Page 96 of Brutal Impulses
My hand finds hers under the table, squeezing gently.
Another baby. Another miracle to be added to our family.
We share a look—a secret passing between us that the twins are too busy with their pancakes to notice. A promise of the future expanding before us, full of possibility and love.
A few short years ago, I was dying. Poisoned by my own father, hunted by enemies, alone in my rage and pain with only vague dreams of a beautiful ballerina I sought to make mine.
Now I’m sitting at a breakfast table covered in syrup, holding the hand of the woman I love, watching our children demolish pancakes, and learning our family is about to grow again.
I survived hell. We both did. But it was worth it for what we’ve fought for and earned.
“I love you, Nevi,” I mouth.
She squeezes my hand back. “I love you too, Cael.”
Ravi looks up from his systematic pancake process. “Daddy’s smiling so big!”
I chuckle and nod. “Because I’m happy, figlio mio. Because I have everything I ever wanted right here at this table.”
Siena giggles, then shrieks, “Pancakes!”
More laughter fills the room as we eat our breakfast and savor each other’s company. Just another morning in our home with the ones I love most.
THE END
