I pushed through the kitchen door. And then I saw him.
He was sitting on a tall stool near a counter where three women were braiding dough. His small legs were swinging, and he was laughing at something one of the women had said.
“Marco!”
He turned his head so fast his dark curls bounced. His eyes widened, and he launched himself off that stool before I could even take another step.
“Mommy!”
I bent down just in time, catching his small body and pulling him into a hug. I didn’t care. I buried my face in his neck, breathing in the familiar smell of him my baby, my whole world. He was safe. He was here.
“I missed you, Mommy! The lady gave me cookies!” he mumbled into my sweater.
I tightened my embrace. “Oh, sweetie. I missed you more. So much more.” I pulled back just enough to look a
