Sophia couldn't help but tear up at his words. Lucca smiles gently leaning over to kiss her cheek. Her eyes shutting on their own accord at his tender touch that she has grown to need. His lips linger momentarily before his warmth leaves making her open her eyes. He then ushers her over to one of the open chairs next to his youngest sibling, Cassidy. The blonde beauty grinning as Sophia slides into the chair. Luca then sits beside her feeling a grip on his shoulder from his 'favorite' uncle. Sitting at the heads of the table are his parents whom are already looking at the couple with gentle eyes.

Sophia's attention is pulled to Cassidy who is telling her about her newest boyfriend. The energetic blonde couldn't keep the smile from her face. It was clear she liked the boy immensely. Sophia jumps slightly feeling a hand brush her leg. Her head snapping to Luca who is talking to his uncle Chris with a smirk on his lips. She narrows her eyes at him but he doesn't look at her. She huffs trying to relax but feeling the heat in her cheeks as she turns back to Cassidy.

"Sophia, are you feeling alright? You look a little pink."

The table goes quiet at CJ's question. Sophia was practically begging the earth to swallow her whole as she turn to the elder sister. She finds CJ and Junior looking between her and Luca. Luca couldn't look more irritated if he tried. A deep chuckle makes everyone turn to the head of the table. Xavier's eyes showing amusement as he clearly knows what is happening.

"She's fine CJ. Just a bit heated in here. Right Sophia?"

Her hand shoves Luca's off her leg making it hit the table. Everyone's eyes snapping to him whose jaw is locked. "Yes Mr. Sanford."

"Call me Xavier sweetie." Sophia nods but doesn't say anything further.

"So brother, I hear you actually took a vacation." Junior says sporting a wide grin as the table once again looks shocked. Sophia looking around confused by his reaction before she looks to Luca. Feeling her gaze, his eyes turn to her as his hand comes over wanting hers. She obliges as the man beside Luca whistles lowly.

"My nephew actually took a break??" Luca gives him a swift nod in return.

"That's wonderful dear." His grandmother speaks across the table.

Sophia looks to the eldest member of the family who is smiling at her grandson. Her finger unconsciously rubbing his hand in circles making him squeeze it in return. Luca's younger brother begins to speak again.

"So did anything interesting happen while you were over there?"

"Yes actually.." Luca says reaching for his glass of water. Sophia watches the younger brother's eyes light up. "I got to experience the light festival."

With that his bright eyes simmered and he began to pout playfully. CJ released a loud laugh before holding out her palm towards her twin. Junior grumbles pulling out his wallet before smacking a bill into her hand. She sticks out her tongue as the table laughs. Sophia is confused which is clear to CJ.

"Sorry sis, he bet me that Luca would propose."

"Oh," Sophia says as the table chuckles as she looks down to her lap. Luca's finger rubbing over her engagement ring making her smile.

"Well sis, I wouldn't hold that money for too long." Luca speaks up making everyone's eyes go wide again.

He lifts his and Sophia's hands showing the ring that was gifted by his mother. Gasp and squeals are heard all around before they are swarmed yet again. Sophia relaxed as everyone seemed happy as they embraced her. Luca's mother had tears in her eyes as she pulled back to look at the ring.

"Hey H, isn't that your ring?" Cami says looking at the ring before looking to Heather.

Sophia's eyes going wide not aware of that. Her eyes look back into Sophia's shocked pair. "Not anymore, it belongs here."

Sophia melts feeling her own eyes water at his mother's declaration. The woman clearly was good with words. She is pulled back into the woman's embrace as she gently cries on her shoulder. Heather's hand rubbing her back soothingly.

"Mrs. Sanford, let me see the angel."

"For the love of god Tessa, I swear I am going to throttle you one day!" Heather says turning to the short brunette.

"No you won't... Now, let me see the newest Sanford angel."

Sophia is confused by the nickname. Tessa steps forward giving her a warm hug and giggling gently. Cami sees her confusion and answers her unasked question.

"Luca nicknamed H-" she says gesturing to Heather, "his angel when they met. Since then Tessa says all woman of the Sanford family are angels."

"With the exception of me of course."

All four woman turn as CJ comes in to stand by her mom. It is clear they are related but CJ is taller than her mother. Her arms going around both her mother and her aunt Cami. Tessa giggles turning to her.

"Your brother was my lil devil-"

"HEY I HEARD THAT!" They all chuckle as Junior shouts his outrage.

"But you were an angel my sweet." Tessa finishes as CJ grins stepping forward to hug the shorter woman. CJ easily a head taller than the woman.

"THIS IS AN OUTRAGE PEOPLE!"

"Oh shut it twin!"

Sophia couldn't help but laugh feeling like this family was a whole hearted group of people. Everyone having their own personality to bring to the table. They all begin to sit back down as the chatter continues. Luca's hand finding her leg once again but she doesn't jump this time but instead lays her hand on top of his own. He gives her leg a squeeze making her smile happily. Her eyes glancing to find him looking at her before he winks playfully.

The dinner continuing in much of the same fashion. The twins announce that once they finish at the end of the semester, they plan on returning to California to open a restaurant. Apparently uncle Chris had agreed to put up the funds earning yet another glare from Theo. Mrs. Sanford was happy to have all her children back in the same area. Luca's dad, Xavier seemed to melt as he continued to look at his wife. Sophia loved watching how much love passed between the pair. It was clear that they were one at heart. She hopes her and Luca will have a love like theirs one day.

As the dinner wrapped up, everyone began saying their goodbyes as well as their congratulations to the couple. Sophia had felt completely welcomed by the entire group even if Tessa gave her a hard first impression. His grandmother Reece pulling her aside to privately tell her how happy she was for her and Luca. The woman was completely graceful and the definition of regal.

"Luca, may I borrow you and Sophia for a moment?"

Sophia looked up to find Chris standing there but his face looked more serious than it had all evening. Luca glanced to her finding her confused expression before turning back to his uncle giving him a head nod. Chris walked away from the remaining group as Luca took Sophia's waist and followed the uncle down the hall to what seemed to be a study of some sort. Luca closed the door finding Chris leaning against the desk with his hands in his pockets.

"What's up Chris?"

Chris straightened up before he pulled something out of his pocket that seemed to be an envelope or letter of sorts. He holds it up, "I was told to give this to you when the time comes."

"Chris, what are you talkin-"

"Just..." Chris cuts him off dropping the envelope to his leg as he takes a deep breath in. Sophia can see the immense sadness in his expression. He releases the breath slowly as he places the letter on the desk. "Just read this."

Chris takes one final glance at the letter and Sophia can see his jaw lock up before he turns walking over to them. He pats Luca's shoulder in an affection way before giving Sophia a hug. She hugs him back and he walks out without another word. Her confusion is clear as she watches him close the door behind him.

She turns back to find Luca already walking over to the desk. He lifts the letter and instantly collapses into one of the chairs seeming to have the wind knocked out of him. Sophia was quick to go to his side as she kneeled beside him. His eyes were still locked on the envelope. His eyes begin to feel with water as his hand shakily hands her the envelope. With confused eyes she takes it finding it a letter. It was mailed to Chris Drake with a return name of Nicholas Taylor. She looks back up to him to find his eyes closed with a few tears running down his cheek. Her hand reaching up to rub them away.

"I-I can't Sophia." His voice sounding broken and she understands nodding as she goes to stand. She pulls the second chair right next to his. She glances at him again before gently open the envelope. The letter was old and seemed to have been opened many times. She takes a deep breath before she begins to read out loud.

Dear Chris,

Hey man, it seems like it's been forever since I last seen you. I hope New York is treating you well. Theo is still up my sister's ass and it seems to be getting serious. He seems good enough but they constantly trying to get a rise out of each other. Not sure if he could handle Cami or not. I guess time well tell man.

Your sister is doing amazing. I think she misses you a great deal. The twins are getting big and the baby on the way is getting bigger every day. I swear I thought she was having another set of twins. She said they were going to wait to find out the sex of the new baby. I don't think Xavier will be able to wait. The stubborn man is still crazy protective of her. He still gives me evil eyes every once in a while. It's funny as hell.

Your parents are loving it out here. They have been visiting your sister and the kids often. It seems Xavier had finally gotten through to your dad. It only took... well how many years?? I laughed when Heather called me almost in tears happy that her dad had finally accepted him.

I am still getting used to base life rather than combat. It's weird, I am so used to looking over my shoulder and keeping one eye open. Teaching it seems so small in comparison but I feel a like I am needed here. Not the base, but by Luca.

Sophia pauses finding Luca with his eyes fixed on the wall. Silent tears are rolling down his cheek as she looks back down at the letter. She clears her throat before continuing.

Luca is fucking teen man. It seems we were just introduced to him yesterday. That young boy that was so quiet but the moment I showed him my Xbox, he lit up at me. Since then, I feel like I am some how connected to the boy. He seems like the son I never had. I love that lil pain in the ass. He makes my day when he calls wanting to hang out with me.

Sophia reaches over taking his hand as he squeezes her tightly not releasing the grip. She takes a deep breath again feeling her own tears coming to bay.

I have decided to do something for him and I am not sure if it's out of line or not. Regardless, you know I'll do what I want... I'm going to leave my military pension to him. I apparently have made a substantial amount of money that I don't think I'll ever use. I would leave it to Cami but you know how she gets when anyone gives her things. Plus I thought that maybe it could be like a gift for him and his wife one day. Like a wedding present or something... I don't know man. I just know that I don't need it and he is my boy.

Sophia felt herself chuckle releasing her own tears. This man seemed to care a great deal for Luca. By the way Luca is reacting, it's clear this is the uncle she had heard so much about. She cleared her throat so she could finish.

Anyways, I have been considering traveling back overseas after he graduates high school in a few years. Nothing is set in place but I feel more like myself over there than here. I wish you were here man. I miss taking you to the gun range, showing your ass up. Take care of yourself and get yourself a girl. I need another nephew to spoil. I love you man and look forward to seeing you soon.

With Love,

Nick

She folds up the paper gently and returning it to the envelope before lifting her tearful eyes to him. His eyes set out the window of the room as he continues to silently cry. His jaw is locked and she can see the sadness. She lays the letter on the desk before standing up and moving his arms so she sits on his lap. Her arms going around his neck as she hugs him. His head laying against her chest. His arms coming around to tighten around her as continues to cry. She rubs his back feeling his body rake with sobs. She continues to be his support as he grieves the loss of this man.

Some time later, he seems to have run out of tears as he pulls back looking up at her with red eyes. Sophia cups one of his cheeks in her palm rubbing the moisture away. Her lips coming down to his forehead lingering as she continues to kiss him gently.

"God I miss him Sophia..."