Epilogue
The Moretti estate was bathed in golden light, the scent of pine and cinnamon filling the air.
The grand Christmas tree stood tall in the center of the room, glittering with ornaments and twinkling lights.
Laughter echoed through the halls as Leo ran past me, a blur of excitement, his little feet thudding against the polished floors.
"Zia Alessa! Catch me!" he giggled, flashing a mischievous grin over his shoulder.
I reached out pretending to almost grab him, only for him to dodge at the last second and take off again.
"Leo, slow down" Cancio's voice held a warning though love laced his tone.
"Let him be," Sara sighed from the couch, cradling little Aldo in her arms. The baby cooed, wide-eyed and curious, his tiny fingers curling around hers.
I couldn't help but smile, my heart swelling at the sight. Sara had given birth just a few months ago and seeing her with both of her boys stirred something deep within me.
Something I could finally share.
My fingers trembled slightly as I adjusted the delicate silver wrapped box in my hands. The weight of the secret I carried felt both exhilarating and terrifying.
Luca stood near the fireplace, deep in conversation with Cancio, a whiskey glass lazily balanced between his fingers. Even now, dressed in an open collared shirt and tailored black slacks, he exuded effortless power. My husband. My heart.
And soon... the father of our child.
I swallowed, my stomach twisting with anticipation. Would he be happy? Would he-
No. I wouldn't let doubt creep in. This was his moment, our moment.
I cleared my throat. "Luca."
His gaze snapped to mine instantly, a slow smirk tugging at his lips. "Hmm?"
I tilted my head toward the staircase, silently asking him to follow me. His brow arched but he set his drink down and excused himself from Cancio, stepping toward me without hesitation.
The moment we reached our bedroom, I shut the door softly behind him. My heart pounded as I turned, gripping the small box tighter.
Luca studied me, his smirk fading slightly. "What's with the secrecy, wife?" His voice was low, teasing, but there was curiosity in his sharp gaze.
I swallowed hard. "I have a gift for you."
He exhaled a chuckle, leaning against the bedpost. "You are my gift, carina. I don't need anything else."
I rolled my eyes but warmth spread through me at his words. "Just open it."
Luca's gaze flickered to the box in my hands and he was curious. Slowly, he pushed off the bedpost, stepping closer, his fingers brushing against mine as he took the gift from my hands.
His movements were slow or maybe it was my excitement that made a second felt like an hour. He tugged at the ribbon, letting it fall away before lifting the lid.
The teasing smirk vanished instantly.
For a moment, he didn't move. Didn't breathe.
Nestled in the velvet lining was a small sonogram.
Luca's entire body went still.
His eyes snapped to mine. His grip on the box tightened slightly as if grounding himself.
"Alessa..." His voice was rough, barely a whisper.
I swallowed, suddenly feeling nervous. "I found out a few days ago," I admitted softly. "I wanted to tell you tonight."
Luca didn't say anything. He just stared at the sonogram, his brows slightly furrowed, his lips parting as if trying to form words. His breathing had changed being slower, deeper but his silence made my nerves spike.
"Luca?" My voice was barely above a whisper.
His head snapped up again and in the next second, he moved.
Before I could react, his hands were on my face, tilting it up as his lips crashed against mine in a kiss that stole the air from my lungs.
I gasped against his mouth, my fingers curling into his shirt. The kiss was rough, desperate, his way of feeling before he could find the words.
When he finally pulled back, he rested his forehead against mine, his breath warm against my skin. His fingers traced the curve of my cheek, his touch featherlight.
"You are pregnant?" His voice was raw, almost disbelieving.
Tears burned at the back of my eyes as I nodded. "We are having a baby, Luca."
He inhaled sharply and I watched as a storm of emotions flickered across his face, shock, happiness, love.
Then, his hands slid down over my arms, to my waist before finally settling on my stomach. His touch was hesitant on my still flat belly.
His palm pressed against me, fingers splaying out as if he could already feel something there.
"Here?" he murmured, almost to himself.
A watery laugh escaped me. "Yes, amore. Here."
"You are sure?" His voice was hoarse, filled with something vulnerable.
I nodded, my hands covering his. "I saw the doctor. It's real."
Luca exhaled a shaky breath then dropped to his knees before me. My heart squeezed as he pressed his forehead against my stomach, his arms wrapping around my waist, holding me close.
He kissed my stomach, lingering there, his breath warm against the fabric.
"Ciao piccolo," he whispered. "It's your papa."
My chest ached, my eyes burning with unshed tears.
Luca looked up at me then, his dark gaze burning with something raw, something unshakable.
"I love you," he said. "You and our baby. More than anything."
I smiled as I caressed his head against my belly. "I love you too, Luca."