“I heard your voices. I could see you trying to save me,” I said after a few quiet minutes had passed. “Your love for me. Reciting scripture. Your voices and love brought me back.”

Juliette lifted her head from my chest, crying.

At the sound of Colin’s cries, I searched him out and gestured for him to get on the bed with us.

The room cleared out, giving the three of us a moment alone as a family.

My family.

“Thank you for keeping your promise, Dad,” he whispered a few minutes later. His expression was still caught somewhere between relief and disbelief. “Lennon’s alive thanks to you. Even her brother and Daniel survived.” He shook his head, grimacing. “I guess everyone deserves a second chance.”

I reached for his face, dragging the back of my hand over his cheek. In that moment, he barely looked and sounded more than ten years old, his dark eyes full of innocence. “Those two can get their second chance in prison.”

A slow smile crossed his lips. “I was hoping you’d say that.”

I let my hand fall to my chest, resting it on the blanket.

Before I had a chance to say more, Alessandro burst into the room. “Callie’s having contractions. She’s heading to the hospital.”

I tried to sit, but Juliette pressed me back down.

“I don’t have time to get to our jet in Rome, so Sebastian’s lending me his. His plane’s closer to the safe house.”

Juliette asked him something about Callie’s contractions before offering reassurance. “You might have time to get there.”

Alessandro’s jaw tightened. “Callie’s not letting our baby come until I’m at her side. She’s stubborn.” He forced a smile. “Well, she’s going to do her damnedest.”

“If I can come back from the dead, you can make it to Nashville in time.” My throat tightened, and I swallowed hard. “You’ll get there. I have faith.”

Alessandro held my gaze for a moment before nodding. “We’re about to dock,” he said, his voice rough. His eyes glistened, like he was on the verge of tears. “You sure you’re gonna be okay?”

I turned my head toward Juliette. “I’m more than okay. Go, that’s an order.”

“Yeah, okay.” Alessandro hesitated only a second before turning for the door. “Love you, brother.”

He was gone before I had a chance to say it back.

“We’re turning into a bunch of softies, I swear,” I muttered. The laugh that followed sent pain lancing through my chest. “You went to town on those compressions, huh? Lucky you didn’t crack one of my ribs.” I smirked at her. “Thanks for saving me, by the way.”

Juliette wiped away a tear, smiling. “You never have to thank me for saving you.” She winked, and damn, I wanted to pull her into my arms and kiss her.