Page 30 of Snatched Up By the Cartel

"You protect me, Daddy?" He asked, his hand trembling slightly. Despite the reassurance, he was still slightly shaky after imagining monsters.

Mateo nodded, his eyes softening as he looked at our son. "Always, Lucas," he said softly. "I'll always protect you, no matter what."

"You can count on him. He has always protected me and kept me safe. It's the reason I'm here."

Lucas smiled, his small hand tightening around Mateo's, his eyes shining with the trust that only a child could offer. I tousled his hair with my hand.

"Okay, Daddy," he whispered. "I'll try to sleep now."

We guided him back to his bedroom. He went there without a fuss. He was very obedient and after some reassurance, he always did what we wanted.

We tucked him back into bed, his small form snuggling into the covers, his eyes closing as he drifted back to sleep.

"Good night, little one. Happy dreams. Dream about us."

He smiled and said, "I will. I promise."

I stood there, my eyes never leaving his small form, my heart swelling with love and gratitude for the life we had built.

Mateo's arms wrapped around me from behind, his large frame engulfing mine. I felt his body compared to mine and, as always, he was so much bigger.

"He's our greatest achievement," he whispered, his lips brushing my hair. "He looks so much like you and me."

I leaned into him, my eyes closing as I savored the warmth of his embrace, the safety of the life we had created together. I melted in his hug, enjoying the moment for everything it represented. Not everyone was as lucky as I was.

"Our future is bright, Mateo," I whispered. "I keep thinking about everything we can do together and it's all so good."

He pressed a soft kiss to my temple, his lips lingering on my skin. "We have a family that will always protect and support each other," he said softly, echoing my thoughts.

I nodded, my eyes closing as I savored the warmth of his embrace, the peace that had settled over our lives.

"I know and thank you for saying that. It always feels different when you say it."

As Lucas's soft snores filled the room, I leaned into Mateo, my head resting on his shoulder, my eyes closing as I savored the warmth of our family, the love that had brought us together and kept us strong.

He was the only one who could make me let down my guard.

Mateo's Epilogue

12 years later…

Our son's graduation party was in full swing, the backyard of our home filled with family and friends, their laughter and conversations creating a warm, festive atmosphere.

We planned everything and didn't leave out a single detail. As far as I was concerned, everything was going according to plan.

It had been years since Rylan and I had faced such a crowd, and as I scanned the familiar faces, a sense of contentment washed over me. Everybody came. I didn't think I had so many people willing to come here.

Our son, Lucas, stood tall and proud in his graduation gown, his eyes shining with excitement as he chatted with his friends. The more I looked at him, the more I realized he reminded me of me when I was young.

I felt a surge of pride, my heart swelling with love for the young man he had become. He took up after me.

As I turned to refill my drink, my eyes landed on a familiar figure, his presence unexpected. Ethan, Rylan's old friend, stood by the edge of the crowd, his wheelchair a stark contrast to the lively atmosphere.

He was here? I asked myself, feeling slightly surprised. We didn't invite him. He must have come without an invitation. Since we didn't have anyone checking if people were invited, it must have been easy for him to 'sneak' into the party, even though it wasn't exactly a secret. He just walked right in.

I felt Rylan stiffen beside me, his hand tightening around mine as he, too, spotted Ethan. I thought he hadn't and I would have to tell him about my little discovery. One fewer thing for me to worry about.

I knew the sight of him brought back memories, the hurt and betrayal Rylan had endured at the hands of his once-close friend. But I remembered that it had also been his fault. His hands were tied back then. He hadn't had much of a choice.

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