Page 98 of The Mafia's Quadruplets

I press a kiss to her temple. “Just like their mother.”

She turns in my arms, her eyes meeting mine. “I love you, Valerian .”

“And I love you, Claire,” I say, my voice rough with emotion. “You and our children are everything to me.”

I savor the moment. This is what I’ve been searching for all my life, even when I didn’t know it. A family. A home. A love so deep and true, it transforms everything it touches.

I pull Claire closer, breathing in the scent of her hair. “Thank you,” I murmur.

She looks up at me, a question in her eyes. “For what?”

“For giving me this,” I gesture to our sleeping children. “For loving me despite everything.”

Claire’s eyes shine with unshed tears. “Oh, Valerian. You’ve given me just as much. More, even. You’ve given me a family, a home, and a love I never thought I’d find.”

We stand there, holding each other, watching over our sleeping children. The world outside may still be chaotic and unpredictable, but in here, everything is perfect.

My new mission and purpose is to be the husband and father my family deserves. To create a life filled with love, laughter, and security for these four tiny humans who have claimed my heart so completely, and the woman who makes my life complete.

EPILOGUE

Claire (2 Years later)

The Pennsylvania summer sun warms us on the sprawling grounds of Valerian’s estate. I stand at the edge of the manicured lawn, taking in the scene before me. White chairs line a path leading to an elegant arch adorned with cascading flowers. Our family and friends fill the seats, their excited chatter carried on the gentle breeze.

My parents stand nearby, beaming with pride. Mom dabs at her eyes with a lace handkerchief while Dad gives me an encouraging nod. Jay, watching through the iPad Dmitri holds, seems like he might cry too. “Good luck, sis,” he says. “You deserve to be happy.”

I touch the screen of the tablet, wishing he could be here in person. If he continues his rehabilitation, he might be eligible for parole in four years. I have a strong feeling he will. He’s really changed over the past two years, and his presence, even if it’s via the modern marvel of technology—with Valerian pulling a few strings to get the warden to allow him to virtually attend— aftereverything we’ve been through, fills me with joy. “You do too, Jay.”

He smiles. “You’d better get down the aisle. You don’t want to be late.”

“You ready, sweetheart?” asks Dad a second later, offering his arm.

I smooth my hands over the ivory silk of my gown. “I’ve been ready for this moment for two years.”

The music swells, and all gazes turn to us. I grip Dad’s arm tighter as we begin our walk down the aisle. Each step brings me closer to Valerian.

Halfway down the aisle, I spot our children. Simone and Natalia, our beautiful girls, toddle forward, scattering rose petals with chubby hands. Their matching yellow dresses swish around their knees as they giggle and toss flowers with abandon.

Behind them, our twin boys, Kolya and Andy, march proudly. Their little faces are scrunched in concentration as they balance the pillow holding our rings. My heart swells with love for these four miracles we created.

And then I see him. Valerian. I gasp as our gazes meet. He stands tall and proud at the altar, watching me. The years have only made him more handsome, with the hint of silver at his temples adding to his allure.

Once I reach him, Dad places my hand in Valerian’s. The warmth of his touch sends a familiar thrill through me. His eyes shine with emotion as he whispers, “You are breathtaking,lyubimaya.”

The officiant begins the ceremony, but I barely hear the words. I’m lost in Valerian’s eyes, and in the promise of our future together. We exchange vows, our voices steady and sure. When it’s time for the rings, Kolya and Andy step forward, grinning up at us.

Valerian takes the ring, sliding it onto my finger. “With this ring, I thee wed,” he says, his voice thick with emotion. “I promise to love you, protect you, and cherish you for all of our days.”

I blink back tears as I place his ring on his finger. “With this ring, I thee wed. I promise to stand by your side, to love you fiercely, and to face whatever life brings us together.”

“By the power vested in me,” declares the officiant, “I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride.”

Valerian cups my face in his hands, his touch reverent. Our lips meet in a kiss that seals our bond, tender yet passionate. The crowd erupts in cheers, but I only hear the beating of our hearts in perfect sync.

As we turn to face our guests, I catch sight of our children clapping and jumping with excitement. Simone tugs on Natalia’s dress, pointing at us with a toothy grin. Kolya and Andy high-five each other, their job as ring bearers complete.

We make our way back down the aisle, hand in hand. Rose petals rain down on us as our loved ones shower us with congratulations. I lean into Valerian’s solid warmth, overwhelmed by the love surrounding us.

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