Bound by Honor *COMPLETED*

Epilogue

Luca leaned back on the couch, his eyes never straying from Elena as she rested comfortably in the chair, her hand gently caressing the curve of her belly. The soft, steady hum of the baby monitor beside him was a constant reminder of the new life they were about to welcome, filling him with a sense of anticipation and joy that he couldn't quite put into words. The golden light of the setting sun poured through the windows, casting long, warm shadows across the nursery, creating an almost dreamlike atmosphere.

"I still can't believe we're about to be parents," Luca said, his voice filled with wonder as he looked around at the nursery. It was practically bursting with baby items—cribs, toys, blankets, onesies. Every inch of the space seemed to hold a promise of new beginnings. "I've been buying up everything I can find. You should see the nursery. It's—" he paused, grinning. "—practically a baby store."

Elena's eyes twinkled with amusement as she ran a hand over her belly, her lips curling into a soft, knowing smile. "I've noticed," she teased, raising an eyebrow. "I think we might need to move into a bigger house just to fit all the things you've bought."

Luca chuckled, shaking his head with mock disbelief. "I just want to be prepared, you know? There's so much to think about. I want to make sure we have everything, and more. I even made a checklist of things we still need to get."

"A checklist?" Elena's tone was playful, but there was a glimmer of admiration in her eyes. "Luca, you're going all out, aren't you?"

"You bet," he grinned, leaning forward. "I want to make sure our little girl has everything she could ever need, and then some. I've even started a savings account for her future. I can't help it—I'm excited."

Just then, there was a knock on the door. Luca jumped up, eager to share his latest purchases with someone. "Perfect timing," he called as he opened the door to reveal Matteo, who stepped inside with a warm, friendly smile.

"Hey, Luca," Matteo greeted, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "I heard about your shopping spree. Thought I'd come by and see how things are going."

Luca's grin widened as he stepped aside, motioning Matteo in. "You have to see the nursery. I may have gone a little overboard, but it's worth it."

As they walked into the nursery, Matteo's eyes widened in surprise. The room was filled with baby gear—cribs, toys, clothes, and a changing table stacked high with supplies.

"Wow, Luca, you weren't kidding," Matteo said, his tone a mix of awe and laughter. "It looks like you're ready for everything."

"I know, right?" Luca beamed, his chest puffing with pride. "I couldn't help myself. There was this adorable mobile, and then I saw this onesie that said 'Daddy's Girl'—I just had to have it."

Matteo laughed, shaking his head. "You're going to spoil her rotten, aren't you?"

Luca chuckled, but there was a softness in his gaze. "I want to give her everything. I've dreamed of this moment for so long, and now it's finally happening. Seeing all this stuff... imagining our little girl here, growing up—it's everything."

Matteo clapped him on the back. "You're going to be an amazing dad, Luca. I can already tell how much she means to you."

"Thanks, Matteo," Luca replied, his voice full of gratitude. "I just want to make sure everything's perfect for her."

"So, what's the latest purchase?" Matteo asked, his eyes scanning the room for the next big thing Luca had bought.

Luca picked up a small, plush rattle from the changing table and held it out with a proud smile. "This little guy. I figured she'll need something when she's older. I'm getting everything I can think of, but I'm sure there's more to come."

Matteo's smile softened as he glanced over at Luca. "You've got everything covered. I can tell you're doing this from the heart. She's going to be one lucky kid."

Luca's heart swelled, a rush of warmth flooding him. "I just want to be the best father I can be. I want her to have everything I didn't, you know?"

"I get it," Matteo said, placing a hand on Luca's shoulder. "You're doing great, man. She's going to have an incredible start in life with you two."

As they continued chatting, Luca shared every little detail—his plans, the books he'd been reading, the parenting classes he and Elena had signed up for, and his hopes for the future. Matteo listened, a mix of humor and sincerity in his eyes. His own experiences added a layer of wisdom to the conversation, making Luca appreciate even more how lucky he was to have such a solid support system.

Later, as the day turned into twilight, the soft hues of the setting sun casting a serene glow over the room, Luca and Elena sat together on the couch. Elena nestled closer to him, her warmth and calm filling him with a sense of peace.

"Today was perfect," Elena murmured, her voice gentle but full of affection. "I love seeing you so excited. It's like I can feel your joy, Luca."

He wrapped his arm around her, pulling her closer. "I'm just thrilled," he said, his voice thick with emotion. "I can't wait to start this new chapter with you. With our little girl."

"I can't wait either," Elena whispered, her hand resting against his chest. "We're in this together. It's going to be an amazing adventure."

Luca pressed a kiss to her temple, his heart full. The future stretched out before them, full of unknowns, but it felt right—everything felt right. As he sat there, holding Elena, with the promise of a new life on the way, Luca knew one thing for sure: he was ready. Ready for fatherhood. Ready for this family. Ready for the life they would build together.