Page 119 of Say You're Mine

I nod, a smile tugging at my lips. "I think these cousins should grow up together, don't you? Family is what we make it, after all."

June squeezes my shoulder, and I know he understands. We're breaking the cycle. Creating something new from the ashes of Elaine's destruction.

As the sun sets outside our window, casting a warm glow over the room, I feel a sense of peace settle over me. It's not perfect. We still have a long road ahead of us—therapy, rebuilding, learning to trust again. But we're not alone.

I look down at Onyx, sleeping peacefully in my arms. At June, his eyes full of love and promise. At Amethyst, broken but healing, a new life growing within her.

This is our family now. Messy, complicated, born of pain but stronger for it. And as I drift off to sleep, surrounded by the people I love, I know one thing with absolute certainty:

We're going to be okay.

I nod, adjusting my grip on Onyx. The elephant in the room grows larger with each passing moment. No one's mentioned Elaine or that night, but her presence haunts us like a malevolent ghost. I catch June's eyes darting to the shadows, his jaw clenching rhythmically. Even Amethyst seems to shrink into herself, her hand protectively cradling her swollen belly.

A commotion in the hallway breaks the tense silence. Familiar voices filter through—loud, boisterous, and unmistakably family.

"I swear to God, Song, if you drop that casserole—" Sonya's exasperated tone carries clearly.

"Relax, sis! I've got the culinary skills of a—" Song's retort is cut off by a yelp, followed by Louis's rich laughter.

"Children, behave," my mother's voice, warm and authoritative, silences them all.

The door bursts open, and suddenly our quiet room is filled with noise, color, and the overwhelming scent of my mother's legendary lasagna.

"Cara!" Sonya squeals, rushing to my bedside. Her eyes widen as they land on Onyx. "Oh my God, she's perfect."

Song peers over her shoulder, his usual mischievous grin softening. "Damn, sis. You and June make some cute babies."

Louis hangs back, his arm around my mother's shoulders. Their eyes are suspiciously bright as they take in the scene.

"Well," my mom says, her voice thick with emotion, "aren't you going to introduce us to our granddaughter?"

I smile, feeling tears prick at my eyes. "Everyone, meet Onyx Ashley Deveaux."

There's a collective intake of breath. The name carries weight, acknowledging everything we've been through without speaking it aloud.

"Onyx," my mother repeats, moving closer. She reaches out, her weathered hand gently stroking the baby's cheek. "A perfect name for a perfect girl."

June clears his throat, clearly fighting back his own emotions. "Would you like to hold her... Nonna?"

My mother's eyes fill with tears as she carefully takes Onyx into her arms. "Oh, mia bella," she coos, rocking gently. "You have no idea how loved you are."

As my family crowds around, cooing over Onyx and peppering us with questions, I notice Amethyst trying to slip away unnoticed.

"Wait," I call out, causing everyone to turn. Amethyst freezes, looking like a deer caught in headlights. "Everyone, this is Amethyst. She's... she's family too."

The silence that follows is deafening. I can see the questions in their eyes, the pieces clicking into place as they take in Amethyst's pregnant form and haunted expression.

It's Song who breaks the tension, stepping forward with his trademark grin. "Well, any family of Cara's is family of ours. You like lasagna, Amethyst? Because Mama Rosa here makes the best in the city."

Amethyst blinks, clearly thrown by the warm welcome. "I... yes, I love lasagna."

"Good," my mother says firmly, passing Onyx to Louis so she can take charge. "Because you look like you could use a good meal. Both of you," she adds, eyeing me critically.

As my mother bustles about, setting up an impromptu feast, I feel June's arms wrap around me from behind. He buries his face in my hair, inhaling deeply.

"You okay?" I murmur, leaning back into his solid warmth.

He's quiet for a moment, and I can almost hear the war raging in his mind. "I keep expecting her to walk through that door," he finally admits, his voice barely above a whisper. "Elaine. To take it all away again."

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