“What?”
I felt heat rush to my cheeks, but I didn’t back down. “Dad! Matteo and I are in love.”
My father stared at us like we’d grown three heads, his gaze moving between our faces – searching, measuring, reading truths he couldn’t intimidate away.
“You two…” He said carefully, “Are in love?”
“Yes,” I said. “We are.”
Blood roared in my ears as my father stood, standing eye-to-eye with Matteo, and not looking happy at all. My heart was beating out of my chest.
Then he surprised me by smiling. Relief crashed through me so hard I nearly laughed.
He stepped forward and clasped Matteo’s shoulder, then pulled him into a firm embrace. “Welcome to the family, Matteo.” he said gruffly. “For good this time.”
Matteo nodded, chuckling. “Thank you, sir.”
My mother appeared in the doorway, drawn by the raised voices. “What’s going on?”
“We’re engaged,” I said, unable to keep the smile from my face. “For real.”
Mom gasped, hands flying to her mouth, eyes shining instantly. She rushed forward and wrapped both of us in a hug. “Oh, my heart,” she murmured. “I knew it. Iknewit. Welcome to the Family, Matteo.”
The room felt brighter somehow. Warmer. Like something heavy had finally been set down.
I slipped my hand into Matteo’s and leaned into him, my heart full in a way that felt terrifying and perfect.
For once, nothing about this was strategy.
It was just us.
Chapter 38
Present
Upper-East Side, New York City
I received the phone call on May first, at three in the afternoon.
Matteo and I rushed to buy a bouquet of pink peonies before making it to our destination – Mount Sinai Hospital on Madison Avenue, Upper-East Side.
My heels clicked against the floor as we hurried towards one of the private Suites, my hand interlocked with Matteo’s.
We made it in front of the door just as Maria and Zach arrived form another corridor, Zane already waiting outside for us.
I froze for half a second outside the suite, my pulse thudding louder than the soft hospital hum around us. The hallway smelled faintly of antiseptic and fresh flowers – peonies everywhere, pale pink against crisp white walls. Matteo squeezed my hand, grounding me.
Maria tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, eyes bright. “Did it happen?”
Zane, already posted by the door like a proud sentry, nodded.
“She’s here,” he said quietly, a smile breaking through his usual composure. “Healthy baby girl. Kali’s inside with Trevor and Natalia.”
Something warm bloomed in my chest.
We knocked softly, almost ceremonially, and pushed the door open.
The world inside felt hushed and glowing – lights dimmed, curtains half-drawn to let in the late afternoon sun. Natalia looked up immediately, soft exhaustion etched into her features, but she was radiant with happiness.
