectly mirrored that from when they were teenagers.

“Are you guys excited for the ride?” Sonny asked the twins. “I took your mama on a carousel ride here when we were kids, did you know that? She insisted that we go on, and then she wandered around the whole carousel until she found the horses she liked the best. I think she said something about their color schemes.”

“My God, do you remember everything?” Kate asked. “Or did I just happen to fall asleep when we were reading that part of my diary?” Sonny chuckled, leaving the twins’ stroller by the entrance to the ride as he and Kate got in line.

“I don’t think we’ve gotten to that point yet,” he said. “I just remember it because it stood out so clearly to me. Even then, you were all about color coordination and design. I’m pretty sure you’re the only person who would have applied it to carousel horses though,” he teased.

“What can I say, I had a gift,” Kate quipped. She smiled down at the twins as she watched them stare at the carousel, their big eyes wide with an innocent wonder and enchantment that positively melted her heart. “Are you excited to ride the horsies, dear hearts?” she asked. “I know you don’t remember this, but you were on a merry-go-round once before, too. It was back in the fall when we went to the park with your Grandpa Mike. You were itsy bitsies then, so Daddy and I sat in the gondola and held you in our arms. But now you’re our big, grown up dollbabies,” she said, pausing as Noah and Hope babbled at her. “You’re almost seven months old, and that means you’re big enough to sit on the horses now.”

“See, I told you they’d be excited,” Sonny said, chuckling as he and Kate stepped up onto the carousel and the twins’ babbles increased in volume. Their eyes were darting this way and that, their attention caught by all the mirrors and vibrant colors that surrounded them. “Actually, entranced seems to be a better word.” Kate smiled as she looked at Hope and Noah. Entranced was the perfect word.

“You know, dear hearts, the symbolism of this is just so fitting,” she said. “Daddy and I wanted to bring you somewhere very special today, and we chose this place that has so much meaning for both of us. It was important to us all those years ago when we shared it together, and now it’s important in a whole new way as we get to share it with both of you. It’s very, very fitting that you love the merry-go-round so much. And do you know why that is?” she asked, sitting Hope down on a horse and wrapping her arms around her so that she couldn’t slip off.

“I bet I know,” Sonny said, following Kate’s lead as he sat Noah down on the next horse and held on to him as tightly as could be. “Any chance it has something to do with the fact that the carousel goes around in a circle and in a way it’s like we’ve come full circle by bringing our little ones to a place that held so much meaning for us as kids?” He chuckled as Kate’s eyebrows shot up, knowing instantly that he had hit the nail right on the head.

“You know me too well,” she said. “And I love that. That’s exactly what I was going to say. You have to admit that the symbolism is perfect.” Sonny was quiet for a minute, his gaze focused on the twins as the ride began to move and they immediately started to squeal in delight. Their tiny hands were wrapped around the golden poles, their little feet moving back and forth as they kicked their legs and laughed with sheer joy. It was a joy that was reflected in Kate’s face as she watched them, a joy so fulfilling, so all-encompassing, that he could actually feel it hanging in the air around the four of them.

“Yes,” he said, meeting Kate’s gaze as they held tight to the twins and listened to their happy munchkin giggles. “It’s perfect.”
- - - - -
Sonny gazed out the window, lost in his thoughts as he stared at the gentle snow falling from the sky. He watched it for what seemed an eternity, thinking back to the time when his mother had explained to him that no two snowflakes were the same. He had been a young boy at the time – five years old, maybe six at the most – and everything had fascinated him. That innocence and wonder had been shattered entirely too early, something that Sonny swore would never happen to his own children. It was one of his greatest wishes to give them the childhood he hadn’t had, one filled with happiness, innocence, and all the love in the world. Like Kate, he wanted to protect them from anything and everything. That was just one reason why the situation with Kristin was hitting him so hard. If his nightmare came true and she did take his restaurant away from him, it would impact not only him, but his family as well. And that … well, that was something he couldn’t even bring himself to think about right now.

“Sonny?” Kate asked as she walked into the family room. “Sweetheart, are you alright?” Sonny nodded slightly, his gaze still fixed on the lightly falling snow as he watched it blow in the cold night air, its shimmering crystals illuminated by the lights on the patio.

“I’m okay,” he said. “Promise. Just doing some thinking.”

“Somehow I don’t think I have to ask where your thoughts are taking you,” Kate said as she sat down next to him on the sofa and curled her legs at her side. She rested her chin on his shoulder, following his gaze as he continued to look out the window. They sat for a moment, watching as the snow fell from the sky and fluttered down to the thin white blanket already covering the ground.

“I’m sorry,” Sonny said, his voice quiet. “I know I said I wasn’t gonna dwell on this today. And I really haven’t been, honest. It’s just that I couldn’t seem to stop my thoughts from getting away from me.”

“Okay, we need to get something straight,” Kate said, slipping her hand into Sonny’s and waiting until he turned around to face her before continuing. “I never want to hear you apologize to me for something like that ever again. This isn’t some trivial thing you’re worried about. It’s a major, incredibly important situation. Of course you’re going to think about it. That just shows how much it matters to you.”

“But today’s supposed to be about us,” Sonny said. “It’s supposed to be about you, me, Hope, and Noah. Not that wretched woman.”

“And it has been,” Kate said. “Things of all the things we’ve done today. We had our special morning at home with our dear hearts, savoring all the little things that we don’t get to experience when we’re at work during the week. Something as simple as watching them babble at the television during one of those educational shows was special just because we were there to take part in it. And let’s not forget storytime and playtime,” she added, smiling as she thought of the way the twins had giggled and squealed in delight as they played with them that morning. “Or our mini road trip, the visit to my parents’ house, and our special afternoon at the carnival. Today has been all about us and our beautiful family, and it’s not over yet.”

“I don’t know,” Sonny said, glancing over at the twins as they played in their exersaucers. “Noah and Hope look like they’re doing fine without us over there. I tried to play with them and they just looked at me like I was an outsider.”

“I think you just disrupted their little game,” Kate said, giving Sonny a quick kiss on the cheek before scooting off the sofa and onto the carpet. She rested her elbows on her legs and her chin in her hands as she gazed at the twins, taking in every move they made, every smile that lit up their faces. “You know, the one where Hope methodically pushes every button on the exersaucer and makes sure to stop and babble in between each time. And then, of course, there’s the one where Noah thinks it’s funny as can be to keep twirling around the animals on his exersaucer. You’d better be careful, sweetpea,” she said to him in a sing-song voice. “You’re going to make those cute little animals dizzy.” Sonny couldn’t help but smile as Kate scooted even closer to the twins, a sparkle in his eyes as he leaned back against the sofa cushions and watched her play with them. It was one of his very favorite things to do, to watch her with their babies. It was clear to see how smitten she was with them, and just as easy to see that it was a feeling that went both ways.

“I don’t understand how they’re not fast asleep,” he said, chuckling as Hope pushed one of the beads on her exersaucer and sent it flying along its track. “I thought for sure the afternoon at the carnival would have worn them out. I know they slept the whole way to Bensonhurst and then again on the drive back to Port Charles, but I was expecting naptime to extend to when we got home too.”

“Why?” Kate teased. “Because you need one yourself? I’ll understand if you do. Think of all that energy you exerted during the dart throw. Refresh my memory again. How many tries did it take to win that stuffed bear?”

“Fourteen,” Sonny said. “Which is actually pretty good, when you think about it. It only took six tries to win the smaller one and then another eight to get enough points to trade up. I wanted you to have the biggest bear they had.” Kate smiled, glancing over her shoulder at the stuffed bear that was sitting on the sofa. Hope and Noah had taken an immediate liking to it, and somehow she had a feeling that she was going to have to relinquish it to their tiny little hands … not that she minded in the slightest. She’d give them anything in the world and then some.

“I love you for being so determined,” she said. “It’s adorable. I felt just like a teenager again when you handed me my bear with that proud smile on your face.”

“I’ll be expecting it to make an appearance in your new office once the satellite branch of Manhattan Publishing is ready to go,” Sonny teased. “I think a giant stuffed bear would fit in perfectly in the office of well-known and respected CEO Kate Corinthos, don’t you?” Kate knew he was only joking, but she made a mental note to bring the bear to her new office when it was up and running anyway. She knew it would make Sonny feel good, and making him happy was one of her greatest joys in the world.

“Speaking of acting like a teenager again, how bizarre was it that we randomly ran into Julie like that?’ she asked, sliding one of the beads on Noah’s exersaucer over to him and smiling as he slid it right back to her.

“Pretty bizarre,” Sonny said. “Kind of like a blast from the past. I’m glad you got to catch up with her for a minute, though.”

“Me too,” Kate agreed. “Is it petty of me to hope that she’ll tell everyone else that she saw us and we’re happily married now? All the people who tried to warn me in the beginning, everyone who said I was playing with fire … I want them to know that I didn’t get burned. In fact, I got the complete opposite. I’m blessed enough to be filled with this warmth that’s full of love and joy. I want them to know that. I want everyone to know that.”

“I’m pretty sure most of them already do, love,” Sonny said, pausing for a moment as Hope pushed one of the flower toys on her exersaucer and it let out a loud squeak. “At least the ones who still live in Bensonhurst. I mean, your mother is pretty much the human equivalent of the energizer bunny … she has a tendency to go on and on and on. I say that lovingly, of course.” Kate burst out laughing at Sonny’s comment, her giggles increasing as the twins babbled cheerfully.

“Do you agree with Daddy?” she asked them. “Do you think Grandmommy likes to talk a lot?”

“That would be a yes,” Sonny chuckled, watching as Hope looked up from her toys and sent a steady stream of high-pitched babbles flying in Kate’s direction.

“Oh my,” Kate said. “What has you so excited, rosebud? What are you trying to tell Mommy?” Amusement danced in her eyes as Hope continued to babble a mile a minute, reaching over to pick her up from her exersaucer as she stretched her little arms out to her. “Do you have something special to tell me? Hmm?” she asked, kissing her daughter first on her little nose and then on each of her rosy cheeks.

“Maybe she’s letting you know she needs a diaper change,” Sonny teased. “Although I’m guessing she wouldn’t be too happy about that.”

“Do you know what I think she’s saying?” Kate asked, sitting up her knees and handing Hope to Sonny so that she could lift Noah out of his exersaucer too. “I think she’s saying that it would be the perfect addition to our family day if her daddy would play dress up with her.”

“If her daddy would do what?” Sonny asked, his eyebrows shooting up at Kate’s words.

“You heard me,” she said. “It’ll be good practice for all those times when she’s older and she asks you to have a tea party with her. I can just picture it now,” she said, smiling as she picked Noah up and he instantly tried to pull her earring out of her ear. “She’ll have the best little tea set money can buy, of course. She’ll set the table, put on a fancy dress, and ask her daddy to tea. It’ll be precious.” It was all Kate could do not to giggle as she imagined the scene, her eyes shining with laughter as she pictured Sonny sitting at a miniature sized table and pretending to drink tea out of fancy little cups.

“About as precious as it’ll be when Noah asks you to play soccer with him,” Sonny said. “Or frisbee. Or football. Or with his trucks. Or…”

“Okay, okay!” Kate interrupted. “I get it. Point well taken. Even though I’d still pay money to see our daughter dress you up in fancy clothes one day. I bet she’d even offer to share her tiara with you. Maybe I’ll see if I can interest Kristina in the idea the next time she’s here to visit. Good idea?”

“Listen to your mama,” Sonny said to the twins. “She thinks it’s funny to torture me, do you know that? That’s not very nice, is it?”

“Oh come on,” Kate said airily. “It’ll be lots of fun. I’m sure Kristina will agree. I can just…” She paused as she caught sight of something out the window, squinting as she sat down on the couch and looked outside.

“What’s going on?” Sonny asked, glancing over his shoulder as he followed Kate’s gaze past the patio and backyard and over to Callie and Stephen’s house. There was a car parked behind theirs in the driveway, and Kate and Sonny both watched as a young man got out and carried several brown bags down the path to the front door.

“That looks like a deliveryman to you, right?” Kate asked. Sonny nodded, taking one more glance out the window before turning around and focusing his attention back on Hope as she flopped down on his stomach and attempt to shimmy up his chest.

“Right,” he said, chuckling as Hope stopped and peered up at him. Her big blue eyes were wide as her soft little eyelashes fluttered, a smile on her face as she giggled happily. “They must have ordered take-out or something.”

“That’s strange,” Kate said. “They go out to dinner every Friday night. It’s a tradition they started shortly after they began dating. I think Callie said it has something to do with the fact that it was a Friday night when they both realized how in love with each other they were. There was this fancy party that all the higher ups at Couture had to go to,” she explained, smiling down at Noah as he shifted on her lap and grabbed on to the elegant bangle bracelets she was wearing. “It was kind of a last minute event, but it was imperative that all the editors be there, including Callie. That was the first time I met Stephen,” she said, her smile giving way to laughter as Noah wrapped his tiny fingers around her bracelets and attempted to pull them off her wrist. “I wasn’t quite as into matchmaking in those days since my own soulmate hadn’t come back into my life yet. I still had another two years or so before that. Anyway, I asked Callie if Stephen was her boyfriend...”

“Why am I not surprised?” Sonny interrupted. “See, that matchmaking gene was in you even before you knew it.” Kate smiled ruefully, grabbing a toy for Noah to play with so that he would abandon his quest to yank off her bracelets.

“Perhaps,” she said. “But it wasn’t until my Latin Casanova came back into my life and reminded me what real, true love is that I started to really get that way. You’re entirely to blame. I’m just so head-over-heels in love with you that I want everyone else to get to experience that feeling too. You know,” she said, meeting Sonny’s gaze. “That flutter in your heart, stars in your eyes, take your breath away kind of love. The love we’re lucky enough to share every day. It’s heaven on earth. You can’t blame me for wanting everyone else to feel that too. Okay, so anyway, back to my story,” she said, laughing as Sonny shook his head slightly. She was just waiting for him to say she liked to talk as much as her mother did. That had never used to be the case, but it was yet another change that he had brought about in her.

“I’m beginning to forget why you’re telling this story,” he teased. He paused momentarily, picking Hope back up against his chest as she managed to slide her way down. A smile immediately crept across his face as he felt her little heart beating against his own. As many times as he had felt that since the twins were born, it still never ceased to warm his heart. It never ceased to make him count his blessings all over again.

“Friday night dinners,” Kate said. “The party was on a Friday night. As I was saying before you interrupted me with the intention of flashing those dimples and charming me, I asked Callie if Stephen was her boyfriend and she said no right away. A little too quickly, if you know what I mean. That was all it took for me to realize that even though he wasn’t her boyfriend, she surely wanted him to be. I complimented her gown and told her she looked like Cinderella. She got this look on her face as she stole a glance at Stephen, a look I can’t really explain. It’s like she was floating in the clouds as she turned back to me and said she felt like Cinderella. Apparently she and Stephen both point to that moment as the one when they realized how much in love they were with each other, even though it took another two years or so for them to admit it. That’s why they go out every Friday night, to celebrate their love. How sweet is that? It doesn’t compare to the things you do that melt my heart, but I still think it’s adorable.”

“It’s very sweet,” Sonny said. “And I’m sure there’s no reason to worry about why they didn’t go out tonight,” he added, knowing exactly what Kate was thinking without her even having to say it. “They probably just decided to stay in because of the snow. You know how overprotective Stephen’s been lately. He probably didn’t wanna risk taking Callie out in this weather when she’s so close to her due date. I’d have done the same thing if I was in his position.” Kate was quiet as she looked out the window once more, trying to push aside the nagging thought that was telling her Callie and Stephen had stayed home for some other reason. Logic told her Sonny had to be right, especially since she couldn’t quite put her finger on what exactly her thoughts were trying to convince her of.

“That’s because you were my pregnancy police,” she said, turning back to Sonny and leaning over to give him a quick kiss. “You should have seen your daddy,” she said to Hope and Noah. “I think he would have wrapped me in bubble wrap if he could.”

“Daddy couldn’t help it,” Sonny said, smiling as he looked at the twins. Hope was staring up at him with wide eyes and rapt attention, and Noah was shuffling his little feet as he blinked at him and seemingly waited for him to continue. “You see, guys, I love your mama with everything I am. She’s the light of my life, and I’ll always do anything in the world to make sure she’s safe. That goes for you guys too. I love you both so, so much and I would give anything to keep you both safe. So would Mama.”

“That’s because we’re a family,” Kate explained, a softness in her eyes as she looked at Sonny and the twins, at the family she had dreamed of having for so long. “And that’s what families do. They protect each other, they fight for each other, they take care of each other … and most of all, they love each other.”

“They sure do,” Sonny agreed. “In good times and tough times, they stand by each other. They stand with each other … and it means the world.” His eyes were full of emotion as he stared at Kate, and he knew from the way her eyes were reflecting that sentiment right back to him that she agreed whole-heartedly.

“Do you know what else they do?” she asked, reaching over and giving his hand a gentle squeeze. “They remind each other of all that’s good in this world. They remind each other that fairytales aren’t just for storybooks and miracles aren’t just for the holiday season. They remind each other that with a little bit of hope and faith, anything is possible. Anything,” she repeated, staring directly into Sonny’s eyes. He nodded slightly, his way of letting her know that he understood the true meaning behind her words and would take them to heart.

“Do you know what else they do?” he asked, repeating Kate’s exact phrase. There was a gleam in his eyes as he reached over and grabbed her diary from the end table by the couch. “They spend time reminiscing about the past and planning for the future … and they never, ever pass up a good laugh at each other’s expense. Hey!” he exclaimed as Kate playfully swatted him on the arm. “What was that for?”

“For the way you just told our dear hearts in a roundabout way that families make fun of each other,” she said, giggling as Noah dropped his stuffed giraffe onto her lap and turned to look up at her with his hazel eyes open as wide as could be. “And for the way you’re going to use that to segue into finding a particularly embarrassing diary entry to read.”

“Me?” Sonny asked. “I’d never do that, love.”

“Even our dollbabies don’t believe you,” Kate said, laughing as Hope babbled with an inflection in her quiet voice that she swore matched her own.

“Come on, it’ll be fun,” Sonny said. “This is our family day after all, right? What better way to continue it than by reading our little ones an entry or two from their mama’s teenage diary? They love storytime, and I know for a fact that you love to tell them stories about how we met. What’s not to like about the idea?”

“The fact that you find a way to tease me about at least half of the entries,” Kate answered. “You’re right, though. There’s something very fitting about reading to them from my diary on our family day. You have a deal, as long as I get to choose what you make for dinner afterwards. Notice I said you, not we. The dynamic duo and I will be happy to watch, though. Deal?”

“Deal,” Sonny chuckled, watching as Kate gently pulled Noah back on to her lap as he tried to wiggle his way down to the floor. She paused to kiss him on top of his head as she picked him up, gently brushing her finger against his blonde hair as she hugged him to her.

“Whose turn to read?” she asked. No sooner had the words left her mouth than Hope latched on to the diary, her tiny fingers curled around its spine as she stared down at it and began to babble so quickly and incessantly that it instantly caused Sonny and Kate to both burst into laughter.

“Hope’s turn,” Sonny said between chuckles. “You were right, love. You always say that Noah takes after me and Hope takes after you, and they’re both proving it. We have our mischievous little charmer and our sweet little rosebud. Noah’s a mover and shaker like me, and Hope’s a …” He broke off, a sheepish smile on his face as Kate raised an eyebrow at him.

“Go on,” she said. “Continue. You were going to say she’s a little motor mouth like me.”

“Hey, you’re the one who gave them those nicknames,” Sonny said. “And you’re also the one who decided that our son takes after me in a lot of ways and our daughter takes after you in a lot of ways. I was just agreeing. I was also gonna add that she’s a bookworm, apparently.”

“Mmhmm,” Kate said. “I see how it is.” She tried to keep a straight face but she couldn’t help it. Her nose crinkled up as Sonny flashed his dimples at her, the corners of her mouth curling up into a grin. “I was always a bookworm too, right from the day I learned how to read. I went from fairytales to storybooks to romance novels and beyond. And of course fashion magazines,” she quipped. “I poured over every inch of every one I could find and made a vow that my name would be listed under editor-in-chief in one of them one day.”

“And you made good on that vow,” Sonny said. “Just like you make good on any dream you have. It’s one of the things I love most about you. Okay, guys,” he said, gently prying the diary out of Hope’s tiny hand and scooting a bit closer to Kate so that they could both read from it. “Storytime. I’m gonna start and then your mama will take over. Does that sound like a good idea?”

“The dynamic duo approves,” Kate said as the twins babbled cheerfully. As energetic as they had been just moments before, they were now cuddled up against her and Sonny, snuggled into their arms as they kicked their feet. It was almost as though they instinctively knew that it was a quieter time now.

“Okay, here we go then,” Sonny said, smiling as he opened the diary and Hope immediately grabbed on to one of his fingers. He gently brushed his own finger against her little hand before flipping through the pages of the diary until he found the point where he and Kate had stopped the night before. He smiled as his eyes skimmed over her neat handwriting and he saw what the entry was about.

“Nothing that would teach them it’s okay to sneak out, right?” Kate teased. “And more importantly, nothing about how it felt when you kissed me or about any excursions to France we took. Storytime is fine, but I’d like to keep it rated G.” Sonny chuckled, his dimples sparkling as he looked at her.

“All G rated, I promise,” he said. “And besides, the kissing parts aren’t that bad. We never went too far.”

“I don’t care,” Kate said. “They’re not even seven months old yet, and they’re our dear hearts. They are not going to hear about how giddy and flustered I got when you helped me perfect my French kissing technique. They were already there when you made me read the entry about the first time we tried it. I’m not making that a repeat occurrence, especially since we both know that I asked you to practice with me quite frequently. No way. Absolutely not.”

“I guess it’s a good thing this entry is about some test you took then,” Sonny said. He smiled at Kate, leaning over to kiss her cheek before starting to read. “I got my English test back today. It was on Tom Sawyer, one of my least favorite novels that we’ve read this year. I know everyone always talks about how it’s a classic, and I’m not saying that the symbolism wasn’t interesting to discuss, but I much prefer some of the other books we’ve read. Still, though, I really thought I had aced the test. I always ace my tests. I’m Connie Falconeri. That’s what I do, get good grades. Except today,” Sonny read, mimicking Kate’s Brooklyn accent from their teenage days perfectly. “Today is the first time in all of high school that I didn’t get an A. I got an eighty-five. An eighty-five! Can you believe that?” he continued, smiling as he heard Kate begin to laugh.

“I was devastated,” she said. “I wanted to run to the bathroom and just cry. It didn’t help that my biggest rival for valedictorian got a ninety-seven. I was crushed. You could say I was a bit of a perfectionist even then, I suppose.”

“You suppose?” Sonny teased. “Just wait until you hear the rest of this.”

“Let me read,” Kate said, taking the diary from his hand and skimming the page to see where he had left off. She paused to let the twins finish their quiet babbling, her heart melting as she listened to them. Their gurgles were so different from how they had been when they were newborns, becoming more and more expressive every day, and it never ceased to fill her with an overwhelming love and joy when she listened to them. “It would have been okay if it had been a chemistry test,” she read, turning her attention back to her old diary. “I always strive for an A in everything, but sometimes I have to work a little harder to get them in science. But English? English is my best subject! The worst part about this is that it’s my own fault. I know why I didn’t do as well as I normally do. It’s because of Michael,” she read, giggling as she saw that she had drawn a heart around his name.

“That’s me,” Sonny whispered to the twins. “I’m the one who had the honor of making your mama so distracted that she messed up her GPA by a billionth of a percentage. That was quite a feat, you know. What?” he asked, chuckling as Kate looked at him. “You were a straight A student, love. You had a GPA that was over a four. One test couldn’t have made any difference, especially since you got an eighty-five. It’s not like you failed.”

“It was like I failed to me,” Kate said. “But as you’re about to see, I didn’t particularly care. The devastation wore off.” She cleared her throat, readjusting Noah on her lap before continuing to read. “It was all Michael’s fault,” she read. “He asked me to go to dinner and a movie the night before the test, and I just couldn’t resist. I mean, how in the world could I turn down an invite by the boy who makes my heart beat so fast that it takes my breath away? He’s the most amazing boyfriend in the world. And the dimples! My goodness, the dimples! They’re so intoxicating they should be illegal. Shut up,” she said as Sonny burst out into laughter. “Stop laughing right this instant.”

“Or what?” Sonny teased. “You’re gonna get mad at me? Something tells me I can dimple my way out of it. That’s what you call it when I flash the dimples your way, right? Dimpling?”

“Yes,” Kate admitted. “It is. I guess on the bright side, at least I didn’t mention feeling like I was going to pass out this time.”

“Wait,” Sonny said as he winked at her. “It’s not over yet.” He waited until the twins quieted down from their babbling before taking the diary back from Kate. “So even though I knew I needed to study for my essay test, I told Michael I’d go out with him. We had the most incredible time,” he read. “Dinner at the pizza place was wonderful, and he even bought me a piece of heavenly chocolate cake for dessert. I’m pretty sure the movie was great too, although I’ve gotta admit that I don’t remember all of it. It was pretty tough to concentrate on it when Michael was sitting next to me with his arm around my shoulders. I kept hoping he’d kiss me. And then when he did … instant fireworks. I guess you could say we missed the rest of the movie. That’s okay, though, because we had a lot more fun than any movie could ever be. I didn’t want the night to end, and I’m fairly sure I went running back to Michael for at least five extra goodnight kisses. By the time I crept back into the house and upstairs to my room, it was close to eleven o’clock. I was too giddy and excited about our date to focus on anything else, much less studying for a test. I figured I’d wing it, and that’s how I ended up with an eighty-five. As devastated as I was at first, I quickly realized that I wouldn’t have traded that evening with Michael for anything. I don’t care if it even would have meant failing the test. My Michael taught me something very important. Some things are more important than grades. Some things mean much, much more.” Sonny stopped reading as he got to the end of the entry, smiling as he looked up and met Kate’s gaze.

“So fitting that this is the entry we read to our dear hearts today,” she said quietly. “Since we just told them all about families and what they do. There’s something important that Daddy and I left out before,’ she said to the twins, gently brushing her fingers against Noah’s little hand and then against Hope’s. “And that’s that families teach each other things. They help each other realize what’s really important. Your daddy did that for me back when we were kids, and he did it all over again when he came back into my life. He taught me that sometimes grades and work aren’t as important as we make them out to be. Sometimes it’s okay to get a B or to leave your work at the office. You have to prioritize, dear hearts,” she said to them. “And family and love always come first.”

“They absolutely do,” Sonny agreed, smiling as Hope clutched even tighter to his finger. “Your mama didn’t just learn that lesson. She also taught it to me. I’ll just say it for Mama, the symbolism of sharing this entry with you guys today is really special.” He paused as the phone rang, gently bouncing Hope on his lap as he reached over and grabbed it from the end table.

“Sshh,” Kate whispered, putting a finger to her mouth as both babies began to babble loudly. “Just let Daddy answer the phone and then you can have as many adorable conversations as you want. Maybe we can even have some singing and dancing time on this special family day.” She glanced over at Sonny as he answered the phone, curious as to who would be calling at what was practically dinnertime.

“Michael?” Sonny asked as he heard his son’s voice. “I thought you mentioned something about going to the movies with Jenna tonight. Everything okay, buddy?”

“Not exactly,” Michael said. “Actually, not at all.”