𝐊𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐎𝐅 𝐕𝐄𝐍𝐆𝐄𝐀𝐍𝐂𝐄

Bonus Chapter

VALENTINA
KINGSTON

"Oh, my God—she's absolutely perfect," I breathed, marveling at Rosa's newborn daughter, Daniella. Her tiny face was scrunched up, her lashes like soft little wisps on her cheeks, and she let out a small coo, making my heart melt. I reached out instinctively, my hand coming to rest on my stomach, and a gentle warmth flooded over me. "I can't wait for ours, you know? Victor and Daniella will be best friends, I just know it," I murmured, the thought alone making my heart skip a beat.

Rosalina's eyes sparkled with excitement as she cradled Daniella a little closer, her face a portrait of maternal pride. "Oh, trust me, I'm already planning all the cute outfits we'll dress them in. Think about it—the perfect little duo. I'm telling you, our kids are going to be the most fashionable little ones around," she said, laughing, though there was no mistaking the genuine thrill in her voice. She adjusted Daniella's tiny red bow, the same one she had picked out days before her birth, and I could already see her mind spinning with a thousand future plans.

Christian watched us from his spot on the couch, his mouth curving into a grin that was half amused, half indulgent. "You're both already planning outfits and matching playdates for babies who haven't even met yet," he teased, reaching over to give my hand a soft squeeze as his thumb brushed lightly over the back of my hand. I could feel his steady presence grounding me, but there was something playful in his eyes as if he was enjoying every moment of our little daydream.

"Of course," I shot back, matching his teasing tone with a mischievous grin of my own. "You think our little one won't need all the style they can get, especially with Daniella setting the bar this high? We can't let Victor fall behind in the cuteness competition."

Rosa's husband, Luca, chuckled from behind her, wrapping his arms protectively around her waist as she leaned back against him. "Well, with you two around, I don't think our kids stand a chance of being anything less than ridiculously high-maintenance," he said, casting an affectionate look at Daniella, who had just started to fuss, her tiny fists clenching and unclenching against her mother's chest. "But you know," he added with a grin, "if you're already planning their outfits, maybe you'll also take over when it comes to dealing with their tantrums. Just saying, I think I'll sit back and enjoy that show."

Rosalina rolled her eyes but was already smiling as she looked down at her baby girl, a softness coming over her face. "Tantrums or not, she's perfect. And, honestly, I think she'll adore having a best friend like Victor." She paused, gazing down at Daniella with a look so full of love it was almost tangible. "Imagine them growing up together—playdates, birthdays, maybe even little sleepovers," she mused dreamily, before casting me a knowing smile. "It's going to be beautiful, don't you think?"

I felt a surge of excitement and nodded, squeezing Christian's hand as if to ground myself from the whirlwind of emotions. "It's going to be wonderful, Rosa. All the family gatherings, the birthdays, watching them grow up side by side... I can already see it," I said softly, the thought filling me with warmth.

Christian slipped an arm around my shoulders, pulling me close. "You're getting ahead of yourself," he murmured, but the playful spark in his eyes told me he was just as invested in our little daydream. He paused for a second, his voice softening, "But yeah, it'll be good for them to grow up together. And, who knows, maybe having Daniella around will give us a little preview of what we're in for soon enough."

Luca chuckled, his arm tightening around Rosalina as he glanced at Daniella with a look of pride and adoration. "Trust me, man," he said, his voice warm but laced with a knowing smile, "it's more chaotic than you think. But nothing compares to it." He looked down at Daniella as she let out a soft sigh, her tiny lips parting in her sleep, and the tenderness in his expression was undeniable.

Rosalina let out a soft, contented sigh, her fingers brushing gently over Daniella's downy cheek. She looked up at me with a warmth that was both comforting and encouraging. "It's worth every sleepless night, every chaotic moment," she whispered, her eyes full of gentle conviction. "You'll see, soon enough."

I glanced over at Christian, feeling a quiet thrill as he looked back at me, a soft smile playing on his lips. This moment, with friends who felt like family, made the upcoming chapter feel even more real, like something tangible and within reach. The excitement and anticipation filled the room, and I knew we were all thinking the same thing: the future was going to be something truly extraordinary.