Page 56 of The Mafia's Septuplets
“You talked about being terrified of the future and everything that could go wrong with the pregnancy and delivery.” I settle back in my chair, studying her face for reactions. “I want you to know that I’ve been thinking about the same concerns, and I’ve reached some conclusions about how to address them.”
She looks wary. “What kind of conclusions?”
“I want to leave this life. Not immediately, but eventually. I want to build something legitimate and safe for you and our children.” The words feel momentous as I speak them aloud to her for the first time. “I want to cash out of illegal operations and invest in businesses that won’t endanger our family.”
Her expression shifts through several stages of surprise, hope, and concern. “Is that possible? Can you just walk away from organized crime?”
“It’s complicated and will take time, probably months or even a year to execute properly. But yes, it’s possible with careful planning and the right support structure.” I lean forward, wanting her to understand how seriously I’ve considered this decision. “The question is whether you want that kind of future with me.”
“Of course I want that. I want our children to grow up safe, with a father who doesn’t have to worry about rival syndicates or federal investigations.” She pauses, clearly processing the implications. “What does it mean for your organization though, and for the people who depend on you?”
“Timur would take operational control, assuming he agrees to that level of responsibility. The organization would continue under new leadership while I focus on family and legitimate business interests.” I pause for a moment. “It wouldn’t be completely different, but it would take some of the danger and risk out of it.”
She stands up and moves to the window overlooking the gardens. “What needs to happen first?”
“We need to resolve the situation with Mikhail. I can’t focus on long-term restructuring while he’s actively trying to destroy everything we’ve built.” The practical concerns reassert themselves even in the middle of this hopeful conversation. “That means escalating our response to his attacks and ending this conflict decisively.”
“How long do you think that will take?”
“Probably months, depending on how quickly we can locate and neutralize his key operations.” I join her at the window, wrapping my arms around her from behind. “Once that’s resolved, we can begin building the kind of future we want for our family.”
She leans back against my chest, and I feel some of the tension leave her shoulders. “It sounds almost too good to be true.”
“Good things are possible, Willa. Maybe not easy, but possible with enough planning and commitment.” I turn her in my armsso she’s facing me. “I want to build something beautiful with you.” I kiss her softly, tasting hope and possibility on her lips. “These babies are going to change everything about our lives. I want those changes to be positive ones.”
Later that night, as we lie together in the darkness of our shared bedroom, I listen to her breathing deepen into sleep and think about the conversation with Timur, the plans taking shape in my mind, and the woman whose love has rewritten all my priorities.
Seven children will demand the best version of myself I can become as a man who protects without dominating, provides without controlling, and loves without possessing. The transformation required feels both impossible and inevitable.