The Mafia's Jewel (BWWM)

50 (Epilogue)

We land in Chicago on a clear, crisp morning, the city's skyline a familiar and welcoming sight. As the private jet's engines quiet down, I place my hands protectively on my swollen belly, feeling the gentle movements of our daughter sleeping cozy inside. The excitement of returning home after so long fills me with a mixture of joy and nervous anticipation.

Leone helps me down the jet's stairs, his hand firm and reassuring around mine. The cool breeze, the bustling atmosphere, and the unmistakable sense of familiarity bring tears to my eyes. I nearly cry with happiness, overwhelmed by the emotions of being back in my home city, a place that holds so many memories.

"So this is the land of your birth," Leone says, looking around with curiosity.

"Yes," I reply, a smile spreading across my face. "So you better watch out."

Leone grins, his eyes twinkling with affection. "Your wish is my command." He hands me his passport with a playful flourish. "My turn to be held in your country. Haha."

I laugh, the sound light and full of happiness. "Mind if I do?" I say, taking his passport and holding it close.

We walk hand in hand through the airport, my heart swelling with a mix of excitement and anticipation. The last time I was here, life was so different. Now, with Leone by my side and our baby on the way, everything feels new and hopeful.

As we step outside, the familiar scents and sounds of Chicago envelop me, bringing a sense of peace and belonging. Leone hails a cab, and we make our way to the apartment I'd left behind, the place that holds so many memories.

"Welcome home," I whisper to myself, feeling the truth of those words in my bones.

Leone squeezes my hand, his expression soft and understanding. "How do you feel?"

"Happy," I reply, my voice thick with emotion. "And a little overwhelmed, but mostly just happy to be back."

He nods, his thumb brushing gently over my knuckles. "We'll make new memories here, Jules. This is a fresh start for us."

The cab pulls up to my old apartment building, and I take a deep breath, steadying myself. We make our way inside, the familiar creak of the elevator bringing a smile to my face. When we reach my floor, I feel a rush of anticipation.

Leone opens the door, and we step inside. The apartment looks the same but feels different with Leone by my side and the knowledge that we're starting a new chapter here.

We spend the next few days settling in, unpacking, and organizing. Leone is attentive and caring, always making sure I'm comfortable and not overexerting myself. We explore the neighborhood, visit my favorite spots, and create new routines together. Each step we take solidifies our new life, blending the old with the new, and strengthening our bond.

One evening, as we sit on the couch with my head resting on Leone's shoulder, I feel our baby move. I place Leone's hand on my belly, and his eyes light up with wonder and joy as he feels the gentle kicks.

"She's strong," he murmurs, his voice filled with awe.

"Just like her daddy," I reply, smiling up at him.

Leone leans down and kisses my belly, then my lips, his love for both of us radiating from him. "I can't wait to meet her," he says softly. "To hold her and watch her grow."

"Me too," I whisper, my heart full.

As the weeks pass, we fall into a comfortable routine. Leone finds a job that he enjoys, and I prepare for the arrival of our daughter. We attend prenatal classes together, Leone always attentive and eager to learn. We decorate the nursery, choosing colors and patterns that make us both smile. Each detail adds to the excitement and reality of our growing family.

~

We make it an apartment Leone borrowed from his relatives. We will be staying here for the time being. As for my old place, I sold my own dingy place to live in a large space like this.

"Jules, have you thought about names for our daughter?" Leone surprises me with a question.

I nod, excitement bubbling up. "I have a few in mind. What about you?"

Leone smiles, his eyes softening. "I was thinking of something that reflects both our cultures. Maybe something Italian-American?"

"I love that idea," I say, feeling a surge of warmth. "How about Serena? It's beautiful in both languages."

Leone's smile widens. "I like Serena, but I want something else. Something..."

"Perfect," I say.

"Yes."

We discuss more names, talking about our future, our hopes, and dreams for our daughter. The sun sets, casting a warm glow over us, and I feel an overwhelming sense of contentment.

~

Later that evening, Leone prepares dinner, humming softly to himself while I watch him from the living room couch. I eventually stand and meet him in the kitchen, to take a peak at what hes making.

"Didn't I tell you to rest?"

"I just want to see what you're cooking."

Leone stops and looks at me with an aloof grin. "I'm not going to burn our dinner."

"I didn't say that. I'm curious to see what you're making."

"Jules."

I laugh then take a seat at the chai on the kitchen island. Leone sets the electric stove to low, and he joins me at the table. He holds my hand close to him.

"Leone," I say, my voice filled with emotion. "Thank you for everything. For being here, for loving me, and for being so excited about our future."

He turns, his eyes full of love. "Jules, you've given me a gift I never thought I'd have. A family. I love you more than anything."

I look around our apartment, our home, and feel an overwhelming sense of peace. We've come so far, and I know we'll face whatever comes next together.

Leone wraps his arms around me, his hand resting on my belly. "I can't wait to see what the future holds for us, Jules," he whispers.

"Me neither," I reply, feeling his warmth and love surrounding me. "We're going to have an amazing life together."

With those words, we drift off to sleep, our hearts full of love and hope for the future.

~

Authors Note

And that concludes, TMJ. Thank you  to my readers, especially the ones who have been following me since The Gangsters Beauty and my new readers for supporting my story. I really appreciate it. 

Honestly, I think i struggled with this story the most mainly due to the fact I was dealing with some personal issues while writing this story, however, Im glad you made it to the end of the book.

I will release an author Q&A relating to this story