“It was a precious moment. It’s a miracle I didn’t cry. I am so proud of him.”
Elio and I have rebuilt our relationship with ease. Sharing the photos I kept and the sketches I drew of him and Cristian over the years helped fill in the gaps in his memory, and I’ve enjoyed bonding with him again, albeit in a much different way.
News of his aunt’s and hisnonno’s passing was hard for Elio as is the fact none of the Da Rosas are here today. Investigation cleared anyone else in the family of involvement, but no one blames Cristian for being wary. Bodyguards go with Elio anytime he’s visiting his maternal relatives, and though he’s curious, he’s accepted Cristian’s explanation about taking extra precautions because of everything that went down with the cartel.
Rodrigo Fuentes reconfirmed he has no beef with anyone inCosa Nostraand no one has been following me, but the peace deal is tentative at best, and Cristian doesn’t trust any of them. Taking bodyguards with me anytime I leave our house is a small price to pay. I’d rather feel safe and Cristian feel reassured. Most of the time, I forget they’re there anyway.
“I’m so glad we opened our home to Yasmine,” my husband says, pulling me out of my inner monologue. “I know we have more rough times ahead, but I already love her so much, and seeing them together confirms it was the right decision.”
My smile is automatic as I cup one side of his face. “Do you think we have room for one more?”
Cristian stops dancing, and his eyes pop wide as he stares at me. “Are you saying that you’re…we’re…”
It’s not often my husband struggles for words. Emotion swells my chest to breaking point as I nod. “I’m pregnant. We’re having a baby.”
“Sloane,” he whispers, pressing his brow to mine. “I didn’t think my heart could get any fuller, but this is the best news ever. Oh my god.” Lifting me up, he swings me around, laughing, his joy contagious and obvious for everyone to see.
“Put me down, you crazy man, before you give the game away,” I say over my giggles.
“I love you so much,” he says, setting my feet on the ground. “You’re not the only one whose dreams have come true.” His lips meld against mine in a passionate kiss, and I cling to him, deliriously happy and so, so grateful we found our way back to one another, and we finally get the life we’ve both wanted.
“Ahem.” Rory clears her throat. “Can I steal a dance with the groom, or is that pushing my luck?”
“I think it might be,” I tease, slipping out of Cristian’s arms. “I’m so happy you’re here.” I pull my best friend into a big hug.
“I wouldn’t have missed this for anything.”
“I’m immensely grateful for everything you’ve done.”
“Ah, stop it. You don’t have to keep thanking me, and I’ve already cried buckets today. I know you’d have done the same for me.”
After I disappeared, Cristian reached out to Rory, and they met up. He told her everything, and she wanted to be involved. So, she packed up her life and moved to New York to head up the nonprofit organization Cristian established to search for missing children. She also worked closely with Cristian and Gia as they looked for me and the missing DiPietro children.
I don’t think I can ever repay her for everything she’s done for me and the relentless campaigning she did when Mom and I were kidnapped. She’s the very definition of a true friend, and I’m so glad we were able to resume our friendship as if the years apart had never happened.
I started working with the charity ten months ago, and we’re in the process of collaborating with Moonlight, a charity run by Selena Kennedy to support trafficking victims with healing, recovery, and reintegration into society. Nothing means more to me than helping other victims caught in similar situations. Selena is keen for me to speak to some of their clients. She feels my personal experiences will offer them much-needed hope and inspiration for the future.
“We’re glad to have you and Felicity in our lives,” Cristian agrees, pressing a kiss to my cheek.
“Speaking of your wife, where is she?” My eyes search the room for the feisty redhead.
“Oh, she’s around here somewhere. Most likely flirting with some poor, hapless man,” Rory says.
We all laugh. “I’ll check on the kids.” I peck my husband’s lips. “Don’t miss me too much.”
“Don’t go far,” Cristian says. “My arms already pine for you.”
“Oh my god. You are such a lucky bitch, Slo. Your man is so romantic.” Rory clutches her chest. “I think you need to give Felicity some tips, Cristian.”
I’m smiling as I walk off to check in with the kids and my mother and sister-in-law.
Gia nabs me then, pulling me aside into a huddle with Elisa. “Spill the tea, sister.”
Elisa’s eyes gleam with excitement as she stares expectantly at me. I’m so grateful they were able to forgive me and that we have a special friendship. Living close to one another means we see each other every day, and they’re the sisters I always wished I had growing up.
“What do you mean?” I feign nonchalance, but it’s already been determined I’m a crappy actress.
“Ha.” Gia loops her arm in mine. “We saw Cristian swinging you around with the goofiest smile on his face, and we have bets on what you told him.”
