Page 86 of Mafia Pregnancy

“You already are.” I close my eyes and let sleep begin to claim me. “You chose us over everything else. You’re choosing to make us the priority and keep us safe. That’s all I ever wanted.”

“Then you have it.” His lips press against the top of my head. “You have all of me, for as long as you want it.”

I snuggle closer. “Forever sounds about right.”

He laughs softly. “Forever it is.”

I drift off to sleep in his arms, finally at peace since the man I love has chosen our family over the empire he spent fifteen years building.

28

Radmir

Iwake to the sound of Leo’s laughter echoing through the estate hallways, followed by Carmen’s voice calling for him to slow down before he runs into something valuable. The familiar chaos of a three-year-old with unlimited energy makes me smile despite the persistent ache in my side where the bullet passed through.

Danielle stirs beside me, her hair spread across the pillow in ways that make me want to forget about everything except memorizing the peaceful expression on her face. “They’re back.” Her voice carries relief and anticipation as she sits up carefully, mindful not to jostle my injury. “Leo’s going to be so excited to see you’re okay.”

“I’m excited to see him.” I push myself up against the pillows, testing my range of motion and finding it better than yesterday but still limited. “Are you ready for this conversation?”

She nods, though I catch the nervous energy in her movements as she retrieves her robe from the chair beside the bed. “I’vebeen practicing what to say, but I have no idea how he’ll react to finding out you’re his father.”

“He’ll react like a smart, adaptable kid who’s been hoping for exactly this news without knowing how to ask for it.” I reach for her hand and squeeze gently. “Trust me. Leo’s been ready for a father figure since the day we met.”

The knock on the door comes softly, followed by Carmen’s voice asking if we’re awake and decent. Danielle calls for them to come in, and within seconds, the room fills with the energy that only Leo can bring to a space. “Mr. Radmir!” He launches himself toward the bed with complete disregard for my medical condition, stopping just short when Danielle catches him around the waist.

“Careful, sweetheart. Mr. Radmir got hurt yesterday and needs to heal.” She lifts him onto the bed beside me with gentle precision. “He’s going to be just fine though.”

Leo studies my face with serious attention. “You look tired. Did you have to go to the doctor?”

“I did have to see a doctor, but everything’s okay now.” I ruffle his hair, which is sticking up in several directions from what appears to have been an enthusiastic morning. “How was your adventure with Aunt Molly and Carmen?”

“We stayed in a really big house with a swimming pool, and Carmen taught me how to do cannonballs.” His excitement bubbles over as he describes the safehouse amenities. “Aunt Molly made chocolate chip pancakes, and we watched movies about dinosaurs.”

“That sounds like the perfect way to spend a day.” I glance at Danielle, who nods encouragingly. “Leo, your mama and I needto talk to you about some important things. Can you sit here with us for a few minutes?”

He settles cross-legged on the bed between us with attentive care he usually reserves for discussions about dinosaurs or space exploration. “Am I in trouble?”

“Not at all.” Danielle smooths his hair down while I gather the courage to change his world in ways I hope will be positive. “We want to tell you some things that might make you very happy.”

“What kind of things?”

I take a deep breath and commit to the truth that should have been shared months ago. “Leo, do you remember when you told me your daddy was gone, and you wondered what he was like?”

“Uh-huh.” His expression grows more serious. “Mama said he would have loved me if he could have stayed.”

“She was right about that.” I meet his gaze directly, needing him to see the sincerity in my face. “Your daddy did love you, even though he didn’t know you existed. He just didn’t know where to find you.”

Leo’s brow wrinkles with concentration. “How can someone love you if they don’t know you exist?”

“Sometimes, grown-ups make mistakes that keep them apart from people they should be with.” I choose my words carefully, wanting to be honest without overwhelming him. “Your daddy made a mistake that meant he didn’t know about you until recently.”

“Is he still gone?”

“No, sweetheart.” Danielle’s voice is soft but clear. “He’s not gone anymore. He’s right here.”

Leo looks between us with growing understanding. “Mr. Radmir is my daddy?”

“Yes.” The word comes out rougher than I intended, heavy with years of missed moments and the overwhelming joy of finally being able to claim this incredible little boy. “I’m your father, Leo. I should have been part of your life from the beginning, but I didn’t know you existed until a few weeks ago.”

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