"I love you," I whispered.
"I love you too. All three of you." His hand settled over mine. "My whole world."
Outside, the Montana night was peaceful. Inside, our babies slept safely.
Marco DeLuca's shadow was finally, permanently gone.
We'd survived.
Now we could finally live.
Though somewhere in the back of my mind, I knew there were still loose ends to tie up. Consequences to face. But that was a problem for tomorrow.
Tonight, we had this. And it was enough.
CHAPTER 27
Alessio
The FBI debriefing happened in our living room with both babies sleeping in their bassinets.
Marco was dead. His network was crumbling—seventeen arrests in the past week, more coming daily. The threat that had consumed our lives for over a year was finally, permanently neutralized.
But consequences remained.
Special Agent Rodriguez sat across from me, files spread on the coffee table. "Your cooperation has been invaluable, Mr. Valestri. The testimony you provided, the connections you identified—we've closed cases that have been open for years."
"But?" I asked, hearing it in her tone.
"But your confession video is comprehensive. Damning. We can't ignore it." She met my eyes. "The deal we're offering is fair, but it's not a free pass. You'll serve time."
Valentina's hand found mine, fingers interlacing automatically.
"How much time?" she asked.
"The prosecutor is recommending eight to twelve weeks in minimum security, with credit for cooperation and time already served during the investigation. Could be as little as six weeks of actual custody." Rodriguez pulled out documents. "In exchange, you provide testimony against Marco's external associates—the cartels, the corrupt officials, the international connections. Not the Valestri family operations."
"They want him to testify against everyone except his own people," Valentina said.
"Correct. We recognize Mr. Valestri has formally transferred leadership and stepped away from active operations. We're not asking him to destroy his former family. Just to help us dismantle Marco's network."
Six to twelve weeks. Not years. Not decades.
The deal was better than I had any right to expect. Eighteen years running a criminal organization, and I was looking at weeks instead of decades. The cooperation, the testimony, taking down Marco's network—it had bought me something close to freedom.
I didn't question it. Just accepted the gift for what it was.
"What about Valentina?" I asked. "Full immunity?"
"Complete immunity. She was a victim throughout, and her cooperation has been exemplary." Rodriguez looked at Valentina. "You're free, Ms. DeLuca. No charges, no consequences. Your children are legally yours with no complications."
Relief transformed Valentina's face.
"When would he report?" she asked.
"Seventy-two hours. Gives you time to arrange childcare, finalize details."
Seventy-two hours. Three days before, I had to leave my newborn children and the woman I loved.
