Page 91 of Ruthless Roses

Salvatore slides the tray off my lap so he can come in even closer and envelop me in a deep, loving embrace. We trade celebratory kisses in between, so overcome with joy that neither of us are capable of speech for a long moment.

When we finally separate, he cups my face in his hands and says, “Thank you, Phi. For giving me the happiness I never thought I deserved.”

I soften in his touch, leaning in for another kiss. “And thank you for loving me for me. And for saving me that night by the pool.”

Humor flashes in his gaze as his thumbs sweep across my cheeks. “You caught my eye. I couldn’t resist.”

We sit and enjoy the rest of the morning together. I savor every bite of my salmon and eggs benedict while Salvatore regales me with the story of letting Dominic and Serena dress themselves this morning (which explains the mismatched socks and winter jacket Dom wore and the kitty cat costume Serena donned). Dad texts me a Happy Mother’s Day, mentioning he’ll be by in a few hours.

Eventually, we leave the bed to go find Stitches and the kids wherever they are in our large house. My hand instinctively rests on my flat stomach despite the fact I haven’t even started showing yet.

It doesn’t matter that I haven’t; inside me grows yet another symbol of mine and Salvatore’s love.

We’ve created the happy family life we’ve never stopped—and neverwillstop—fighting for.

THE END