Page 82 of Romi

“Well, we always thought of you as a brother. Now, you’re really going to be one,” Marko said, and we all grinned, including Sonia.

“Am I forgiven enough for a hug?” he then asked Sonia, who jumped up and ran into his arms.

He squeezed her tight.

“Congratulations!” he said, smiling as Ash tentatively stepped forward.

“What about me?” he asked, looking unsure.

Sonia nodded and bit back a sob as the two embraced.

When they broke apart, Sonia turned to look at Miki, who was standing ramrod straight, tension radiating off him.

Miki took a step toward her but then she turned and ran back to me.

Miki tried to hide the hurt her rejection caused, but I saw it.

“Sonia, baby. It’s time to forgive and move on,” I whispered.

She turned and rushed back to him. He opened his arms, and she slammed into his chest, hugging him tightly.

“I’m still mad at you,” she said, her voice muffled by his chest.

“I know,” he said, kissing the top of her head.

“But I still love you,” she sobbed.

“I love you too, Sonia, and I’m sorry I’ve been an asshole.”

Ash snorted, “Aren’t you always?”

“No more than you,” Miki said, grinning.

“True, but Marko’s the biggest of us all,” Ash said.

“You got that right. Unlike you guys, I’ve never had any complaints from the ladies,” Marko winked.

“Me neither!” Ash cried.

“We’ll ask Gracie about that, shall we?” Marko replied before Ash rushed him, grabbed him in a headlock, and started ruffling his hair, just like they used to do when they were kids.

“Aw, little Marko thinks he’s a big man,” Ash mocked.

Sonia rolled her eyes and giggled at their antics, and I laughed and winced at the pain it caused me.

“Enough! Pair of idiots! Stop your carry-on. It’s time we left Romi to rest. Out!” Miki said, shaking his head at the pair.

He pushed the two towards the door and then turned to me before he left.

“Hurry up and get on your feet. We’re holding Siri until you can join us at the C, brother,” he stated, grinning.

I grinned back.

Sonia hugged me, and I sighed in relief. Finally, things were as they should be.

EPILOGUE

ROMI

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