Epilogue
Second Time Around
Oni
Five years later …
Rico has done it again. He has pulled off a surprise I didn’t see coming. Don Gallo has whisked me off to Italy for our second wedding.
He planned the whole thing without me. I think this wedding is better than our last one would have been. Fifteen years of marriage and I still love this man more than life itself.
“Mama, Mama,” our two boys call as they come running toward us as we dance on the dance floor for our first dance.
Rico’s eyes light up as he grins down at me. I return the smile then turn to face our twins. My smile broadens when I see their sister trying to toddle after them. She’s two years younger than her brothers.
I will never not have what-ifs about our first baby, but I love these three to life. They are my world. There is never a dull moment with them around.
Rico lifts both our boys into his arms and I pick up our princess. This moment is perfect as our little family sways together. I look around the room at all the love we have around us.
I spot my mom and Uncle Emilio. A smile comes to my face. I have to laugh.
“And that was his endgame. He made everything right for her,” I say.
Rico looks over my head and snorts. “He paid the price and we elevated.”
“But we all learned a lesson,” I finish.
“Yup. Sounds about right.”
“I wouldn’t change a thing,” I say out loud.
“Neither would I. Who knew that little car thief would be the love of my life?”
“Don Gallo, I’m so much more than a car thief, I’ll have you know.”
“That you are, baby. That you are.”