“They’re as happy to be a family as you and I are.”
Her words make my heart swell with emotion.
A month ago, I didn’t really know these kids. Now they’re as essential to me as air.
“Don’t forget your oldpapa,” my father says to them.
Adalina rushes over to him. “You can be the best man,Papa.”
My father’s eyes twinkle with life I haven’t seen in a long time.
I pull Elena close to me as I realize it’s finally happened. I've taken back my life. My family. My future.
And I will never let them go again.
EPILOGUE
Luca - Christmas Day
I stand in Dom's expansive living room, watching my kids run around the Christmas tree.
Last year, I watched them and remembered thinking how I’d done that as a boy with Gabriella and Elena. Even Dom until he decided he was too old to play with us.
Elena's hand slips into mine, and I pull her closer. On occasion, I still have those fears that this is a dream or the world is going to open up and swallow my happy life.
"You okay?" she whispers, her eyes searching mine.
"Better than okay."
La Corona families mingle together as they do every year, the Calabresis, Ferrazas, and our two families, Montis and Vitales, united. Marco catches my eye across the room and raises his glass. I lift mine in return.
My father sits near the fireplace, clarity in his eyes tonight.
He's having one of his good days. I feel like maybe the triplets are to thank for that.
They’ve given him new life.
"Attention, everyone." My father's voice cuts through the chatter. The room quiets as he stands, leaning slightly on his cane but looking every bit the Don he once was.
"Christmas is about family," he begins, his gaze sweeping the room before landing on Elena and me. "And today, I'm blessed to celebrate with not just my son and daughter, but with three beautiful grandchildren I never knew I had."
Rocco beams up at him, pride written across his face. The kid already worships his grandfather.
"And soon," my father continues, "our family will grow even stronger. Luca and Elena have announced their engagement."
Elena leans toward me. “And maybe a fourth child,” she whispers.
I’m sure I’ve got the goofiest smile on my face as she says that.
The room erupts in applause. Even Dom nods his approval from across the room.
"To Luca and Elena." My father raises his glass. "May you find lifelong happiness."
The ladies descend on Elena wanting to see her ring.
I give them space, moving toward Marco and Roman who seem to be comparing baby stories.
Maybe I’ll be able to join in next year.
