4. The Andiacchi's??

Four Months Later

Mateo

"Come on, work with me, kid.", I heard Karina mumble as she tried to get Valentina's shoe on.

"Mommy, no shoes."
"You can't go outside to play without your shoes."
"Why?"
"Because you can't play barefooted."
"Why not?"
"Because you can't.", Karina said as she laced up Valentina's sneakers.
"Why not, Mommy?"

I smirked as Karina bit the inside of her cheek to control herself.

"Because Mommy said so, Valentina. Go play.", I said as I finished burping August. My little girl ran outside to join her brother and cousin who were playing in the new playset I built.

Karina picked up Camilo who had begun whining.

"Shh...I know. I know. I'm about to feed you.", she said as she sat down before she began breastfeeding him.

I rocked August gently as he began nodding off. I smiled at our baby boys. This is what I've always dreamed of. A big family with the love of my life.

I looked over at my tired wife who was smiling at our son in her arms. It's incredible that this is the same woman that I met in a bar all those years ago. The same woman who did not think that she deserved a single ounce of happiness. The same woman who tried to convince herself that we would never work. Now that woman is my wife and I don't think I could be happier than I am at this moment. This woman is the light of my life. She's my joy. My peace. My happiness. I fought like hell for this right here. To have my beautiful angel sitting here with our newborn twins while our oldest twins played outside.

I placed August in his bassinet and picked up Camilo who had dozed off. I placed him in the bassinet next to his brother. I sat down on the couch next to Karina and pulled her in my lap.

"I'm exhausted.", she admitted as she laid her head on my chest.
"Your parents are coming to get the kids for the night. They thought we could use a little break."
"God, I love them."

I laughed and nodded. Both of our families have been an amazing help since we had Valentina and Domenico.

Bryan came in and immediately smiled at us.

"Well, hello lovebirds. Your daughter just tried to talk me into letting her eat a worm. She made a very compelling argument. You might have a future lawyer on your hands."
"That's the last thing we need. She's already trying to negotiate bedtime and she's only 2.", I said. Karina suddenly gasped and sat up, staring at Bryan.

"Please tell me that's what I think it is.", she pointed at the ring on his finger that I didn't notice before. A diamond-studded band was on his ring finger. Bryan instantly blushed and nodded.

"Luca proposed. We were going to tell everyone at dinner tonight."
"Congratulations, babe.", Karina said as she rushed over to hug him.
"Thank you, Ri. I know it's early, but I really want you to be my matron of honor. You're my closest friend and I would really appreciate it."
"Of course. I love you, Bry."
"I love you too."

"Why are we hugging?", Lux asked as she walked in. Karina and Bryan laughed and pulled apart.

"I'll tell you at dinner."

Lux

I waved goodbye to Willow as Dad put her in her car seat. My father and mother-in-law have decided to have a grandkid night while Uncle Giovanni and Aunt Tamara are visiting, so thankfully they'll have some help with all the kids.

I don't even know what to do with my newfound free time, but after looking at my husband, I could tell he had some ideas of his own.

"Well excuse us, but we have an engagement to celebrate.", Bryan said as he and Luca headed to his car.

The two of them announced their engagement tonight. I couldn't be happier for my two friends. I watched them fall in love and I'm so glad that they found their happily ever after in each other.

I turned around to see Mateo kissing Karina with his arms wrapping tightly around her.

"And that's our cue to leave.", I told Dom before grabbing his hand and leading him to the car.

"So, Mrs. Andiacchi, what would you like to do tonight?"
"I want to spend some alone time with my husband.", I smiled at him. He beamed at me before kissing me.

This wonderful man's smile has been warming my heart and soul since we were 19 years old. We've been through so much, but our love for each other and our family has been unwavering. Every time he looks at me, I can see and feel how much he loves me.

"I love you.", I tell him as I stare into those blue eyes that make me melt on a daily basis.
"I love you too, Lux.", he said before kissing me once more

Karina

I smiled as my husband swooped me into his arms and carried me upstairs. I kissed his cheek before he laid me on our bed.

"I'm going to get us some water, okay?"
"No, hold me.", I said before pulling him on top of me. He chuckled before rolling over, and pulling me in his arms. I sighed into him. I've always felt so safe in this man's arms. Even when I refused to admit the impact he had on me. Even when I ran away from his love. Mateo Ramos truly saved me. He taught me what real unwavering, selfless love was. For years, I thought I was incapable of finding true love and that I was only going to feel happiness and real connection through sex and then he walked into my life and made me feel every single emotion I was craving just by speaking to me. He made me feel again.

"Baby, what's wrong? Why are you crying?", he asked as he wiped a tear that I didn't realize fell. His eyebrows furrowed as he looked down at me. I shook my head and smiled at him.

"I was just thinking about everything we've been through. No matter what, you loved me with everything inside you. You love me with so much grace and passion, and I'm so grateful."
"You are the love of my life. There will never be anyone else for me. You own every part of my soul."

I smiled and kissed him deeply. He held the back of my neck as he deepened our kiss.

I will never get used to moments like this. Moments when it feels like we're the only two people in the world. When it feels like the only thing anchoring me in this world is my husband's love. When he looks me in the eyes, he makes me feel the one thing I've been seeking my entire life: genuine happiness.

The End. Thank you for reading and finishing out The Andiacchi's journey with me. I started this series when I was 17 years old and I'm finishing it out at 23. The Andiacchi's story may be over, but who knows if this is the last time we'll see them again. We may even see a few people in my newest book, 'From My Perspective', which features Leo Bradford, Karina's ex-boyfriend. Hopefully, you'll take a look. Thank you so much.❤️