♥ Epilogue: Part 4♥
4.30pm: '' Alessio's house. ''Fourth. ''Portevecchio.
Isabella ends up falling asleep, her relaxed face showing the peace she finally feels. Watching her for a moment, I admire her beauty and the strength she has shown over the past few days. With her asleep, I decided to take the opportunity to take a quick shower. As the hot water falls over me, I feel the tension of the last few days begin to dissipate. I reflect on how my life changes in ways I never imagined, and now, I have a new priority: my family.
As I leave the bathroom, still with the towel wrapped around my waist, I hear small sounds coming from the crib we placed in our room. I'm not letting our son sleep in the other room alone. I smile when I see Orion awake, his wide, curious eyes taking in the surrounding room.
'' Are you awake, my prince? '' I whisper, approaching him. ''Mommy is sleeping now, let's be quiet.
I pick up Orion carefully, feeling the warmth of his small body against my chest. He looks at me with his dark eyes, which are so similar to mine, and gives a slight sigh. I walk with him to the room we prepared especially for him.
I place Orion on the changing table and check to see if he needs to be changed. As I suspected, he pooped. I prepare everything necessary to bathe him, maintaining a gentle dialogue to make him feel safe and loved.
'' Come on, my prince, bath time. '' I speak softly, filling the bathtub with warm water. ''I know it's a little strange, but Daddy is learning. And I will do my best to take care of you.
Orion moves his small hands and feet, seeming fascinated by the lights in the room. His eyes follow my every move, and I smile at him, feeling a rush of tenderness.
'' You are so small, so perfect. ''I continue, placing him into the water carefully. ''Who knew Daddy would be bathing a baby, huh? But, you know, my prince, I'm loving every moment. Your every movement, every curious look—that's what matters most now.
I wash Orion with gentle, careful movements, talking to him the entire time. I explain what I'm doing, even though I know he doesn't understand the words, but I believe my voice calms him down. After cleaning it, I wrap it in a soft towel and gently dry it.
'' Okay, now you are clean and smelling good. '' I mean, dressing him in comfortable pajamas. ''Let's go back to the room and let mommy rest a little more.
I carry Orion back to our room, where Isabella is still sleeping soundly. I sit in the armchair next to the bed, holding our son in my arms, and gently rock him until he too falls asleep. As I look at the two of them, a feeling of peace and happiness washes over me. Life has changed drastically, but this new reality is the best ever. I have my queen and my prince, and I would do anything to protect and love them forever.
Isabella wakes up, still a little drowsy, and calls me in a soft voice.
'' Alessio, come and lie with me.
Your request, so simple and sweet, fills my heart with tenderness. With a smile, I get up from the armchair, walking carefully to the bed so as not to wake Orion. I lie down next to her, gently holding our sleeping son and placing him gently on my chest. Isabella snuggles into me, placing her face on my chest, her breath warm and even against my skin.
'' I love you both. '' He whispers softly, his voice thick with emotion.
I kiss her soft hair and then Orion's head, smelling the sweet scent of both.
'' I love you both too. '' I reply, my voice full of sincerity and devotion.
At that moment, everything in the world seemed perfect. The gentle beats of our hearts synchronize into a melody of love and peace. The warmth of Isabella at my side and the light weight of Orion on my chest create a feeling of completeness that I have never experienced before.
I close my eyes, feeling an indescribable peace. My queen and prince sleep next to me, and I know I would do anything to keep them well.
As the night envelops our home, a certainty invades my heart: the family we built together is my greatest achievement. Life has changed drastically, but this love, this deep connection, is all I ever needed.
With a smile on my face, I let myself drift off to sleep, knowing that the future is full of love and happiness alongside the two of them. The journey so far has been full of challenges, but now, alongside Isabella and Orion, each day will be a new chapter in our love story.
END