Her older brother’s eyes moved from me to her. His expression didn’t change at first.
“I don’t think,” he said slowly, eyes fixed on Francesca, “I’ve ever seen you this happy.”
Her grip on my neck tightened just a fraction before she answered, voice steady and honest. “I am.”
That was all it took.
Gìovanni stepped forward as she stood, and he wrapped her in a big hug. “Then I am happy for you.”
He turned to me next.
I stood, and met him halfway into the hug. “Congratulations.”
Natalia smiled, one hand instinctively cradling her belly as Trevor kissed her temple and raised his glass in salute.
Kali clapped once, elegant and sincere, while Zane stepped in close, murmuring something low to Francesca that made her laugh.
Natalia tilted her head, smiling at Gìovanni with mock suspicion.
“You know,” she said sweetly, “I think Gìo’s new nickname should be Cupid.”
Trevor laughed. “Deadliest Cupid I’ve ever seen.”
Gìovanni shook his head, but there was a smile there he didn’t bother hiding.
Francesca leaned back into me again, familiar and perfect, and I wrapped my arms around her without thinking – like this was always how it was meant to be.
For the first time in a long, dangerous life, I let myself believe in it.
The moment settled, softened – and then shifted, naturally, the way good gatherings always did.
“Twenty-two,” Trevor stated, pointing at Maria like it was a public service announcement.
Zach whistled.
Maria shoved him without missing a beat. “You’re all literally older than me.”
Trevor laughed and leaned back into the couch, arm around Natalia. “How come you took time off studying, though? I thought midterms were brutal right now.”
She smirked. “Spring break. I’m legally required to have fun.”
That was enough to get everyone moving. Trevor stood, helping Natalia get up, and we were all moving.
We drifted out of the living room toward the dining room – voices overlapping, laughter bouncing off marble and glass. The townhouse felt warmer now.
Halfway down the hall, Maria slowed, letting the others walk ahead. She fell into step beside me.
For a second, it was awkward. We hadn’t exactly started on friendly terms – too many crossed loyalties.
“Hey,” she said, softer than usual. “I just wanted to say… Congratulations.”
I looked at her, really looked at her. Young, sharp, loyal to the bone. Good for my brother. Good for the family in ways that mattered.
“Thank you,” I said honestly.
She hesitated, then stepped forward and hugged me – quick, a little stiff, but real. The first time we’d ever exchange anything more than a wave.
I patted her back twice, careful and respectful. “I’m glad you’re here,” I added. And I meant more than just today.
