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Once we’re far enough from the house, I feel my heart pick up pace. The jitters settle into my limbs, and Matteo pulls me intohis side, kissing the top of my head. He breathes in my scent and lets out a soft, satisfied sigh.

“I didn’t take you to be a morning person,” he says, breaking the silence between us. “You’ve been sleeping a lot, actually.”

I lick my lips, nerves consuming me. “I think there might be a reason for that.”

Now or never…

“Here,” I say softly, placing Antonio in his arms—careful to turn him just enough so the words on his shirt are clear.

He chuckles, eyes still on our son. “What’s this little guy wearing today?”

His gaze drops to the shirt.

“Big brother…” he reads aloud, the words trailing off into silence.

There’s a pause. His brow furrows, lips part slightly as the realization begins to sink in.

He looks up at me, eyes wide. “Wait… Maria—are you…?”

I nod, tears stinging the corners of my eyes, my voice thick with joy. “We’re having another baby.”

His expression softens, tears gathering in his eyes. “Are you serious?” His voice is filled with awe, and I nod again, tears now spilling freely down my cheeks.

“I’m sure,” I whisper, my voice thick with emotion. “We’re going to have another little one.”

Matteo pulls me into his arms, and for a moment, everything feels perfect. His warmth, the scent of his skin, the steady rhythm of his heartbeat beneath my ear—it makes everything else fade away. I let myself sink into him, closing my eyes as the reality of the news settles in. We’re going to have another baby. A sense of peace washes over me—one I haven’t felt in a long time.

He pulls back slightly, his hands framing my face as he looks at me, his smile wide and full of joy. “I can’t believe it,” hewhispers. “I thought we were going to have to keep trying… This is everything. You’re incredible, Maria.”

I let out a shaky laugh, brushing away the tears that continue to fall. “I guess we didn’t need to try for long. I’m so happy… Are you?”

He blinks away his own tears and kisses our son, who remains blissfully unaware of what’s happening—but happy just to be in his father’s arms. Matteo’s gaze softens as he looks at Antonio, still nestled against his chest.

“He’s going to be the best big brother,” Matteo says, glancing back at me with that familiar twinkle in his eyes.

I nod, my chest swelling with love for the little boy who’s already captured so much of our hearts. I can already imagine the bond they’ll share—the way Antonio will hold his little sibling, teach them everything he’s learning. A bond like the one I shared with my brother.

I turn my gaze to the rising sun, the sky painted in shades of gold, pink, and soft orange. I know they’re both watching with smiles on their faces.

“We’re so blessed,” I whisper, reaching for Matteo’s hand. “I love you, amore.”

Matteo presses a kiss to my forehead, his thumb gently stroking my cheek. “I love you more than you’ll ever know, Maria. You’ve given me a life I never imagined I could have.”

“And it’s only just the beginning,” I reply, my heart full of hope and excitement for what’s to come.

We still live in a world laced with danger—one that will always linger at our doorstep because of the life my husband leads. But I am prepared to stand beside him through every battlefield, every fire, every storm. Because no matter what we face, I believe in us. And I know we will emerge on the other side not just surviving, but stronger than we ever were before.

“Papá, pretty.” Our son points to the sunrise, his little chubby cheeks rosy from the whipping wind that kisses them. “Mamá, look!”

“I know, baby. So beautiful,” I say, looking toward the horizon. “I know they would be so happy.”

I don’t need to explain—I know Matteo understands I’m talking about Daniele and Antonio. They are huge missing pieces in our lives, but they live on, and every time I look at the sky, I find them in every ray of sunshine and every painted horizon.

I lean into my Matteo and savor this precious little moment on the beach. “I think it’s a girl.”

Matteo hums in agreement. “I had a dream you were playing with a little girl last night.”

I turn my head to look up at him. “Really?”