Betty smiles and reaches across the island to pat my hand. “We’re the blessed ones, sweetheart. You brought my baby back to life at a time I wasn’t sure he’d ever be like he was.”
I want to argue with her because I didn’t know the Angelo before, but I knew the Tilly before Angelo. Although I’m living, thriving, and completely in love, I know I’m not the woman I used to be. The pain has a way of staying etched on your heart forever. The wound may close, but the scar will always remain as a constant reminder of the path I walked and the hurt I endured.
“We’ll always have each other,” Delilah says. “I’ve never been so loved. I don’t know where I’d be without this family.” Delilah lets out a relieved sigh. “I’m happy I’ll never have to know either.”
Daphne smiles. “We’re a sisterhood.”
Bianca nods. “I always wanted a sister, and I can’t even begin to tell you how happy I am to finally have girls at my side.” She places her hands on her stomach. “My baby is going to have some kick-ass aunts and an amazing and strong grandma.”
“My children and grandchildren will never know what it means to be alone, and for that, I’m thankful. Even though I had to go through the hurt, I’m okay with taking that if it means I’ve shielded them from the same pain.”
“You have, Ma,” Daphne says and wraps her arms around her mother’s waist. “We will never be alone, and neither will you.”
There are heavy footsteps behind us, and I turn, catching the men, our men, standing near the doorway to the kitchen. They’re watching us, eyes roaming around the room, taking in the teary-eyed faces of their women.
“Do you need us to give you time?” Angelo asks, but he’s not asking me; he’s asking his mother.
She shakes her head. “No, sweetheart, but can you boys set the table? The food is just about ready.”
Angelo nods and makes his way into the room and toward me. “You okay?” he whispers as he leans forward to kiss me.
“Perfect, baby.” I smile, moving into him and wanting that kiss.
It’s sweet and short, soft and warm, but as he pulls away, his eyes search mine. “You sure you’re okay?”
I nod and smile. “I couldn’t be better.”
“I love you,” he whispers.
“I love you too,” I whisper back.
And I couldn’t be better. I have everything I ever wanted. A great husband, loving children, parents, sisters and brothers, and most of all, love. I’ll never know the pain of being alone again like I felt after my parents died. I knew sadness, but in this moment, I am certain I’ll never be alone again. I am part of something bigger, a family that has taken me in like I have been there my entire life, and for that, I’ll be forever thankful.
22
Tilly
ONE YEAR LATER
Suzy’s the first one to me, with her arms outstretched, waiting just beyond security at the Tampa airport. “Lemme see those cheeks.”
I turn my face, making a joke, because I know she isn’t talking about me. “They’ve grown since the last time you saw me.”
She waves her hand at me with a giggle and reaches for the wide-eyed baby in my arms. “I’m a sucker for a chubby baby.”
I hand my son to Suzy and am thankful to give my arms a break. “Well, Mason most certainly is that.”
“Oh, he’s a heavy little thing.” Suzy cradles him in her arms, running her nose along his head, getting the great baby smell I’ve grown all too fond of myself.
“Mommy,” Brax says at my side, yanking on my top when I don’t react fast enough.
“Yes, sweetheart?”
“Carry me,” he says and raises his arms in the air, wiggling them for effect. “Please.”
I lift Brax, who is almost too big to be carried, especially by me, but the transition with the new baby hasn’t been easy on the kids. They’ve taken it in stride, each day growing fonder of the little guy who keeps waking them up in the middle of the night. “Sure, baby.” I kiss his cheek.
Tate’s in Angelo’s arms, where she usually is now that Mason has arrived. When she isn’t in his arms, she’s pretending to be Mason’s mommy, which is adorable. She’s been such a good helper the last two months.
