Epilogue

EPILOGUE

M ax – One Year Later, Las Vegas, Nevada

I wake before dawn on Christmas morning, my body still programmed to rise early despite having no business to attend to today. Gia sleeps peacefully beside me, her honey-blonde hair spilled across the pillow. The quiet of our Vegas home wraps around us like a warm blanket.

It’s been nearly a year since we moved back here, and sometimes, I still can't believe this is my life now. The empty halls that once echoed with my solitude now overflow with the sounds of my family. Dario and Daniella's laughter rings through the house daily, their footsteps pattering on the marble floors as they race to find me in my home office.

The tension with Nic has eased considerably since those first rocky weeks. He calls regularly now, not just to check on Gia and the kids but to discuss business and life like we used to. Having his blessing, however reluctant it might have been initially, lifted a weight. My conscience is finally clear.

My chest swells as I think about the Christmas morning ahead. The tree is surrounded by presents, maybe too many, but I can't help wanting to give my wife and children everything. This will be our first Christmas morning in Vegas as a real family. No more duty, no more denial, no more distance. Just us, together, building the life I should have fought for years ago.

A soft rustle next to me pulls my attention back to Gia. Even now, one year last night into our marriage, seeing her in our bed fills me with a contentment I never thought possible.

“Merry Christmas.” I pull her next to me.

“Hmm… I liked how we celebrated last night.”

I laugh. “You’re insatiable, Mrs. Giraldi.”

“It’s your own fault, Mr. Giraldi. You’re too sexy for your own good.”

I won’t deny how much her words inflate my ego. I’m a forty-two-year-old man trying to keep up with a twenty-five-year-old woman. I seem to be doing okay.

The patter of small feet in the hallway has Gia and me looking up toward the door of our room. Any moment now, they'll burst through our door, eager for us to join them at the Christmas tree.

Gia wanted me to buy less for them this year. “They still haven’t used all the presents you got them for their sixth birthday.”

But I failed. How can I not spoil my kids? Time is speeding by. They're growing so fast, if I blink, I might miss something. Just last week, Dario lost his first tooth. The way his face lit up when he showed me made my heart ache, knowing I'd missed so many of these moments in their early years.

I catch glimpses of their baby photos in Gia's albums, and the regret hits hard. Tiny fingers and toes I never got to count, first smiles I never witnessed. But then Daniella will climb into my lap with a book, or Dario will beg me to help him practice his soccer moves, and I'm reminded that while I can't change the past, every day gives me new moments to cherish.

I hear them whispering outside our door now, probably debating whether it's too early to wake us up. The digital clock reads 5:47 AM. They’re supposed to wait until six, but I'm already reaching for my robe. I won't miss another moment with them, not even a second.

“Time for presents,” I say, leaning over to kiss Gia. The kids finally burst in, scrambling on the bed to announce Santa came last night. Yes, life is fucking awesome.

Later that morning, the doorbell chimes and excited squeals erupt from the twins as they race to greet their cousins. I follow behind, watching as Gia opens the door to reveal Nic, Bella, and their triplets bundled up against the desert morning chill.

"Uncle Nic!" Dario and Daniella chorus, jumping up and down. Despite everything that happened, Nic's face lights up as he dips down, a triplet in each arm, while Bella has the third.

“Santa came last night and brought us presents,” Dario excitedly tells him.

“So you were good last year?” Nic asks, setting his kids down.

“We’re always good,” Daniella answers.

Nic looks at Gia.

“Most of the time, they behave.” Gia gives him a hug and then Bella. “Come in.”

Bella herds her three little ones inside, and suddenly, our quiet Christmas morning explodes into controlled chaos. The triplets, newly walking, toddle after their older cousins who've appointed themselves tour guides of the house.

"And this is our playroom," Daniella announces proudly, leading the parade of children down the hall. "Daddy had it built just for us."

My chest tightens at her casual use of 'Daddy'. It still hits me every time I hear it. Eventually, all the kids are back in the living room and Dario is showing everyone his train set. He explains how the switches work and younger ones watch in awe as the train circles the track.

"They're good with the little ones," Bella remarks, settling onto the couch with a cup of coffee.

I nod, unable to take my eyes off the scene. Daniella's helping the smallest triplet stand steady while reaching for a Christmas ornament. Dario switches the train to a slower speed so his younger cousins can follow its movement more easily.

The house fills with warmth that has nothing to do with the desert sun now streaming through our windows. Children's laughter mingles with adult conversation, and the scents of coffee and cinnamon rolls drift from the kitchen where Gia's setting up breakfast.

Sometimes, I kick myself for being such an idiot and denying myself all this. I was too stupid to see how much richer life is when you open your heart to love.

I lean against the kitchen counter, watching Nic help Gia get breakfast ready. It's strange seeing him like this. A year ago, he'd looked ready to put a bullet in me. Now he's frosting cinnamon rolls. I catch Bella's eye across the room, and she gives me a knowing smile. She's been good for him, helped him learn the same lessons Gia has taught me. Love makes everything better.

Last week, when we were discussing business, he'd actually laughed when I mentioned how Dario calls our weekly video conferences "boring grown-up stuff". Before that, he might smile, but it was clear he was still disturbed by the fact that Gia’s godfather had knocked her up. Now, he’s finally accepted and even embraced what Gia and I have.

“Breakfast!” Gia calls.

At the table, Gia slides next to me, her hand finding mine. "Remember when you thought he'd never forgive us?"

I squeeze her fingers, thinking how Bella had championed our cause from the start. She'd understood our love story because she'd lived her own version with Nic. Maybe that's why he finally came around. He saw himself in me, fighting for love like life depended on it.

"Thank God for Bella," I whisper, watching as she and Nic help serve the triplets breakfast.

The day is good, filled with love and laughter. When breakfast finishes, Gia, Bella, and Maria are back at work, preparing the afternoon holiday feast. I help by taking the kids outside to play. Nic joins me.

“Did you ever think you’d be here?” he asks, helping little Ella into the baby swing, while Marianne and Brandon chase the bubbles Dario and Daniella are blowing.

“No. I didn’t even know I wanted this.”

He glances at me as he gives Ella a push. “I thought you did… that’s why you… were with Gia.”

I tense, worried where this might go. I’ve always been honest with Nic. Well, mostly. So I go with honesty now. “When I was with Gia, back then, we both knew nothing would come of it. She was engaged to Aldo. She was all I wanted and I couldn’t have her. So no, there was no life like this for me until she came back into my life and I found my balls and fought for her.”

I watch him, wondering what his response will be.

“When I met Bella, it felt like I’d been struck by lightning or something. I had feelings I didn’t understand. I didn’t even want to have them. Not at first.”

I nod, understanding that.

“You can’t fight love, Max. That’s what I’ve learned.”

I wonder if he’s extending that thought to me.

“I won’t deny that it’s still a little weird, my best friend and my sister, but she’s happy. The kids are happy.” He turns to me. “You’re happy. So, I’m happy too.”

Relief floods me. “I’m glad.”

“If you fuck up, I’ll kill you.” He grins.

“If I fuck up, you should kill me.” I pat him on the back.

That afternoon, we’re back at the table. The scents of roasted turkey and fresh-baked rolls mingle with pine from the Christmas tree visible through the archway.

Gia passes the mashed potatoes to Bella, their heads bent together as they share some private joke. My wife's eyes sparkle with joy, and the sight of her so happy, so at ease, is what I live for.

We celebrate the holiday as it’s meant to be celebrated, grateful for our blessings, glorying in family. It’s a perfect day.

That evening, I stand at the door with Gia, waving goodbye as Nic and Bella gather their sleepy triplets. I offered them a guest cottage, but Nic insisted on getting a hotel suite for their stay in Las Vegas. A part of me thinks he’s still not comfortable with me and Gia even after what he said earlier in the day.

“I wonder why they won’t stay with us,” I say as their car drives off.

Gia snorts. “Probably because they don't want to have sex with us in the other room.”

My gaze snaps to hers. “What?”

"Bella mentioned earlier that she booked the suite with the garden tub."

“We have a hot tub?—”

"She also packed a brand-new red negligee, and nanny Grace is with them. I think they plan on their own Christmas celebration."

Okay, so that’s an image I don’t want. Now I know why Nic is a little creeped out by me and Gia.

I close the door, drawing Gia into my arms. “Dario and Daniella are zonked. We should get them to bed.”

The twins fuss a bit but are too tired to protest too much. The minute their heads hit their pillows, they’re out. I stand in the doorway of the twins' room, watching their peaceful faces in sleep.

Gia's arm slides around my waist as she leans against me. "They crashed hard," she whispers.

"Can't blame them. Between their cousins visiting and all the presents, it was a big day." I press a kiss to her temple, breathing in the familiar scent of her.

We ease the door closed and head to the living room. The Christmas tree lights cast a warm glow across the room, illuminating the scattered wrapping paper and new toys we haven't put away yet. It's messy, lived-in, perfect.

Gia tugs me toward the couch, curling into my side as we settle in. "You know, there's still one present left under the tree."

I raise an eyebrow. "I thought we opened everything?"

A mischievous smile plays across her lips. "Not quite. I saved a special surprise for after the kids went to bed."

My curiosity sparks at the gleam in her eye. "Is it a red negligee?”

“No. Too late for that.” She untangles herself from my arms to go to the tree.

I wonder what that means.

She returns with a rectangular box wrapped in gold paper. I tear the paper and open the box. My breath catches.

There, nestled in tissue paper, lies a pregnancy test with the word “PREGNANT” in the window.

I lift my gaze to her. "Are you…?" The words stick in my throat. All those years I missed with the twins crash over me, followed by a surge of pure joy. This time will be different. This time, I'll be there from the very beginning.

Gia's fingers lace through mine. "I took the test this morning. Merry Christmas."

When did she have the time? Doesn’t matter. All that matters is that my life is even more perfect.

I pull her into my arms, crushing her against my chest. "I love you. God, I love you so much." My hand drifts to her stomach, still flat beneath her sweater. Our baby is growing in there, a miracle I get to witness from the start.

"I'll be here for everything," I vow, pressing kisses to her hair, her temple, her lips. "Every doctor's appointment, every craving, every moment. You won't do any of this alone."

She laughs softly. "I know. That's why I couldn't wait to tell you."

My heart feels ready to burst. After everything we've been through, all the years we lost, we get this fresh start. A chance to build our family together, the right way this time.

Six years ago, I let fear and duty keep me from this happiness. Now, holding her in our home with our children sleeping upstairs, I know I'll never make that mistake again.

Gia turns in my arms, her eyes shining. "The twins are going to be so excited about being big siblings."

The thought of telling Dario and Daniella about their new brother or sister fills me with joy. My dreams used to be about power, success, respect in the family. Now they're filled with soccer games and bedtime stories, family dinners and Christmas mornings. Simple things that mean everything because I get to share them with Gia and our children.

“I don’t know what I did to deserve you, but I’m so fucking grateful.”

She laughs. “You deserve me and the kids, Max, just like we’re lucky to have you.”

Maybe someday, I’ll believe it. Thank God, I have the rest of my life with this amazing woman and our fantastic children for it to sink in.

Ready for another sizzling hot Mafia Christmas romance from the series? Get Triplets for the Mafia Prince here.