Chapter 19
Vivian
Alejandro kept his promise.
He protected me and Matteo with a fierceness that would have been terrifying if it wasn’t so full of love.
He never told me about the lingering threats, the men in cars parked down the lane, the subtle messages sent to make sure the world knew we were untouchable.
I only learned about it later, when one of his cousins let it slip during a family dinner.
“Your husband is a legend,” she said, eyes wide. “No one crosses the Bellandis anymore.”
I looked at Alejandro across the table, feeding Matteo mashed carrots, his focus entirely on us.
It was true. No one crossed him.
But he’d never let that be the thing I loved most about him.
Lisa sent letters every year for Matteo’s birthday.
Sometimes she wrote about her new life, her new job, her son who was “so much like you, Vivian.”
Sometimes she apologized.
Most years, I read them, then tucked them in a box with the others.
I wasn’t sure I’d ever forgive her completely, but I didn’t hate her anymore.
Some wounds heal crooked, but they heal.
Ryan faded from memory like an old bruise.
I never heard from him again.
Matteo grew, wild and bright, quick with a smile and a sense of wonder about the world.
Alejandro and I watched him become himself.
It was everything I ever wanted.
On stormy nights, I sometimes found myself awake, holding Matteo, watching lightning split the sky.
Instead of fear, I felt gratitude.
For the storms that pass, and the ones that stay, and for the way new life can grow out of the ashes.
Holy. Freaking. Heck.
I would never stop choosing this family.
Not for anything.