You stepped into the office, paperwork in hand — and froze.

Nicholas Dante, usually a picture of control, was red-faced, bouncing a wailing two-year-old in his arms. Papers were scattered everywhere. Luca's tiny fists were thumping against his dad's chest.

Nicholas caught your stare and groaned, "Don’t. Say. A word."

You grinned "Need a hand?"

"No one can calm him. Not even his mom... God rest her soul." His voice cracked, just a little.

You ignored his protest and knelt down, beaming.

"Hey, hey, handsome! Why the waterworks, huh? Big strong boy like you?"

Luca hiccupped mid-cry, peeking at you.

"Ohh, look at those big eyes,"

you teased, making silly faces.

"No more tears, little warrior! Who's the brave boy? You are! Yes, you are!"

Nicholas raised a skeptical eyebrow. "Good luck. He bites."

"Aw, that's okay. I bite back," you winked.

Luca gave a tiny giggle. You tickled his round tummy and he squirmed, squealing.

"Tickle monster's coming! Rawr!" you growled softly, making claws. Luca shrieked with laughter and threw himself toward you, arms wide.

"Traitor," Nicholas muttered with mock betrayal as you scooped Luca up.

"Up, up!" Luca babbled, patting your cheek eagerly. "Bah bah! Baaa!"

"Yes, yes, sir!" you saluted him dramatically. "Captain Luca, reporting for cuddle duty!"

Nicholas leaned back against the desk, arms crossed, watching with an expression that was half amazement, half... something warmer.

"You’re dangerous," he murmured under his breath, smiling.

"All in a day's work," you quipped, twirling slowly with Luca giggling in your arms.

Nicholas chuckled low, almost to himself. "I think... you just made me not a widower anymore."