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He shrugs and extends a hand toward my face, brushing my tears away. “You’re part of this family now.” He stands and steps toward the door, his hand wrapping around the silver handle. “Better get used to them.” He opens it and pokes his head outside. “She’s up.”

Within seconds, the room is filled with familiar faces.

“We were so worried about you.” Scarlett rushes to my side and squeezes my hand. “How are you feeling?”

“I’m fine.” I smile, looking around at everyone.

Alina and Madeleine appear on my other side.

“So badass that you killed him,” Madeleine says, with a big grin. Alina elbows her in the ribs. “Ow. It’s true!”

Alina shakes her head, smiling. “We’re so glad you’re okay.”

“Thanks.” I try to peek around them. “Can I see—”

“Mama!” Clara appears in Mauro’s arms, eagerly reaching out for me.

My heart stills.

I blink a few times, processing, or at least trying to process what I just heard.

But never in my life did I think I would be lucky enough to hear that monumental word. Never did I think I would be fortunate enough to fill the hole in my heart with a little girl who brings so much light into my life.

I look at Alex, unsure how I should react.

A faint smile curves his lips as his eyes glisten. He takes off his glasses, quickly wipes at his eyes with the back of his hand, then puts them back on as though nothing happened. He takes Clara from Mauro’s arms and walks her over to me. “That’s right, little one. There’s your mama.”

I smile as tears escape down my cheeks. “Hi, sweet girl.” I clasp her in my arms and hug her against my chest, my face pressing into her hair. “You were so brave.”

She pulls back and looks at me, her lips scrunching together. Her little palms press against my cheeks. “Mama sad?”

I shake my head. “No. These are happy tears.” She giggles as I brush my nose against hers. “Because you make me so happy.”

My eyes catch on Cecilia wiping her eyes. Alex slides an arm over her shoulders, pulling her into his side. She looks up at him, patting his chest as a soft smile graces her lips. “Nothing makes a mother happier than seeing her child happy.”

He presses a brief kiss to the top of her head and then looks around the room. After a moment, he says, “I think we should let Charlotte get some rest.”

Everyone says their goodbyes and then Madeleine scoops Clara into her arms. “You and I are having a sleepover!”

Clara claps her hands together, smiling excitedly.

“Rest up,” Leo tells me, patting the end of the bed.

Mauro dips his chin as he walks out.

Vin looks between me and Alex, a knowing smile on his lips. His eyes rest on me. “Thank you for filling the hole in my brother’s heart. It’s good to see him happy. Especially because he was pretty fucking miserable to live with when he thought you were dead.”

Alex rolls his eyes, but grins.

Vin squeezes the back of his neck. “Well, I better get going. I promised Clara she could ride her pony.”

Alex’s mouth opens.

“Don’t worry.” Vin grins. “I’ll be holding her the whole damn time.”

Alex appears pleased with his answer. “Fine. But don’t forget her helmet.”

“I won’t.” Vin exits the room, shutting the door behind him.