CHAPTER SEVEN
ANDREW
The steady hum of the plane’s engines filled the cabin, but my mind was too restless to appreciate the quiet. I glanced out the window, watching as Tokyo’s skyline receded into the distance, replaced by a dark stretch of clouds and stars. After days of grueling meetings and long nights, the deal was finally signed, sealed, and delivered—and now, I am going home.
A part of me wanted to sleep off the exhaustion, but the thought of seeing Amara and the kids made rest impossible. I’d been away for too long, and every mile closer to New York felt like pressure lifting. I took out my phone and scrolled through the pictures Amara had sent: Austin and August holding up their handmade decorations, their faces beaming with pride, and a snapshot of Journee asleep in her crib, cheeks rosy and innocent. Each one was a reminder of what I’d missed, and of why this moment mattered more than any business deal ever could.
A flight attendant paused beside me, offering a friendly smile. “Is there anything else I can get for you, Mr. Del Rossi?”
“No, thank you,” I replied, glancing at my watch for what must have been the hundredth time.
When the captain announced our descent, my heart started pounding. Home was only minutes away now. I sent Amara a quick message, telling her I’d be back in time for Christmas morning, but kept my actual arrival a surprise. I wanted to see her face, to watch the look in her eyes when she realized I was really there with my family, with her, where I belonged.
***
The familiar cold of a New York winter hit me as I stepped out of the airport. Snow dusted the sidewalks, and twinkling lights lined every street. Christmas was everywhere. As the car sped through the city, I felt the excitement building, almost as if I were a kid again, about to open the most incredible gift.
Finally, I reached the penthouse. I took a deep breath, standing in the hallway, and pushed the door open. The security of the house enveloped me instantly, and I could hear faint sounds of laughter from down the hall. The living room was filled with the glow of Christmas lights, and the faint scent of pine and cinnamon filled the air.
I stepped inside quietly, letting the door click shut behind me. Austin was the first to spot me. His eyes went wide, and his mouth dropped open in surprise.
“Daddy!” he shouted, bolting across the room.
In seconds, I was surrounded by little arms and excited squeals. August joined his brother, his face lighting up with pure joy, and even Journee babbled happily as she toddled over, reaching for me.
Amara appeared in the doorway, her expression a mixture of shock and relief. She crossed the room quickly, her eyes locked on mine. I could see the emotion welling up, the surprise and happiness that mirrored my own.
“You’re really here,” she whispered, there was surprise in her voice.
I pulled her into my arms, feeling the tension of the past hectic days melt away. “I wouldn’t miss this for the world,” I murmured, holding her close.
For a moment, it was just the two of us, our hearts speaking in ways words couldn’t. Finally, I looked around, taking in the decorations, the tree, the presents carefully wrapped under it. Everything was perfect, and it was all because of her.
“I can’t believe you kept this a surprise,” she said, laughing softly, a tear slipping down her cheek. “The kids have been talking about you non-stop.”
I brushed the tear away, my thumb lingering on her cheek. “I needed to see all of you. This is the only place I wanted to be.”
With that, we spent the evening laughing, sharing stories, and catching up on everything I’d missed. The kids showed me the decorations they’d made, and Amara filled me in on the little details of the past week. And as the night wore on, I realized that no matter how far I went, no matter how busy life got, this was where I’d always return. This was my heart.