A Dance with Danger

Epilogue 2

**Estelle POV**

The nursery was peaceful, a calming lullaby drifting from the small speaker in the corner as I carefully rocked Santiago to sleep. His tiny body lay nestled in the crook of my arm, his eyes fluttering shut as he sucked softly on his pacifier, the rhythmic motion of his breathing growing slower with each passing second. His tiny hand gripped mine, his soft fingers wrapping around my thumb like he was holding onto me for dear life.

I smiled down at him, my heart swelling with love as I watched him drift into slumber. This little boy, with his deep brown eyes and soft, dark curls, was my world. And even though he was only a month old, I could already see the bond growing between us, a bond that only strengthened with each moment I spent holding him close.

I ran my fingers through his hair, brushing it back gently, my other hand resting against his back to ensure he felt safe and secure. The nursery was quiet and dimly lit, the soft glow from the nightlight casting a warm hue over the room, making everything feel comforting and calm.

Outside the nursery, I could hear the faint sounds of Camryn playing, his little voice carrying through the walls as he chatted away with Tiberius. I couldn't help but smile at the thought of our three-year-old running around, his wild energy so infectious and full of life. Camryn had a way of bringing a smile to everyone's face, even when things were tough.

The door to the nursery creaked open, and I looked up to see Tiberius standing in the doorway, a tired but fond look in his eyes as he carried Camryn in his arms. My heart warmed at the sight of the two of them together-my husband and our son, so effortlessly connected in a way only a father and son could be.

"Daddy, I wanna say goodnight to Santi!" Camryn's voice rang out, his little arms reaching toward me as Tiberius carefully set him down on the floor.

I smiled softly at my son, nodding. "Of course, baby. You can say goodnight to your brother."

Camryn padded over to the crib, his small feet shuffling on the soft carpet as he peered over the edge. His eyes lit up when he saw Santiago peacefully sleeping in my arms.

"Night-night, Santi," Camryn whispered, his voice full of innocence and affection. He reached out a small hand and gently stroked Santiago's cheek, careful not to wake him.

I watched with a full heart as Camryn leaned down and placed a soft kiss on his baby brother's forehead, his face filled with love and tenderness. It was moments like these that reminded me how lucky we were to have these boys in our lives.

Tiberius walked over to my side, his presence always comforting. He placed a hand on my shoulder, his fingers lightly brushing against my skin as he leaned down to press a kiss to the top of Camryn's head.

"Goodnight, buddy," he whispered, his voice low and soothing.

Camryn looked up at his father, a mischievous grin spreading across his face. "Daddy, kiss Santi's forehead," he said, his eyes sparkling with playful determination.

Tiberius chuckled softly, shaking his head. "Alright, alright." He leaned down and gently placed a kiss on Santiago's forehead, his lips lingering for just a moment longer than necessary, as if he were savoring the moment.

"Goodnight, little man," he whispered to Santiago, his voice full of warmth and love. Santiago stirred slightly but didn't wake, his tiny fingers still curled around my hand.

I smiled at the sight of my family together-Tiberius, Camryn, and Santiago. This was everything I had ever wanted. I hadn't known it back then, when I was just starting to heal from the past, but everything had led me here. To this moment, in this nursery, surrounded by the love of my husband and my children.

Tiberius turned his attention to me then, his gaze softening as he looked at me. His expression was one of adoration and admiration, and my heart skipped a beat as I met his eyes.

He lowered himself to his knees beside the crib, leaning in to press a gentle kiss to my lips. The kiss was slow and tender, filled with all the things we couldn't always say with words. I felt the depth of his love in that one kiss, and I responded in kind, my hand gently resting on his cheek as I kissed him back.

When we pulled apart, Tiberius looked at me with a tenderness that made my chest ache. He reached down and lightly placed a hand on my stomach, his touch warm and reassuring.

"Goodnight, my love," he whispered, his lips brushing against my forehead before he leaned down to place a soft kiss on my stomach. "I love you, Estelle. So much."

My breath caught in my throat as I looked at him, my heart swelling with emotion. This man-this incredible, complicated man-had been my rock through everything. The good, the bad, the moments of doubt, and the moments of joy. He had been there for me, and now, he was here with our family, our sons, and I couldn't imagine my life without him.

"I love you, Tiberius," I whispered back, my voice full of emotion. "So much."

Tiberius smiled at me, his eyes filled with a love that made everything feel right in the world. He stood up, placing a kiss on my temple before straightening up and looking at Camryn, who was now back at the crib, his small hands resting on the edge as he gazed at his baby brother.

"Alright, Camryn," Tiberius said softly. "Time for bed, little man."

Camryn pouted but nodded, his tired eyes barely able to stay open. "Okay, daddy," he mumbled, yawning as he shuffled toward the door. Tiberius scooped him up again, carrying him in his arms with ease as they made their way toward the door.

"Goodnight, Estelle," Tiberius said, his voice low and filled with love. "I'll be right back. You get some rest, okay?"

I nodded, watching as Tiberius left the nursery with Camryn, his footsteps fading down the hallway. The door clicked softly shut, and I was left in the quiet with Santiago, who was still peacefully sleeping in my arms. The soft lullaby continued to play in the background, and the sound of Tiberius and Camryn's voices echoed faintly from the hallway.

I sat there for a moment, allowing the peace of the evening to wash over me. Everything felt so perfect in this moment. Our family was together, and we had so much love to give.

I looked down at Santiago, my heart overflowing with affection as I gently stroked his soft cheek. He looked so peaceful in his sleep, his tiny body curled against me, the steady rise and fall of his chest a reminder of just how fragile and perfect life could be.

"I'm so glad you're here," I whispered softly, kissing the top of his head. "Both of you. I'll always protect you, love you, and be here for you."

Santiago shifted slightly, but stayed asleep, a soft smile curling on his lips as if he knew exactly how much he was loved.

I stood up slowly, my muscles aching slightly from the long day, and gently placed Santiago in his crib, making sure he was comfortable and secure before stepping back. I watched him for a moment longer, my heart full as I admired the peacefulness of his sleep.

As I turned to leave the nursery, I heard Tiberius' voice again from down the hallway. "Hey, Estelle."

I walked toward him, my heart light as I entered the living room. He was standing there, holding Camryn in his arms, both of them wrapped in the soft glow of the dimmed lights. Tiberius' eyes met mine, and he gave me a smile that took my breath away. I could see it in his gaze-his love, his devotion, and his complete commitment to this family we had created together.

"We're doing okay, right?" he asked softly, his voice a quiet reflection of the bond we shared.

I stepped closer to him, placing my hand over his, feeling the steady pulse of his heartbeat beneath my fingers. "We're more than okay," I whispered. "We're perfect."

He leaned in and kissed me again, his lips warm and soft against mine. I kissed him back, pouring all my love into the touch, all the gratitude I felt for this life, for this family, for him.

When we finally pulled apart, I looked into his eyes and whispered, "Goodnight, Tiberius. I love you."

A we stood there, wrapped in each other's arms, our hearts beating as one, ready to face whatever the future held for us-together.