Pulling Yuki into my arms, I feel relaxed as I dance with her for the first time, while we’re surrounded by our family.
“Thank you for today,” I say as I stare into her eyes. “I’ll make sure everything is cleaned up tomorrow.”
“It turned out okay, right?” she asks.
“It’s a huge success, my wife,” I praise her. “You’re incredible.”
I love seeing how she basks in my words, as if they give her life.
Wrapping her in a tight hug, we sway to the slow song.
Yeah, this is what life is all about. Friends, family, and owning the heart of the most precious being on this planet.
Epilogue
Yuki
Ten years later…
Sitting in my rocking chair, I stare down at our beautiful newborn boy.
Before I gave birth, Augusto said I could choose his name, and after looking through endless lists of baby names, both Sicilian and Japanese, I decided on Kai to honor my heritage.
My toes gently push against the floor as I rock the chair, and when Kai frees my nipple and yawns, my heart melts even more.
I cover myself up before I carefully lay him against my shoulder, and rubbing his back, I wait for him to burp.
I press my face into his tiny body and take a deep breath of his addictive scent, then let out a sigh.
“Mommy could eat you up,” I murmur, and when he finally burps, I praise him, “Such a good boy.”
I cradle him in my arms again, and for the hundredth time since I gave birth, I marvel at the little bundle of joy Augusto and I created out of our love.
Suddenly, Augusto says, “I could watch the two of you for hours.”
My eyes lift to where he’s standing in the doorway of the nursery, pride and affection shining in his eyes.
“Let me take him.” As I hand Kai to his daddy, Augusto gives the water on the table a pointed look. “Drink all of it. I don’t want you dehydrating.”
“Yes, my controlling and overprotective husband,” I tease him before I pick up the glass.
“You bet your sweet ass.” He looks down at our son, his features softening, then back to me. “I came to get you. There’s someone here to see you.”
“Me? Who?” I climb to my feet and make sure I look decent as I walk to the door. “Mom?”
“Stop asking questions and go.”
I shoot him a scowl, but curious to see who the visitor is, I hurry down the stairs. When I reach the foyer, a shriek bursts from me, and I run to Ryo.
“Oh my God!” I throw myself into my brother’s arms.
I haven’t seen him since Augusto took me on a trip to Tokyo two years ago.
Ryo lets out a chuckle as he hugs the crap out of me, then he pushes me back and looks me up and down. “You look good, Yuki.”
“Don’t lie. I’m a mess. Sleepless nights don’t look good on anyone.”
His eyes lock with mine. “Take the compliment.”
