Page 113 of Fierce Hearts

"I wonder who the baby will take after," my mother mused, her gaze drifting to my stomach. "Will they have your stubbornness, Sofia? Or Gray's calmness?"

"Calmness? Sure, I guess, but he's as stubborn as a mule too." Meredith laughed.

"God help us if they inherit both our personalities," Gray said, his hand finding mine under the table.

"I'm betting on Sofia's eyes," Leo added unexpectedly. "Brown eyes are a dominant gene."

"I hope they get his green though," I said softly. I'd always loved those eyes he shared with his sister, so warm and peaceful with their gentle green hues.

"But your smile, Sof," Meredith countered. "That's a genetic gift worth passing down. Everyone loves dimples."

"That they do," Gray agreed, and my cheeks flushed as he squeezed my hand. I was loving this side of him that only appeared in moments like these, so soft and sweet, none of that tension and worry he'd been carrying every day.

This was the Gray I'd fallen for, the one who appeared around family, carefree and cheery.

"Either way," my mother said softly, "this child will be loved. That's what matters most."

The conversation flowed easily after that, drifting from baby speculation to more stories of my childhood antics courtesy of my mom, to Meredith's latest plans for the theater restoration when asked. The weight of everything—Ernesto's death, my new position, the alliance with the Ference family—seemed to lift, if only for this evening.

As we finished dessert—tiramisu that my mother had somehow whipped up while making dinner—Leo stifled a yawn.

"It's getting late," he observed as he slid an arm around Meredith's waist. "We should probably head out."

"Stay," I said immediately. "I have enough guest rooms. It's been a long day for everyone."

Meredith nodded eagerly. "That sounds perfect. I didn't want to leave you anyway."

"If that's what you both want," Leo said as he smiled softly at Meredith. I still loved seeing their love on display like this, his sheer adoration of her. A side of him I'd never known existed.

My gaze landed on the mirror on the wall, and I realized Gray was looking at me in the exact same way beside me. My lips curled as my heart warmed, and I squeezed his hand tighter.

"Well," Gray started, kissing my cheek as he rose, wincing slightly as he straightened, "speaking of rest, I think it's time this one got some." He nodded toward me. "Doctor's orders were clear—plenty of rest. And it's about time she actually followed those orders."

Everyone made soft sounds of amusement as I rolled my eyes.

"Fine, but only because I'm actually tired."

Gray helped me up from my chair, his arm protective around my waist. "Goodnight, everyone. Help yourselves to anything you need. Mer, I'm sure you know where everything is if Gabriella or Leo need anything."

"Of course," Mer responded with a bob of her head.

As we made our way upstairs, I glanced back at the dining room, where my mother was pouring more wine for Leo and Meredith, their heads bent together in conversation. The sight filled my heart completely.

This was what I'd fought for. This was what I would continue to fight for—not just for myself or for Gray, but for our child. A family built on love, not fear. On protection, not control.

As Gray led me to our bedroom, I knew with certainty that whatever challenges lay ahead, we would face them together.

"We both need to rest," Gray said as he pulled back the covers. "It's been a long, stressful few days."

"And you're still recovering," I noted as I crawled into bed. Gray slid in behind me, his body curving around mine protectively. His arm draped over my waist, his hand splayed across my stomach.

"I know, so let's get some sleep," he murmured against my hair. "I've got you."

As I drifted off, I knew whatever came my way, I wouldn't face them alone. I had Gray. I had the Donatis. I had my family—my real family, not the twisted version Ernesto had tried to create.

Everything would be okay.

CHAPTER30

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