Luca inclines his head. “Thank you.”
“I want to talk to Gabriel alone.”
I can sense the hesitation in my family but if peace is going to happen, they all know they have to trust Gabriel, so they leave the room.
Gabriel comes over to my side and takes my hand. “I was so worried I would lose you,” he admits. “I’ve never cared this much about anyone before. I’ve never said these words to anyone before. But Susanna… I love you.”
I gasp. I never thought Gabriel was capable of it but he saved my life. He protected me until the end. And I know he’s my future. The one where I can become the woman I’ve always wanted to be.
“I love you too,” I admit. “I knew I was falling for you and I didn’t want to go there given everything. But I know I do. I know I love you. I chose to be your wife and I would choose it again and again if it means I get to me with someone who accepts me for me.”
“And you do the same for me. We may not get along with your family but we always have each other.”
“You’re willing to make peace… for me?”
“Almost losing you made me realize this. I never want to lose you again. So yes, I am. I’m tired of hiding anyway. You’ve become more important to me than revenge.”
Tears spill down my face. “You’ve become important to me too. I’m tired of fighting how I feel for you. I just want to be happy.”
“So, let’s be happy together.” He kisses my hand and the feeling of it makes a warmth spread through me.
“That’s all I’ve ever wanted.”
I know there’s a lot of uncertainty. How long will the peace between Gabriel and Luca last? I’m not sure. Maybe only a month. Maybe until we all die of old age.
But what I do know is that I have found a man who loves me for me despite everything I’ve done and I’m not letting go no matter what.
Epilogue
Susanna
Christmas day. The dinner table is all set. Alek is hosting it this year.
Gabriel and I arrive at his house with multiple presents in tow. My stomach is still healing and I’m moving slow but I’m getting there. In just a few more months, I should be back to my old self.
Well, my new and improved self. The old me is someone I never fully want to be again.
Alek and Katya welcome us inside. My mom, Nina, and Luca, as well as Dimitri and his wife Sofiya, are already there. This is a get together for the peace treaty they all agreed to.
It’s been in effect for the past couple of months now and in that time, Gabriel and I have gotten to know each other somuch better. He’s taken care of me as I’ve healed. Not only has he helped me physically, but he’s helped me mentally and emotionally. I feel like an entirely new person. One who’s ready to put aside any anger and live my life to the fullest.
Alek, Nina, and my mom all give me a hug. I turn to Katya, Alek’s wife. I used to have such an issue with her. I used to be so cold to her.
But that changes now.
I open my arms wide. “I’m willing to hug if you are.”
Katya’s eyes widen before she smiles. “I’d like that.” We share a hug for the first time since she married Alek four years ago.
“Who knew Susanna marrying a man like Gabriel would change her this much,” Nina says.
“I grew a lot in that time I was kidnapped,” I admit. “I’ve changed. And I want all of you to see that. Gabriel accepts me but I need my family too as well. I need you all to know that I’m not the immature little girl I used to be. That I’ve grown.”
Mom squeezes my arm. “I can tell. And I’m so happy for you, Susanna.”
“I am too,” Nina says, giving me another hug. “It’s all I’ve ever wanted for you.”
“I want us to have a good relationship,” I say into her ear.
