Vee let out a weak laugh. "There he is. My little man."
Val gave a watery smile, then loosened the carrier on her chest with trembling fingers. She carefully freed Matteo from the carrier, and Vee reached for him, all the anger in her body vanishing.
"Oh, I missed you," Vee cooed, her entire face softening as Matteo settled into her arms. "I missed you, baby. My Matteo. Aunt Vee is here."
The baby made a tiny protesting sound, his little mouth opening and closing. Vee rocked him instinctively, her palm supporting his back, her cheek brushing lightly against the top of his head.
For the first time since she stepped back into the mansion, something inside her unclenched. Matteo smelled like milk and baby lotion. He was warm enough to break through every wall she had thrown up since Val walked in.
Vee looked at Matteo like he was sunlight. Like he was family. Val wondered if her sister could still look at her that way.
