Page 56 of Four Stepbrothers for Christmas

"And we do,” Sal promised.

“We've thought about this, long and hard," Mom said softly. "We've decided not to marry."

The room went still. For a second, I couldn't comprehend what she'd just said. "What? Why?" I blurted out. The weight of everything, from Mikey to our relationship, bore down on me, and now this? It was too much. "You love each other. You should be together. This shouldn't change anything."

Vinnie jumped in, his voice a mix of exasperation and disbelief. "This is ridiculous. You two belong together. Just because we're with Becca doesn't make her our sister. It's not the same. You shouldn't have to sacrifice your happiness for us."

Isaac and Archer nodded in agreement, their faces a mirror of Vinnie's emotions.

Luke nodded as well and added, "You've both found a second chance at love. It's rare. Don't throw it away."

Mom looked teary-eyed, while Sal appeared deep in thought. "It's not just about what society thinks," she whispered. "It's about what's right for our family."

"But Mom," I pleaded, my voice breaking, "it's your happiness. You both deserve that. You've been through so much. Don't let this be another sacrifice."

Vinnie wrapped an arm around me, pulling me close, echoing my sentiments. "She's right. You should marry, be happy. We'll deal with the rest."

There was a profound silence. The weight of our words, our entreaties, filled the room. I could see the conflict in Mom’s eyes, the desire to be with Sal warring with her maternal instincts to protect her family, to ensure our happiness.

Sal sighed, running a hand through his hair. "We never wanted any of this to get in the way of our love, or yours," he said, looking at each of us in turn. "We just want what's best."

"We all do," I whispered, wiping away a tear. "But maybe what's best is for all of us to be happy. Together."

The room was silent for a moment, the weight of their words sinking in. Sal and Mom exchanged one of those looks filled with a silent understanding and agreement before Mom cleared her throat and spoke.

“We’re already married here,” she said, placing a hand over her heart. “We don’t need a piece of paper to tell us that. Love is about commitment, understanding, and being there for each other, in every situation. We have that. We don’t need society’s stamp to affirm our bond.”

Sal nodded in agreement. “And if the five of you can't get legally married, even if that’s where your hearts lead you, then maybe this is a way for all of us to stand against the conventional norms together."

I felt a rush of emotion, tears pooling in my eyes as I dashed forward, embracing my mom. "I just want you to be happy," I whispered into her hair.

“We are happy, and we will be happy for a very long time,” Mom reassured us.

Sal and the guys shared a series of warm, back-slapping hugs, the bond of brotherhood evident. Vinnie clapped Sal on the back, his eyes moist, and even Archer, usually so reserved, pulled Sal into a tight embrace.

The warmth in the room was palpable, the love evident in every shared glance and touch. There was a feeling of unity, of togetherness that seemed to wrap around all of us, holding us close. It was as if an unspoken understanding had passed between us all, a commitment to each other and to our unconventional, yet beautiful, family.

Mom broke the tender moment with her infectious, heartwarming laughter. “In all of the, um, excitement, we almost forgot it’s Christmas Eve.” She clapped her hands together excitedly, her face beaming. “And, if I may say so myself, I've already received the most wonderful gift I could have ever asked for: a big, loving family to celebrate with."

Sal's eyes twinkled as he pulled Mom close. "Here's to new beginnings and to celebrating love in all its beautiful forms."

The room resonated with a chorus of agreement. Wine glasses clinked, and we toasted to love, to family, and to a future filled with promise. Despite the hurdles, uncertainties, and challenges that lay ahead, in that moment, everything felt just right. The house echoed with laughter, joy, and love – the essence of a true family Christmas.

Epilogue I

BECCA

Three days later…

The spirit of Christmas, with its warmth and enchantment, had always held a special place in my heart. But this Christmas, it carried an even deeper meaning. The love that filled the room, the acceptance from Sal and Mom, and the undeniable bond we all shared had turned an ordinary festive season into something profoundly magical.

Sal and Mom’s decision to prioritize our happiness, to stand beside us as we navigated the intricacies of our unorthodox relationship, was a testament to their unwavering love and support. Their sacrifice not only showcased the depth of their feelings for us but also solidified my own feelings. It dawned on me that, for the first time, there was no hesitation in my heart. I was ready to dive deep, to commit to this relationship, to these incredible men who had become my life.

But as fate would have it, the universe had another surprise in store for me. The morning after the euphoria of Christmas, as the remnants of wrapping paper and bows still littered the living room, I stared at the two pink lines on the pregnancy test, my heart pounding in my chest.

I was pregnant.

A flood of emotions overtook me. Excitement, anxiety, happiness, and trepidation blended into a whirlwind inside me. The weight of the news was heavy, yet the prospect of carrying our love, a tangible symbol of our commitment, was intoxicating. I felt grateful, and a tiny bit overwhelmed.

---