Page 159 of Secret Baby for the Mafia Don

“I thought love would make me weak. But you’ve shown me that I was wrong. You don't weaken me, Gabriella. You make me stronger. Better."

Her eyes glisten, but she remains silent, letting me finish.

"I'm not good with words like this but… well… I understand now that my happiness is bound to yours. I don't want to waste another day without you."

I hold the ring higher, an offering and a promise.

"Marry me, Gabriella. Not because of the baby, not because of our families, but because I love you. Because I want to build something with you that's stronger than anything I could build alone."

Then her face transforms with a joy so pure it steals my breath.

She launches herself into my arms with enough force to make me wince, but I wouldn't trade this pain for anything.

"Yes. God, yes. Finally."

I hold Gabriella close, and suddenly, I'm laughing, a genuine, heartfelt laugh that erupts from somewhere deep inside me.

The sound startles us both.

When was the last time I laughed like this?

Not the fake chuckle used in business or the cold laugh that precedes violence, but this pure expression of joy.

"What?" Gabriella pulls back slightly, her eyes dancing as she studies my face.

"Nothing. Everything." I shake my head, still smiling. "I just realized I've spent forty-six years afraid of this moment, and now that it's here, I can't remember why."

She slips the ring onto her finger. "Fear makes us do strange things.”

I turn my head to kiss her palm, marveling at how this simple gesture now feels as natural as breathing. "We're quite the pair, aren't we?"

“You mean stubborn, suspicious?—"

"Perfect," I finish for her, and I mean it.

She kisses me, and I feel the last of my resistance melt away.

This woman, with her fierce intelligence and unwavering heart, has accomplished what no enemy ever could.

She's broken through my defenses and shown me that surrender can be victory.

"I love you.”

She laughs, the sound washing over me, cleansing away the darkness. "It took you long enough to admit it."

"I'm a slow learner," I concede, "but I'm catching up."

“Stick with me, Marco. You and me… we’re going to rock this life.”

I have no doubt that she’s right, and I’m so fucking looking forward to it.

EPILOGUE: GABRIELLA

Christmas Day - La Corona Party at Don Antonio Monti's Home

I glance at the sparkling engagement ring as Marco helps me out of the car at my father’s home.

My heart feels just as dazzling, full of light and promise.