Page 123 of The Don's Soulmate

I press a tender kiss on Carlotta's damp forehead. "Rest, tesoro. I'll watch over you both. Always."

As Carlotta drifts off, I keep vigil, holding our son close while Sofia speeds through the night. My eyes drink in every tiny detail - the cupid's bow of his lips, the dark fringe of his lashes, the way his little hand curls around my finger.

In that moment, I feel the last piece of the puzzle slot into place. For so long, anger and yearning consumed me, but now, I understand with blinding clarity what truly matters: family, love, and the precious new life sleeping trustingly in my arms.

I breathe in his sweet baby scent, marveling at the love expanding in my chest, pushing out the darkness. "Don't worry, piccolo," I whisper against her downy head. "Papà will always keep you safe, no matter what it takes. You and your mama are my whole world now."

And I know, with bone-deep certainty, that I will do whatever I must to protect this tiny miracle and the woman who birthed him. This is my legacy now, my driving force, the very heart of me.

And with his birth, the curse is at last broken. Now, until eternity, Carlotta and I fall in love, over and over again, in every lifetime.

This baby has gifted us eternal happiness. The future may be uncertain and fraught with untold dangers, but there is nothing we can’t overcome. In this stolen moment in the car, I have everything I need—my little family, my entire universe, cradled tenderly in my scarred and bloody hands.

Chapter 60

Carlotta

The moment we reach the hospital, doors swing open. I hear Ettore's heavy footsteps fade as he rushes out of the car, screaming for help. I can already smell the scent of antiseptic as I cradle our tiny, precious child against my chest.

"Hang on, little one," I whisper, my voice trembling. "Papa's getting help."

Sofia's sharp voice cuts through the chaos. "We need a gurney, now! There's a woman who just gave birth prematurely in the car outside."

I marvel at the fierce determination in my friend's tone as she fights to take over a gurney reserved at the entrance for someone else. Even in this moment of crisis, Sofia's commanding presence makes itself known. A flurry of activity erupts around us as hospital staff respond to her urgent demand.

My thoughts race as help takes time to come. The reality settles in. While Vittorio is dead and gone, my baby is born a month earlier. Will he be alright? What if something goes wrong? The fear is overwhelming, but I force it down, focusing on the warm weight in my arms.

I close my eyes, willing strength into my exhausted body. Ettore is fighting for us with everything he has. I need to focus on feeling stronger so I can care for the baby.

Through the shattered windows, Sofia's voice pierces through my thoughts again. "Where the hell is that gurney? Every second counts!"

I open my eyes to see her standing protectively in front of me, her tall frame blocking out the harsh fluorescent lights. Even now, she's shielding me from the world, just as she's always done.

"Sofia," I manage to say, my voice barely above a whisper. "Thank you."

She turns, her brown eyes filled with worry and fierce love. "Save your strength, cara. Help is coming."

As if summoned by her words, I hear the squeak of wheels approaching rapidly. Ettore's voice, usually so controlled, now rings out with raw desperation. "Here! We're here!"

I cradle my baby boy closer, his tiny form impossibly light in my arms. The pain that wracked my body moments ago seemsdistant now, overshadowed by the overwhelming love I feel for this precious life.

"He's so beautiful," I whisper, tracing a finger along his delicate cheek. "My little miracle."

The hospital doors burst open, startling me. A team of medical professionals rushes towards the car, their faces set with grim determination. One of them, a woman with kind eyes, leans in.

"Ms. D'Amici? I'm Dr. Rossi. We need to get you and your baby inside immediately."

I nod, unable to find my voice. As they prepare to move us, I can't help but think, "Will they separate us? I can't bear to let him go."

"Carlotta," Ettore's voice cuts through my panic. "They need to check the baby. It'll be okay, I promise."

As they begin to move us, I cling to that promise, knowing that if Ettore says it’ll be okay, it will be. He’s never disappointed me.

Gentle hands guide me onto a gurney, but my eyes never leave my baby's face. The bright hospital lights assault my senses as we move swiftly through the corridors, the sterile smell making my stomach churn.

"My baby," I murmur, my voice trembling. "He's so small."

A nurse appears beside me, her voice soothing. "We need to take him to the NICU now, Ms. D'Amici. He needs immediate care."

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