Page 168 of Unravel Me

"For six years, I dreamed of you every day. For six years, I believed… that one day we would stand face-to-face like we are today, when nothing could separate us anymore. And yes, I want all of you, the whole package, Tommy included."

Instead of answering, I throw myself back into his arms and sob, melting against him as I hold him tightly. Happiness washes over me in such a huge wave that I almost lose my balance.

This moment is everything I have ever wanted and everything I have been waiting for. It is happiness made flesh, and it feels like a dam has finally burst, leaving me trembling with joy, relief, and the feeling of being free from fear at last.

"Papa…?"

A small, quiet voice reaches me from near the doorway.

I turn and see Tommy is standing in the doorway, so small, sleepy, and a little uncertain, with his tousled golden curls and a little wooden beaver figurine in his hand.

His gaze is shifting back and forth between me and Mauro.

Papa… that was what Tommy used to call Mark.

"Yes," I say firmly. "This is your new papa. From now until forever."

Tommy looks at me and then at Mauro again, and I know he still doesn’t understand any of it, but then Mauro lets me go.

He slowly approaches Tommy and crouches down in front of him.

From his pocket, he pulls out… a present, a clear sphere with a tiny forest elf figurine suspended inside, surrounded by colorful flowers.

Then he does something I can only call a magic trick. He runs his hand over the surface of the sphere, and when he pulls it away, the inside of the sphere lights up, the little elf begins to dance, and tiny butterflies start fluttering around him.

Tommy watches in fascination, then reaches out his hands, and Mauro gives him the sphere. I see the moment when Tommy’s eyes cautiously dart toward Mauro’s face, and Mauro gives him a warm, knowing smile, which Tommy shyly returns.

And then I feel almost choked with happiness and peace, because Tommy is still so young, and it will simply be easier for him… his child’s heart, still free of bitterness and resentment toward his biological father, will be able to make room for someone new, someone who can give him what every child needs: a father’s love.

And I know it, I can feel it in every cell of my body, that Mauro will love my son. He’s my fated mate, and Fate chose him perfectly.

CHAPTER 32: MAURO

Present day

When Jared, Tommy, and I come downstairs for breakfast, Renato, Gianni and Emilio are already sitting at the table, and Tony is finishing up serving the food.

When we reach the top of the stairs, Jared reaches out and takes my hand, carrying Tommy on his other arm, and that is how we enter the living room together.

Everyone looks up at us.

I immediately see the smile on Emilio’s face, while Renato gives a small nod of approval. Even Gianni has a shy little smile.

Tony gestures broadly for us to join them at the table, setting steaming platters in front of us. He also brings over a high chair for Tommy.

I feel something swelling inside me, a surge of happiness, the sense that my ship has finally reached the harbor, that I’ve broken through some kind of barrier.

Jared’s cheeks are flushed, excitement coursing through him, because he already knows, just as I do, that we’re entering a new phase. We’ll be building our life together, stepping into an entirely new chapter.

Six years… I waited for him.

The pain I felt, the pain he felt, is in the past now.

But there’s one more thing that needs to happen. For a moment, I hesitate about doing it, but I think this is a perfect time.

When I sit down at the table, I clear my throat and use my newly regained voice, even though it makes me deeply uncomfortable and doesn’t feel like me. But I want them to know that the magic between Jared and me worked.

"Hello, everyone."