Rio was ecstatic, scrap that she was buzzing with excitement.

She had officially turned three years old.

The little girl was currently sat in her purple and green polka dot bedroom with her pet bunny, Olive. Most children on their birthday would be running to their parents bedroom bouncing on their bed but, Rio was told differently.

Her older brothers had specifically told her to stay in her room until, one of them came to get her. Many thoughts were running through that wild brain of hers.

Was they arranging a tea party with the Queen of England? Or was they simply watching the television and forgot to come and get her? She hadn't a Scooby Doo.

The second option being the more realistic one, Rio was becoming extremely impatient. But, she would listen to her brothers seen as though she didn't want to anger them; especially on her birthday.

To waste time, Rio decided to play dress up with Olive. Olive was a lazy little slug, only moving if it were to be fed or if it was simply because Rio was moving her. So, being dressed up in ridiculous outfits didn't bother the animal.

If Rio found out differently, she would most probably burst in tears seen as though she had inherited her mother's sensitivity.

Meanwhile, whilst Rio was playing dress up with her bunny-the brothers, Charlie and Franco were organising the presents they had bought for Rio.

Franco and Charlie had decided that nothing was going to ruin Rio's birthday. It was finally a year where she could understand the meaning of birthdays and the family surrounding her.

It had to be special.

Only close members to the family has been invited to Rio's birthday; that being Rio's uncles, cousins, grandparents and Franco's Mafia members.

Family meant everything to the Esposito family and they raised Rio to go by that. Being the sweet, little girl she is-she lived by the phrase. As a result, the Mafia being Franco's family-he invited them also.

"The fuck are you both doing?" Frankie seethed when he saw both Luca and Marcello stuffing their faces with many of the delectable treats, that had been bought for Rio's party.

"What does it look like? We are eating you dick." Luca retorted, both younger brothers were hunched over the counter just randomly picking whatever food came to eye.

Boys and their food.

"Stop eating, it's for Rio's birthday you selfish pricks." Frankie growled. He wanted everything to be perfect for his little sister's birthday; he only had one little sister so, he wanted to spoil her.

"Fine." Both younger brothers huffed out. "Why you so stressed brother, haven't got any coochie recently." Luca snorted, holding his hand over his mouth to stop his laughter.

Marcello just let out a loud laugh whilst, Frankie was stood there seething. "Who the fuck calls it a coochie? What are you? Eight?" Marcello snorted.

"Fuck off! Just don't ruin this day for Rio." Frankie flipped them both off and stormed away, no doubt in a grumpy mood.

Meanwhile whilst they were finishing up on the food, Rio was still playing happily with Olive. However, they were moments were she wanted to go in a mood.

She felt as though she had been in her room for hundreds of years, almost like sleeping beauty. So, Rio wasn't complaining-she'd do anything to be a real life princess.

Even if it meant selling her kidneys.

A knock on her door caused her to jump in fright and let out a loud squeak. "Come in!" Rio shouted, hoping that whoever was at the door heard him.

Frankie heard her alright, her high-pitched voice vibrated through him; she was that loud. Her oldest brother opened the door and as soon as he saw what torture, she was bringing upon that poor bunny-he couldn't help but snort.

"Baby, what have you done to the bunny?" He chuckled, as he approached her he opened his arms wide. He wanted a snuggle.

"I was playing dress up, Olive is a pirate." She held her bunny in the air to show him but, then dropped the poor animal on the bed and ran into his open arms.

Rio loved Frankie's hugs, maybe even more than her daddy's. But, that is a well-kept secret.

"Happy Birthday, ladybug." Frankie whispered into his sister's tiny ears. He wondered how she could hear; they were that tiny.

"Thank you, bubba." She snuggled into Frankie further, his chest rumbled with a laugh. "Are you ready to leave your room, ladybug?" He kissed her cheeks, she giggled at the scratchy sensation.

He needed a shave badly, Rio thought to herself. But, she wouldn't be the one to break it to him.

"Yes!" She squealed loudly, Frankie wanted to cover his ears but, it would only upset the birthday girl.

Rio was lifted in the air and onto Frankie's broad, muscular shoulders. Rio loved being on her brother's shoulders-she felt as though she was flying plus, the extra height made her feel even more special than she already is.

However, today Riri wasn't feeling so courageous.

"Don't let me fall, Fran." The little girl tugged on his hair, Frankie let out a manly groan. "Never ladybug, even if you did I would always be there to catch you."

"I love you, bubba." The three year old hugged his head awkwardly. Frankie couldn't help but chuckle in her presence.

"I love you too, baby."

A/N:

I am sorry for the short chapter!

I have been having a tough few days with my mental health and body image. I promise I will start uploading more often again!

Lots of love,

Mia. X