American Mafia- His wife and Kids

Chapter 22

3rd person POV

The days following the initial breakthrough in therapy brought a slow but steady change in the family dynamic. Emery began to spend more time outside her room, though she still clung to her mother and father in moments of vulnerability. Amalia noticed that Emery sought her out more often, especially during the evenings when the house settled into its quiet rhythm.

One night, as the family was winding down, Amalia found Emery in the living room, sitting in the soft glow of the lamps, her knees tucked to her chest. Without a word, Amalia joined her on the couch and held her arms open. Emery hesitated for only a moment before nestling into her mother's embrace, a sense of comfort washing over her as she felt her mother's warmth. As they sat together, Amalia cradled her daughter and gently stroked her hair.

When Emery began nursing again, it was as though a missing piece had been restored. The physical connection they shared through breastfeeding was deeply comforting to both of them, and it was in those quiet moments that Emery felt the closest to her mother. After nursing, Emery would often cling to Amalia, resting her head on her chest, as if she needed the reassurance that she was safe and loved.

Their bond deepened through these sessions, and Amalia could see the subtle changes in her daughter's demeanor—Emery was healing, little by little. Sometimes, after nursing, Emery would softly say, "I love you, Mama," before drifting off to sleep in her arms, and Amalia would hold her close, tears of relief stinging her eyes.

James also found his way back to his daughter's heart, but it was through a different kind of connection. He made a point to spend time with her alone, running errands for Amalia or simply going for walks together. They would visit the grocery store, where Emery would laugh at how bossy her mother was with the grocery list. James, always trying to lighten the mood, would crack jokes and tease Emery, and she would smile, a real smile, as they navigated through the aisles.

"Do you think Mama will notice if we sneak a candy bar in?" James would ask, raising his eyebrows in mock seriousness.

"She'd know. She knows everything," Emery replied with a smirk, but there was a hint of playfulness in her voice that made James's heart swell with pride.

On weekends, Luciano and Adriano took Emery out for rides in their cars. They knew how much she loved the thrill of speed, and it became their ritual to drive to the outskirts of town, where they could cruise freely. Emery would sit in the passenger seat, her eyes sparkling as they sped down the open road. Her brothers, protective as always, kept a close watch on her, but they also indulged her love for fast cars.

"I bet I could drive better than you," Emery joked one day, nudging Luciano.

He raised an eyebrow. "Yeah? Maybe one day we'll let you behind the wheel... but don't tell Mama."

Emery grinned. What her brothers didn't know was that she had been secretly practicing driving, sneaking in lessons from friends. It gave her a sense of freedom and control that she hadn't felt in a long time.

At home, James and Amalia had also rekindled their own connection. The stress of the past weeks had taken its toll on them, but their love for each other remained strong. They became physically clingy, often sneaking moments of affection when they thought the kids weren't looking. But the children were always watching.

"Gross," Adriano muttered one day, catching his parents in a loving embrace.

Luciano rolled his eyes. "They've done it again. You can just tell."

Emery giggled. "Yep. Mama and Papa are at it all the time."

James overheard the exchange and couldn't resist chiming in. "Hey, it's a sign of a healthy marriage!" he teased, winking at his kids.

"Ugh, stop!" Emery covered her face, pretending to gag, but she secretly loved the way her parents were still so in love with each other. It gave her a sense of security, knowing that despite everything, her family was solid.

Later that evening, after James made another dirty joke at the dinner table, Amalia scolded him lightly but then joined in, much to the horror of the children.

"Alright, alright, enough!" Luciano waved his hands. "We get it. You two love each other. Now, can we eat in peace?"

Emery, meanwhile, reverted to her baby-like routine, clinging to her mother. Every two hours, without fail, she would seek Amalia out for nursing, and the family would watch, mesmerized by the connection between mother and daughter.

James, of course, couldn't help himself. "Every time I see this, I think how lucky Emery is to have the best seat in the house."

"James!" Amalia swatted his arm, though she laughed too.

"Papa, you're gross," Emery said, though she smiled as she nestled into her mother's arms once more.

Luciano and Adriano cringed, but secretly, they cherished these moments. Despite their protests, they admired the bond their family shared, knowing that even in the toughest of times, they were stronger together.

As the days passed, the laughter returned to their home. There were still hard moments, moments when Emery's sadness resurfaced, but the love and connection between the family grew stronger with every shared meal, every inside joke, and every quiet nursing session. Together, they were healing. Together, they were finding their way back to happiness.