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“And why would that be?” I asked, eager to hear her answer.

“She’s pretty and cooks really good food!”

“You’re right, I am, but then again, I’m lucky to have all three of you.” I smiled, and I really meant every single word. I truly was blessed.

“Papa!” Luca shouted. “I did it!” He bounded into the living room and jumped into my free arm.

“Did what,mio ragazzo?” I asked as his sister and I awaited his response.

“I put the cream and marshmallows on the hot chocolate. Mama let me!” He looked so proud as Bella leaned down and high-fived him.

“Did you put extra in ours?” she asked with a devilish grin.

“I put triple!” His eyes twinkled with mischief.

After completing the tree, we all stood back and admired our handiwork.

“I think Santa will love this tree!” Luca clapped as he wore hot chocolate for a moustache.

“Me too. It’s the best one we’ve done,” Bella agreed. She had the same messy face as her brother, except she also had dried whipped cream on the tip of her nose.

“Right, you two, let’s go and wash these faces and get to bed. Otherwise, we can’t go to Pop-Pop’s house tomorrow.” They squealed with delight and darted out of the living room. Ana wasted no time chasing them up the stairs.

The kids referred to Artem as Pop-Pop, and he deserved that title. He had been great with my mother, Ana, and our children. He helped me, if needed, as well, which he didn’t need to do, but it was more than appreciated. Victor never came around. None of Ana’s family did. She shrugged it off, but I knew deep down it probably hurt her. We had the support of my mother and Artem, and she claimed that was enough for her.

After a good twenty minutes of alone time, I felt her presence before I saw her. “Are they in bed?” I asked, looking up from the sofa to meet her gaze.

“They’re in bed. Not sure how long it’ll take for them to get to sleep since they’re using those walkie-talkies Red got for them.” She relaxed back on the sofa, snuggling into my embrace. “Do you miss it?”

“Miss what?” I questioned, wondering where she was going with that.

“The newborn stage?” She smiled as she wrapped her arms around me.

“You know what, honestly, I do.” It was true. I missed when they couldn’t sass me and ask about boyfriends and love. But more than that, I genuinely missed the late nights in the nursery with Ana, supporting her through everything.

“Okay…” She breathed. “So, what would you say if I told you we’re about to go through it all again?” She blushed, toying with the hem of her sweater dress.

Wait a minute…

“Ana, are you…?”

“Yes, I’m pregnant!” She gushed as if it was our first child all over again. The swelling I felt in my chest was second to none. “Merry Christmas,” she whispered, cupping my face.

“I couldn’t ask for a better present.” I smiled, pulling her into me to claim her lips. This woman continued to surprise me every single day, and today was no different.

She was mine, and I was hers.

We were one.

Now and forever.