The Gulfstream's cabin hummed softly as the engines roared to life, the first vibration of their maiden trip sending a shiver of excitement through the leather seats. Adriano sat by the window, watching the runway lights blur past as Robert guided them into the air with practiced ease.
Beside him, Kate leaned forward, eyes glued to the oval window like a child seeing fireworks for the first time.
"This is unreal," she murmured, her breath fogging the glass slightly. "We're flying in your plane. Your plane, Adriano."
He couldn't help but smile at the wonder in her voice. "Our plane," he corrected, reaching over to take her hand. "If I'm dragging you around the world with me, you deserve the comfort too."
She squeezed his fingers, still staring out at the dark sky stretching endlessly. "So, Lisbon first?"
Adriano nodded. "Surprise visit. My parents have no idea we're coming."
Kate turned back to him with a grin. "They're going to lose their minds."
By the time the wheels touched down in Lisbon, the sky had softened into a mid-morning glow. Robert's voice came over the intercom with calm assurance, announcing their arrival and taxi. The landing was smooth, almost too smooth, and Kate shot Adriano a look of impressed approval.
"Okay, he's good," she whispered, nodding toward the cockpit.
"I told you," Adriano said. "Best in the business."
The smell of the Lisbon air hit him the moment they stepped down onto the tarmac — familiar, nostalgic, tinged with salt from the nearby ocean. It tugged at something deep inside, the part of him that still remembered running through narrow streets as a kid, chasing footballs until the sun went down.
A short drive later, they pulled up to his parents' modest but warm house in the neighborhood he'd grown up in. Adriano carried a bag in one hand and rang the bell with the other. The door creaked open seconds later, revealing Rosa, apron still tied around her waist, flour dusting her hands from what was clearly a morning of baking.
"Adriano!" she gasped, her voice high with surprise. "What are you doing here? You didn't say you were coming!"
Before he could answer, she wrapped him in a tight hug, smudging flour onto his hoodie. He laughed, holding her close. "Wanted to surprise you."
Kate stood just behind him, smiling warmly. Rosa pulled her into the hug too, squeezing her like she had known her for decades.
"Welcome home Kate. You both look too good to be arriving unannounced," Rosa said, shaking her head. "Come in, come in."
Julio emerged from the living room, adjusting his glasses, confusion giving way to joy. "Son!" He walked quickly across the tiled floor and clapped Adriano on the back before hugging him tightly. "You didn't tell us you were coming."
"That was the point," Adriano grinned. "And… we didn't just come by car. We flew."
Julio tilted his head. "Flew? What do you mean? You always take a commercial flight, don't you?"
Adriano smirked. "No. We brought our new jet. Wanted you to be the first ones to see it."
Rosa froze, then swatted his arm lightly, though her smile betrayed her. "A private jet? Adri, how much money are you wasting?"
Adriano chuckled and hugged her . " It's practical mom."
Kate laughed at the familiar motherly scolding. "He told me the same thing — that it was practical," she chimed in.
Julio, on the other hand, looked like Christmas had come early. "A private jet? You mean like a real one? With engines and wings?"
Adriano chuckled. "Yes, Dad. A real one."
Julio's eyes sparkled. "Well, what are we standing around here for? Let's go see it!"
A half hour later, they were all back at the hangar, walking up the steps into the Gulfstream. Julio's jaw practically hit the floor as he looked around.
"This… this is incredible," he muttered, running a hand over the polished wood and leather. "I never thought I'd see inside one of these, let alone have my son own one."
Rosa followed slowly, her expression equal parts pride and worry. "Adriano, I still think you're crazy. A car, fine. A nice house, fine. But a plane?"
Adriano put an arm around her shoulders. "Mãe, think of it this way — now you can fly to Manchester whenever you want. No crowded airports, no delays. I'll send the jet for you."
Rosa looked at him skeptically, but Julio beamed. "Hear that? We can visit whenever we want!"
Kate took a quick photo of the four of them inside the cabin, Rosa still shaking her head but smiling anyway. She leaned in and whispered to Adriano, "Your dad's already planning weekly trips."
"Let him," Adriano whispered back. "He deserves it. Both of you do. I f you want, I can buy another one for you guys too."
Rosa smacked his head while laughing. "Don't say that in front of your dad. He might faint in joy. And no, we don't need it. It's too much." She then smirked, " But maybe Massage chair would be nice for the house. My old bones could use some relaxing after dealing with your father and you constantly."
Kate giggled and hugged her. " Come on mama Rosa, you are not old. You could pass as my older sister. But don't worry, we'll get you the full relaxing package, massage chair, Jacuzzi and sauna- all that."
Rosa carressed her cheek gently. " Thank you querida. But it looks like my son's overspending has affected you too."
Adriano protested. "Hey, I don't over spend. I have still more money than I can spend by myself. "
Kate smiled. "Then I guess you're taking us shopping ."
Adriano chuckled. " I'll buy the whole mall and rename it in your name."
Kate gasped. "Please don't! I still haven't recovered from the last Instagram fiasco."
They laughed together at her joke.
The rest of the day unfolded in the easy rhythm of family. Rosa insisted on cooking, waving away Kate's offers to help until finally conceding and letting her chop vegetables at the counter.
Kate followed her directions carefully, listening to Rosa tell stories about Adriano as a boy — the scraped knees, the broken windows from wayward footballs, the time he tried to skip school to watch a Benfica match.
"He's still the same," Rosa said with a fond smile, stirring a pot. "Always chasing something, never sitting still."
Kate laughed. "I can confirm that hasn't changed."
In the living room, Julio and Adriano sat with mugs of coffee, the conversation flowing between football, life in Manchester, and the strange feeling of seeing his son's face plastered across magazines. Julio listened intently, pride visible in the way he sat straighter, nodding often.
"You've done more than I ever dreamed," Julio said quietly. "Not just football. The life you've built. We're proud of you, son."
Adriano swallowed, his chest tightening. "Couldn't have done any of it without you and mãe."
Julio's eyes glistened slightly, but he covered it with a chuckle. "And now I get to brag to everyone that I've flown in a private jet."
Dinner was loud, warm, filled with laughter. Rosa fussed over everyone eating enough, Kate and Julio battled in a playful debate about films, and Adriano soaked it all in, the comfort of home pressing around him like a blanket.
As the evening deepened and the time for their return approached, Adriano found himself reluctant to leave. He broached the idea gently. "Why don't you come with us to New York for New Year's? Kate's parents are hosting a party. It'll be fun."
Rosa shook her head immediately. "No, no. You go, enjoy. We'll see you in Manchester soon enough. The season will get busy again. You don't need us tagging along."
Julio looked tempted but eventually nodded. "Your mother's right. Besides, someone has to look after the house."
Adriano frowned. "But I'd like you there."
Rosa cupped his cheek, smiling softly. "We'll be with you soon. Go and have fun. Start your new year the way you should. You know we are not big fans of parties and such. We'll celebrate together in Manchester after."
It was hard to argue with that.
Back at the airport, under the night sky, Adriano hugged them both tightly before boarding again. Rosa whispered in his ear, "Remember, the money doesn't matter as much as the moments. Don't forget to live them."
"I won't," he promised.
Julio gave him a final clap on the shoulder. "We'll hold you to that jet promise. Manchester soon."
As the plane lifted off again, Adriano sat back in his seat, Kate's hand tucked in his, the Lisbon lights shrinking below. There was a bittersweet weight in his chest — the ache of leaving, tempered by the warmth of knowing they'd be together again soon.
Kate leaned her head on his shoulder. "They adore you," she said softly.
He smiled, closing his eyes. "I adore them too."
The Gulfstream soared higher, carrying them toward the new year, toward promises still waiting to be kept.
*****
The Florida air was warm even at night, thick with salt from the nearby coast. Adriano stepped out of the SUV with Kate beside him, both dressed lightly despite the festive season. The Upton family home glowed ahead of them, strung with golden lights across the porch and trees, music and laughter already spilling out onto the lawn.
Kate grinned, squeezing Adriano's hand. "Ready?"
Adriano nodded, though his eyes lingered on the lively house. "As ready as I'll ever be."
Before they even reached the steps, the front door opened and Shelley Upton hurried out. She enveloped her daughter in a hug that made Kate laugh, then pulled Adriano into one as well. "Oh, you two finally made it. We thought you'd miss the appetizers."
"We wouldn't dare," Kate replied warmly.
Jeff Upton appeared right behind her, his booming voice unmistakable. "There he is. My guy!" He shook Adriano's hand with both of his, then clapped him on the shoulder like they'd known each other their whole lives. "Get inside, son. We've got people waiting to meet you."
Adriano barely had time to exchange a quick glance with Kate before Jeff looped an arm through his and steered him into the house.
The inside was buzzing. Relatives filled every corner, balancing drinks and plates piled high. Laughter rang out over the music, and the smell of roasted meats and baked pies mixed with citrusy candles burning along the walls.
Jeff wasted no time. He led Adriano toward a circle of friends gathered near the dining room, older men with drinks in hand. "Gentlemen," Jeff said proudly, "this is Adriano. My son-in-law."
The men greeted him one by one, some with firm handshakes, others with claps on the back. Jeff wasn't finished.
"You're looking at one of the best footballers in the world," Jeff continued, his voice rising just enough to draw attention. "Manchester City. And—get this—he's got his own jet now."
The men let out low whistles and impressed murmurs. One leaned forward with a grin. "At your age? That's something. Can't say I knew anyone buying planes in their twenties."
Adriano laughed lightly, trying to deflect. "It's just practical for the schedule. Saves me time."
"Don't let him fool you," Jeff said, grinning wide. "This kid works like a machine. Every bit of it earned."
Adriano smiled faintly at that, grateful for Jeff's pride but also a little embarrassed by the attention. He lifted his glass. "To family," he said, and the men echoed it with a cheer before diving back into conversation.
Meanwhile, Kate was swept up in another circle entirely. Shelley had pulled her toward the kitchen where two of her sisters and a cousin were waiting.
"You look amazing," one aunt said, adjusting Kate's hair affectionately. "And that boy of yours… a jet? I can't believe it."
Kate laughed, tucking a loose strand behind her ear. "Yeah, he doesn't exactly think small."
Shelley smiled knowingly. "He's ambitious, Katie. That's a good thing."
Another aunt chimed in, lowering her voice like it was a secret. "And the way he looks at you? He's crazy about you. We all see it."
Kate's cheeks warmed, but she didn't deny it. Her eyes flicked instinctively toward the living room where Adriano was laughing with Jeff's friends, his posture relaxed but his smile genuine. She couldn't help smiling too. "Yeah," she admitted softly. "I know."
The night carried on in a whirl of food and chatter. Adriano made rounds with Jeff, shaking more hands, listening to stories of old Florida fishing trips and golf outings he barely understood but nodded through politely. Kate caught his eye across the room more than once, offering him amused, sympathetic smiles.
Dinner was loud and overflowing. Adriano sat between Jeff and Kate, answering questions from cousins about football life while Shelley made sure his plate was never empty. Kate leaned in occasionally to whisper little translations of family inside jokes, her hand brushing against his under the table, grounding him in the chaos.
Later in the evening, just as the music swelled and people began drifting toward the outdoor patio strung with lanterns, the front door opened again. A wave of attention followed as Sophia Bush walked in, her dark hair styled simply, her hand laced with Henry Cavill's.
Kate's eyes widened immediately. "No way," she muttered, handing her glass to her mother before rushing forward. "Sophia!"
They hugged tightly, laughing like they hadn't seen each other in years. Henry hung back slightly, until Adriano strode over with a grin.
"Well, well," Adriano said, pulling Henry into a hearty hug. "Superman finally found his Lois Lane."
Henry groaned, already expecting it, but couldn't help smiling. "I knew you'd say that."
Sophia laughed, giving Adriano a look. "He practiced comebacks on the flight here. You've ruined his whole plan."
Kate joined them, hugging Henry briefly before turning her gaze on Sophia, eyes narrowing playfully. "Okay. Talk. When did this happen?"
Sophia tilted her head innocently. "What do you mean?"
"You show up to my parents' New Year's party with Henry Cavill on your arm, and you want me to believe this is casual?" Kate shook her head, crossing her arms. "Start talking."
Henry chuckled. "Don't look at me. She's the one who made it official."
Sophia rolled her eyes. "Official? Please. You were sneaking around like a high schooler after Adriano's birthday party."
Adriano perked up at that. "Wait. That's when it started?"
Sophia bit her lip, glancing at Kate sheepishly. "Yeah. We met at your party in Manchester. You know, the one in February. One thing led to another…"
Kate's jaw dropped. "I knew something was up ! You disappeared for half an hour!"
Sophia laughed. "Well, guilty as charged."
Henry squeezed her hand. "And after a few months of sneaking around, we figured… why hide it?"
Kate softened, her mock interrogation giving way to a wide smile. "Okay. Fine. I approve. Actually—" she glanced between them, "—I love it. You two look really good together."
Sophia smiled, relief flashing across her face. "Thanks, Katie."
Adriano raised his glass. "To Superman and his Lois."
Henry groaned again, but everyone clinked glasses anyway.
The party spilled onto the patio as midnight approached. Music played louder, neighbors and relatives gathered with sparklers and champagne flutes. Kids darted around the yard while uncles argued good-naturedly about football and baseball. Adriano found himself surrounded by a group of younger cousins peppering him with questions about Manchester, Salah, and what it was like playing against Messi.
Kate joined him eventually, sliding her arm through his and leaning her head against his shoulder. "Surviving?" she teased.
"Barely," he whispered back, making her laugh.
As the countdown began, everyone gathered in a loose circle. Jeff stood with Shelley at his side, both grinning proudly at their daughter and the man beside her. Sophia and Henry were hand-in-hand a few feet away, already caught in their own world.
"Ten… nine… eight…" the crowd roared.
Kate looked up at Adriano, her eyes glinting with the reflection of the sparklers.
"Happy New Year, princesa," Adriano murmured as the countdown hit zero. Fireworks exploded over the Florida sky, filling the air with thunder and color.
Kate pulled him into a kiss that drowned out everything else. Applause and cheers erupted around them, but for those few seconds, it was just them.
When they finally broke apart, Kate rested her forehead against his. "Here's to another year together," she whispered.
Adriano smiled softly, brushing his thumb across her cheek. "And many more after that."
The night roared on with fireworks, laughter, and music, but for Adriano, the memory of that moment—Kate in his arms as the new year began—was what stayed.