Epilogue
Massimo
Nothing in my life, nothing has even wrecked me like this.
Not my first kill, not my first war, not even watching Maria walking down the aisle, knowing the day would end in blood.
But this?
Maria screams, crushing Jo’s hand like she’s trying to snap a bone, while Sebastian stands there grinning like an idiot.
I’m fucking terrified.
"What the fuck is taking so long?!” I shout, pacing the hospital room like a man who’s lost his mind. My hands are in my hair, my tie is loose, my shirt is unbuttoned, and I feel like I’m about to pass out.
Sebastian snorts from where he’s leaning against the wall. "Would you stop acting like a pussy and get over there with your wife?"
“Maria is having three fucking babies come out of her, and you’re telling me to calm down?” I bark. "You fucking get over there, then!" I growl back, running a hand down my face.
"Not my wife, my friend." He shrugs. "But you? You married her. So, suck it up, tough guy."
When Maria cries out again, my heart stops and my knees nearly give.
"Massimo," Jo calls over her shoulder, glaring at me like she’s about to slap me across the face. "If you don’t get over here and hold your damn wife’s hand, I swear to God, I will make sure you don’t fuck her again.”
I’m at Maria’s side in seconds, I love having sex with my wife and no way anyone is stopping me either.
She’s sweating, her hair clinging to her face, her eyes squeezed shut as another contraction rips through her body. I grab her hand, letting her squeeze as hard as she wants. Fuck, my wife has it in a hard grip.
"I’m here, Angel," I whisper, pressing a kiss on her forehead.
Her breathing is ragged, but she looks up at me, her eyes shining with so much love. Even through the pain, she manages a small smile.
"You better be. This is all your fault."
I smirk, pressing another kiss to her temple. "I’ll take the blame for everything, but don’t kill me before I meet our kids."
The doctor suddenly speaks, urgency in his tone. "It’s time. The first baby is ready to come."
The room erupts into chaos. Maria screams. Jo coaches her through it. Sebastian? He’s grinning like an idiot. And me? I feel my soul leave my fucking body.
The room blurs, doctors barking orders, Maria crying out, my pulse ready to blow. Then, a newborn’s scream.
A son.
"Baby number one is here," the doctor announces.
Then another cry, baby number two.
A son.
Then another, baby number three.
Another son.
I sit there, stunned, staring at the three tiny boys wrapped in blankets. Our sons.
Holy shit. Three boys.
Maria is exhausted, her body limp against the pillows, but she looks over at me, eyes full of tears. "Massimo… we have three boys."
I can’t breathe. I run my hands through her damp hair, my chest cracked open.
"You did that, Angel," I whisper, kissing her lips softly. "You gave me a family. You gave me everything."
Sebastian leans over, peering at the babies with a smirk. "Three boys? One of them is marrying my daughter."
Jo gasps, swatting at his arm. "Sebastian!"
"What?" He grins, resting a hand on Jo’s stomach. They only told us this week they’re having a baby. "I mean, if we’re having a girl, it only makes sense. She’s going to need a husband one day." I don’t know if they are having a girl, but he believes they are.
Maria laughs softly, her exhaustion clear, but her happiness undeniable.
And me? I look at my wife. My children. My family.
My father walks in wearing a smile I haven’t seen in years. “Move out the way.” He pushes me away and kisses Maria on the cheek. “You did good.” My father moves to the babies, smiling, and I stand next to him.
“Father?” I ask, because he's quiet.
“Three boys,” he mutters. “They’re gonna be trouble, but I’m spoiling them more than I ever spoiled you.”
And for the first time in forever, I feel truly at peace.
Now I don’t just protect my wife. I protect my sons. No one’s getting through me.