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She nods, a small smile breaking through her nervousness. "Yes. I found out a few days ago, but I wanted to be sure before I told you."
A wave of pure, unfiltered joy washes over me. I can’t contain it. With a laugh, I lift her off the ground, spinning her aroundas she laughs with me. "We’re having a baby," I say, my voice choking with emotion. "We’re going to be parents, Lara."
She laughs through her tears, holding onto me tightly. "Yes, we are. And you’re going to be an amazing father."
I set her down gently, cupping her face with both hands. "I can’t believe this," I say, pressing my forehead to hers. "I never thought I could be this happy."
Lara smiles, her eyes filled with love. "We deserve this, Ivan. After everything… we deserve to be happy."
I kiss her again, slowly and deeply, pouring every ounce of love and gratitude into that moment. It’s not just a kiss of passion; it’s a promise, a vow to be the man she needs, the father our child deserves.
As we climb into the car, ready to drive toward the future ahead, I steal one last glance at the church behind us. I think of everything that’s brought us here—the betrayals, the battles, the love that refused to break, no matter how hard the world tried to tear it apart.
I take Lara’s hand, intertwining our fingers, and she leans her head on my shoulder. "Are you ready for this?" I ask, my voice soft.
She looks up at me, her eyes clear and certain. "With you, Ivan? Always."
And as we drive away, leaving the past behind, I know one thing for certain: This is just the beginning.
That’s all Folks!