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Luca's POV

The day had finally arrived. The day I had waited for, dreamed of and worked tirelessly to see come to fruition. My wedding day. As I stood at the altar in the grand cathedral, sunlight streamed through the stained-glass windows, casting a kaleidoscope of colors onto the marble floor. The air was heavy with the scent of roses and lavender, a symbol of unity for our clans.

Guests from both sides filled the pews, their once-hostile gazes now softened by the promise of peace. Today wasn’t just about Lia and me—it was about forging a bond that would unite two warring clans into one.

And then, the doors opened, and there she was.

Lia. My bride. My queen.

She walked down the aisle with a grace that stole my breath. Her gown was exquisite, flowing like liquid light, and her eyes were locked on mine. At that moment, the world narrowed to just the two of us.

When she reached me, I took her hands in mine, unable to suppress the smile tugging at my lips. “You’re breathtaking,” I whispered.

“And you’re mine,” she replied, her voice steady despite the emotion glistening in her eyes.

The ceremony passed in a blur of vows, rings, and applause. When the officiant pronounced us husband and wife, I didn’t hesitate. I pulled Lia into my arms and kissed her deeply, sealing our union amidst the cheers of our clans.

\---

The After Party

The reception was a grand affair, held in the sprawling gardens of my family estate. The moon hung high, casting a silver glow over the festivities. Guests mingled, laughter and music filling the air as the two clans celebrated together for the first time in history.

Our first dance as husband and wife was nothing short of magical. The band played a soft melody, and Lia melted into my arms as we swayed under the stars. Her laughter was contagious, her joy radiating to everyone around us.

As the night went on, alliances were formed over shared toasts, and old grievances were set aside. The once-impossible dream of unity was now a reality, and it was all because of Lia.

Merlin, ever the charmer, stole Lia away for a dance, and I watched with a smile as she twirled the little boy around. He had come to mean so much to both of us, a symbol of the family we were building together.

\---

Love Making

When the festivities wound down, Lia and I retreated to our private suite. The moment the door closed, the air shifted, charged with anticipation.

She turned to me, her eyes dark with desire. “Finally,” she murmured, her voice low and teasing.

I crossed the distance between us, my hands finding her waist as I pulled her close. Her lips met mine in a kiss that was both tender and hungry, a mix of love and passion that left me breathless.

“Do you have any idea how much I love you?” I whispered against her lips, my hands trailing down to the delicate buttons of her gown.

“Show me,” she replied, her voice trembling with emotion.

I undressed her slowly, savoring every moment as her gown pooled at her feet. She was stunning, her beauty illuminated by the soft glow of candlelight.

“You’re perfect,” I said, my voice filled with reverence.

“And you’re overdressed,” she teased, her fingers working to remove my jacket and shirt.

When we were finally bare before each other, I guided her to the bed, our connection deepening with every touch and kiss. Our bodies moved together, a symphony of love and need, every sigh and whispered promise binding us closer.

As we reached the peak of our passion, I held her tightly, overwhelmed by the depth of my feelings. Lia was my everything—my partner, my queen, my forever.

\---

Joining Both Clans Together

The morning after our wedding, we stood before the leaders of both clans, the weight of history pressing down on us. Lia stood beside me, her presence commanding yet warm.

“It’s time to move forward,” I began, my voice steady. “For too long, our clans have been divided by conflict. Today, we stand united—not just by marriage, but by a shared vision for the future.”

Lia stepped forward, her voice strong. “This isn’t just about Luca and me. It’s about all of us. Together, we can build a legacy of peace, strength, and prosperity.”

Applause erupted, the sound echoing through the hall as one by one, the leaders came forward to pledge their support for the alliance.

Later, as Lia and I walked through the gardens, hand in hand, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of accomplishment. We had done the impossible—united two clans and created a foundation for a better future.

That night, as we lay together, I held her close, my heart full of gratitude and love. “We did it,” I whispered, pressing a kiss to her temple.

She smiled, her fingers tracing patterns on my chest. “No, Luca. This is just the beginning.”

And she was right. Together, there was nothing we couldn’t achieve.

___

Lia’s POV

The plane hummed softly beneath us as Merlin sat between Luca and me, his excitement infectious. He kept pointing out the window, marveling at the clouds and the world below. Luca leaned in, answering every question with patience and amusement, his deep voice warm and soothing.

I couldn’t help but smile at the sight of them together. Merlin had brought so much light into our lives, and this vacation was a chance to bond as a family before the whirlwind of duties claimed us again.

Jenny and Bianca had insisted we take this trip. “You two need it,” Bianca had said, her hand resting comfortably on her boyfriend’s shoulder. The deputy of the police department, Zachary, had been nothing but supportive, a rock for Bianca as she navigated her new leadership role. Seeing her happy was a relief—she deserved this after everything we’d been through.

Jenny, on the other hand, had rolled her eyes. “Go on, Lia. Leave everything to us. Bianca’s busy with her deputy, but I’ll keep the clan running. Maybe I’ll even find some excitement while you’re away. Who knows, I might even find love.” She laughed, but there was a hint of longing in her eyes.

“You will,” I’d told her, hugging her tightly before we left. “If anyone deserves it, it’s you.”

\---

Our destination was a secluded island resort, chosen for its privacy and beauty. The moment we arrived, I felt the tension of the past few weeks melt away. The white sand stretched out before us, meeting crystal-clear water that sparkled under the sun.

Merlin immediately ran toward the waves, laughing as the water lapped at his feet. Luca and I followed hand in hand, the breeze tugging at our hair.

“This was a good idea,” Luca murmured, his voice low.

I leaned into him, letting the warmth of his presence envelop me. “It was.”

We spent the next few days exploring the island, indulging in its beauty and tranquility. Merlin’s laughter echoed as we built sandcastles, chased crabs, and swam in the calm waters. At night, we sat around a small bonfire, sharing stories and basking in the glow of family.

\---

It was during one of these quiet evenings that I began to suspect something. I’d felt a strange fluttering in my stomach earlier that day, and a wave of dizziness had hit me out of nowhere.

Luca noticed immediately. “Are you okay?” he asked, his brow furrowed with concern.

I waved it off with a laugh. “Probably just too much sun.”

But as the days passed, the symptoms became more pronounced—fatigue, nausea, and a craving for citrus that had me stealing every orange on the island. It wasn’t long before the realization hit me like a wave.

I was pregnant.

The thought sent a rush of joy through me. Merlin would have a sibling. Luca and I would have another child to love, to cherish, to call our own.

\---

I waited until we were alone to tell Luca. We were walking along the shore at sunset, the sky painted in hues of orange and pink.

“Luca,” I began, stopping to face him.

He turned to me, his expression soft and attentive. “What is it?”

I took his hands, placing them gently on my stomach. “We’re having a baby.”

For a moment, he just stared at me, his eyes wide with disbelief. Then, his face broke into the most radiant smile I’d ever seen.

“A baby?” he repeated, his voice filled with wonder.

I nodded, tears springing to my eyes as he pulled me into his arms. “A baby,” I confirmed.

He pressed a kiss to my forehead, his hands never leaving my stomach. “You’ve made me the happiest man alive, Lia.”

We stood there for a long time, the waves lapping at our feet, the stars beginning to twinkle above us. It was a moment I would treasure forever.

\---

The next day, we told Merlin. His reaction was priceless.

“I’m going to be a big brother?” he asked, his eyes wide with excitement.

“Yes, you are,” I said, laughing as he danced around the room.

“Can it be a little brother?” he asked, tilting his head in thought.

“We’ll see,” Luca said, ruffling his hair.

Merlin beamed. “I’ll teach him everything I know!”

\---

As our vacation came to an end, I found myself feeling both excited and at peace. Our family was growing, and our future was brighter than ever.

Before we left the island, I sent a message to Jenny and Bianca, letting them know the good news. Bianca responded with a string of exclamation points, while Jenny replied with a simple, “Told you everything would work out.”

Back home, there would be challenges, responsibilities, and the ever-present weight of leadership. But for now, I was content.

I had Luca. I had Merlin. And soon, I would have another little one to hold in my arms.

Life was perfect.