The Mafia Boss Promised the Poor Janitor She Would Die If His Brother Did, Until Her Phone Rang With a Child Who Could No Longer Breathe

Two months later.

Winter had returned to Chicago, covering the grounds of the Oak Brook estate in a pristine, sparkling blanket of white snow.

Christmas music played softly through the grand living room, where a massive twenty-foot evergreen tree stood decorated with golden lights, glass ornaments, and handmade paper stars created by Leo.

A roaring fire crackled in the stone fireplace, casting a warm, orange glow across the room.

Leo, now five years old and thriving, was happily playing on the soft rug with a new wooden train set that Liam had built for him. Maya was in the kitchen, preparing a festive dinner with Dr. Vance, with whom she had developed a sweet, quiet romance over the past few months.

Dela stood by the tall glass windows, wearing a cozy cream-colored sweater, sipping hot cocoa, watching the snow fall gently over the gardens.

Warm hands slid around her waist from behind.

Salvatore pulled her back against his broad chest, kissing the soft spot behind her ear. He wore a comfortable dark wool sweater, completely relaxed, looking every bit the happy family man.

"What are you thinking about, my love?" Salvatore murmured softly.

Dela smiled, resting her head against his shoulder. "I was just thinking about the first night I met you. In that dark, terrifying warehouse, soaked in blood, holding a mop."

Salvatore chuckled softly, his arms tightening around her. "I thought you were a ghost when you stepped out of that corner. A crazy, brave ghost who dared to yell at me."

"You needed someone to yell at you," Dela teased, turning around in his arms to face him.

"I did," Salvatore agreed, his gray eyes turning soft and serious. "I needed you, Dela. I had been living in the dark for so long that I forgot what light felt like until you stepped into my life."

He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small, velvet-lined mahogany box.

Dela’s breath caught in her throat. Her heart began to race.

Salvatore dropped slowly onto one knee on the soft rug before her. He opened the box, revealing a breathtaking ring featuring a flawless, pear-cut diamond surrounded by small, sparkling sapphires.

"Dela Marsh," Salvatore said, his deep voice thick with raw, beautiful emotion. "You saved my brother’s life. You healed my broken heart. You gave me a family, a purpose, and a reason to be a better man. I want to spend every sunrise and sunset of my life protecting you and Leo. Will you make me the happiest man alive and marry me?"

Tears of pure, overwhelming happiness spilled down Dela’s cheeks. She dropped to her knees in front of him, wrapping her arms around his neck, burying her face into his shoulder.

"Yes!" Dela sobbed joyfully. "Yes, Salvatore! A thousand times yes!"

Salvatore let out a loud, triumphant laugh, pulling her into his lap, slipping the sparkling ring onto her finger, and kissing her with a deep, passionate intensity that filled the entire room with warmth.

From the rug nearby, Leo clapped his tiny hands happily. "Daddy Sal! Mommy said yes!"