Page 93 of Mafia Pregnancy

In the distance, I hear Leo’s laughter as he chases fireflies with some of the other children, and Sophia’s contented sounds as Carmen rocks her to sleep. Our family, our friends, our home—everything that matters is here in this garden where we promised to love each other forever.

“Come on, Mrs. Vetrov.” I take her hand and lead her back toward the lights and music. “Let’s go dance with our children.”

“I love the sound of that.”

“What? Mrs. Vetrov?”

“Our children.” She squeezes my hand and smiles. “Our family.”

We walk back to join the celebration, and for the first time in my life, I’m not planning three moves ahead or calculating potential threats. I’m simply present in this moment, surrounded by everyone I love, and grateful for the woman who taught me that the best victories come from knowing when to surrender.

This is what happiness looks like and home feels like. This is what love builds when you’re brave enough to choose it over everything else.