CHAPTER 20

Isadora's POV

In the backyard, we all gathered around the bonfire. Rafael of course made me sit on his lap, keening his hand on my stomach and rubbing circles with his thumb. Nadia was telling me how great babies are and Esme only half agreed.

"'M just saying .. babies can be a joy toddlers are a pain and teenagers send yOu either to a mental institution or prison." Esme laughs.

"How does a leenager send you a prisan?"

"l almost went to prison because of leonardo. when he was sixteen, he set our cando on fire playing wilh matches. As we watched the fire department put out the flames, the fire in me was still raging, I beat the boy's ass in front of the entire neighbarhood that night, cops included.” She glared al Ieo.

“She still doesn't forgive me for roasting her favorite shoes.” Ieo stated. I laughed.

Everyone shared a story I finally felt like I was part of a family, and now I was starting one of my own.

"Teenagers give you the hell, if you don't whip them into shape