Page 152 of Sinful Hearts

She doesn’t know what really happened that day in Aleksy’s office.

Nor will she ever.

She’d blame it on Dasha, and my sister doesn’t deserve that.

Just like with Aurora, Emilio stands over Dasha as she holds Emeri.

He’s going to be as protective of him as he is of me.

Those who wantedto give me time to rest at the hospital visit me when I’m home.

Maggie throws me what she calls aWelcome Home, Mommy and Babyparty.

The other wives come bearing gifts and advice. They tell me they’re only a phone call away and available, day or night, assuring me I’m not alone.

The men give me hugs and tell me Emilio will be a great father. Most of them call Emeri their nephew.

By the end of the night, I’m drained and can’t wait to sleep.

Emeri’s bassinet is in our bedroom. I check on him, making sure he’s asleep, before undressing and climbing into bed. The soft sheets feel like heaven against my skin.

Emilio walks in, post-shower, wearing only boxer briefs. He pauses at the bassinet to kiss Emeri’s forehead and then strolls toward our bed.

He pulls back the blanket and slides in. Propping himself up on his elbow, he stares down at me in admiration and softly runs a hand over my stomach. “I can’t believe you grew our baby inside there.”

I press my hand over his, interlacing our fingers. “And you helped make our beautiful baby boy.”

“None of this would’ve happened without you, Liliya.” He lifts our joined hands from my stomach and places them on his bare chest, right over his heart. “If you hadn’t come into my life, this home would’ve rotted. It wouldn’t be filled with love like it is now. I wouldn’t know what it feels like to behappy. I’d still be the same heartless man I was.

“Before you, I was miserable. I wasn’t afraid of death. In fact, sometimes, I welcomed it. But now, I fear death because it’ll take me away from you and our son.” His voice grows thick with emotion. “Turns out, maybe some hearts can be saved.”

“Your heart never needed to be saved. It was always there,” I whisper to him. “You just needed someone to show you the proof. Your heart is huge, Emilio. It runs full for all the people you love and protect.”

“You did that.” He tips his head down, kissing my lips, and pulls me close. “You proved that I have the heart.”

As I lie there, the heat of him relaxes my body.

I smile.

Our hearts finally found a home with each other.

A place to feel safe.

Even the darkest hearts can find their happily ever after.

And usually, those are the best tales to read.