There’s a long moment when we study each other, his eyes shining with tears, and mine with… well, I suppose much of the same.

“I was blinded by my grief,” I confess. “I couldn’t let it go. And I believed the worst in you. For that, I am sorry.”

“You believed what any man would have in your position,” he answers solemnly. “For that, I cannot fault you.”

I dip my head in acknowledgment, and silence settles between us. I’m not certain who takes the first step, but I suspect it is Eli. Slowly, we close the distance between each other, and I extend my hand, an offer of peace. Eli glances at it and shakes his head, pulling me in for a hug instead.

“We are family now,” he says softly. “And I am proud to call you my son, Santiago. You are becoming the man I always knew you would.”

My shoulders relax under his praise, and I swallow, choking back the emotion his words provoke in me.

“Thank you, Eli,” I answer quietly. “Thank you for seeing me even when I couldn’t.”

45

Santiago

When I walk into the nursery, I'm surprised to find Ivy there, rocking a sleeping Elena in her arms. She looks exhausted, and I regret not being here to help her with the feedings tonight.

"What are you still doing up?" I whisper.

She glances up at me, eyes soft and calm. It brings me a relief I didn't know I needed until now. I was not quite certain how she would react when I saw her again. Knowing that I was there to witness her brother's death and that, on some level, it satisfied me beyond measure and gave me the closure I needed. I also hope she understands I know how difficult this is for her, regardless of all he has done.

Our love is a love unlike any other to bear the trials we have. It is the only explanation for what we have overcome.

"I couldn't go to sleep without you." She shifts Elena in her arms, rising to her feet. "Not tonight."

I step closer, my fingers brushing over her cheek. "Thank you."

She watches me as I lean down to kiss Elena's forehead, and then she settles her into her crib. For a moment, we stand there together, both of us watching our sleeping daughter in awe. Our fingers tangle together, and when Ivy looks up at me again, she has tears in her eyes.

"She's the most beautiful baby in the world."

"I know." I grin. "We made her."

My hand comes around her waist, and I lead her from the nursery back to our room. Ivy shuts the door behind us softly, glancing at the monitor, and then brings her palms to my chest. She starts to unbutton my shirt with a gentleness only she could possess.