Page 164 of Secret Baby for the Mafia Don

He laughs, and it’s a sound even more beautiful than Christmas bells or music.

“Don’t worry. We’ll have them one at a time.” He kisses his fingers and then presses them to my belly. “Daddy loves you.”

Tears spring to my eyes at his words, at the gesture. Silly hormones.

“Hey?” Worry laces his tone. “What’s wrong?”

“I’m so happy. So happy you love me, love the baby.”

His hands cup my cheeks. “I do love you, Gabriella. Always. As long as I live. Every breath is for you and our child. I vow it.”

I settle against him, careful not to bother his wound. “I love you forever too. You’ll never question that. I promise.”

His arms hold me tight, and I know with the same certainty that the sun will rise tomorrow that Marco and I will love each other until the end.

That whatever we face, we’ll overcome.

Together. Forever.

EXTENDED EPILOGUE

Elena

I watch my triplets chase Angelica around the Christmas tree, their laughter filling the air with the joy that comes from the innocence of childhood.

Rocco leads the charge, always the bold one, while Elio follows. Adalina hangs back slightly, her eyes sparkling with mischief as she plans her own route to catch Roman's daughter.

I remember chasing Gabriella and Luca around the tree when we were kids.

"They're getting so big," Isabella says, appearing beside me with baby Leo balanced on her hip.

I nod. "Seems like yesterday they were just learning to walk. Now they’re in kindergarten.”

“Roman says the same about Angelica. Just yesterday, he cradled her in his arms, and now she’s ten.”

“Life charges on,” I say, glancing to see where Luca is. I've managed to position myself strategically all evening, using the children as both shield and excuse to avoid direct contact.

Leo starts to fuss. “I should feed him.” Isabella leaves for a private spot to nurse him.

"Mama! Look what Angelica showed us!" Adalina calls, holding up a glass ornament that catches the light.

I rush over. "Be careful with that, sweetheart. It's delicate." As I kneel beside my daughter, I feel his presence before I see him.

The hairs on my neck rise, and my body remembers what my mind tries desperately to forget.

“The kids are bigger each year.” Luca's deep voice comes from behind me.

“Yes, well it’s been a year.” I know I sound snarky, but I can’t help it. It’s the only way to keep him at a distance.

I turn, doing all I can to avoid eye contact. "If you'll excuse me, I need to check on something…" I slip away, past the dining room where Dominic chats with Leo, past Roman who gives me a curious look, and into the quiet sanctuary of Antonio's family room.

But then he’s there again.

He enters the room, his sharp gaze on me, assessing.

“Are you stalking me?” I demand.

Why is he doing this?