The scent of grilled ribs and barbecue sauce filled the air as Roman pulled into Jimmy and Naomi's driveway. Laughter and music echoed from the backyard, the sounds of family already in full swing.

Joelle and Malachi were practically vibrating with excitement in the backseat. The second Roman parked, they unbuckled their seatbelts and bolted out of the truck, racing toward the backyard.

"Hey, don't run too fast!" Isabella called after them with a laugh as she stepped out of the truck.

Roman smirked, reaching for her hand. "You ready for the chaos?"

She grinned up at him. "I think I can handle it."

Hand in hand, they made their way through the house and out to the backyard, where Jimmy was manning the grill, tongs in hand. Naomi stood nearby with Solo's wife, Savelina, both of them sipping lemonade while keeping an eye on their kids, who were already playing tag with Joelle and Malachi.

"Ayyy, look who finally showed up!" Jimmy called, flipping a rack of ribs. "Thought y'all were gonna be fashionably late or somethin'."

Roman smirked, dapping him up. "Had to make sure Isabella looked perfect."

Isabella rolled her eyes playfully. "Smooth, Roman."

Naomi pulled Isabella into a warm hug. "Girl, it's so good to see you again."

"You too," Isabella said sincerely.

As the adults caught up, the kids ran around the yard, shrieking with laughter. Malachi clung to Joelle's side, watching in awe as their older cousins wrestled in the grass.

"Uncle Roman, you gettin' in on this or what?" Jey called out, standing shirtless in the yard with his sons, ready to play.

Roman shook his head. "Man, I'm tryna eat first."

Everyone laughed as Jimmy announced the food was ready. They gathered around the picnic table, plates piling high with ribs, mac and cheese, baked beans, and cornbread. The conversation flowed easily, filled with playful teasing, childhood stories, and plans for the next family gathering.

At one point, Malachi climbed onto Roman's lap, leaning his head against his chest. "Daddy?"

Roman glanced down, his arm securing Malachi against him. "Yeah, buddy?"

Malachi looked around at everyone, then back up at his dad. "I like this. Us all being together."

Roman's heart clenched, and he pressed a kiss to the top of his son's head. "Me too, little man. Me too."

Across the table, Isabella met his gaze, her eyes filled with the same warmth and love he felt.

This-this-was what family was all about. And Roman wasn't letting it go ever again.

As the evening rolled on, the backyard filled with the comforting sounds of family-laughter, clinking glasses, kids playing, and the occasional competitive trash talk from the cousins wrestling in the grass. The sun was beginning to set, casting a golden glow over the gathering, making everything feel even more special.

Roman leaned back in his chair, his arm draped over Isabella's shoulder as he watched the kids chase each other around the yard. Joelle had taken it upon herself to teach Malachi and his younger cousins a few cheerleading stunts, much to the amusement of the adults.

"Alright, y'all, be careful," Isabella called out, laughing as Joelle showed Malachi how to do a proper cartwheel.

"I got it, Mommy!" Malachi shouted proudly as he attempted one-though it was more of a somersault than a cartwheel.

Jey chuckled, shaking his head. "Man, Malachi's got that determination. He don't quit."

Roman smirked, watching his son dust himself off and try again. "Gets it from me."

Jimmy rolled his eyes as he grabbed another beer. "Oh, here we go..."

Naomi laughed, nudging Isabella. "You sure you ready for all this again?"

Isabella smiled, watching Roman with the kids. "Yeah. I am."

Naomi's face softened, and she squeezed Isabella's hand. "Good. Because we've missed you."

Isabella felt a warmth spread through her chest. It hadn't been easy being apart from the family for so long, but tonight, it was like nothing had changed. Like she had always belonged here.

Just then, Solo came outside, holding his phone. "Hey, Ma just called. She's on her way over."

Joelle's face lit up. "Grandma's coming?!"

"Yup," Solo confirmed. "Said she didn't wanna miss out on all the fun."

Roman smirked. "Y'all know how she is-she hates not being in the mix."

Sure enough, not even twenty minutes later, Roman's mother arrived, greeted by excited hugs from the grandkids and warm embraces from the adults.

She took one look at Roman and Isabella sitting close together, their hands intertwined, and a knowing smile crossed her face. "It's about time," she murmured, kissing Isabella's cheek.

Roman chuckled, shaking his head. "Ain't nothing getting past you, huh?"

His mother laughed. "Boy, I raised you. I see everything."

As the night wore on, the family gathered around the firepit, roasting marshmallows and swapping stories. Malachi eventually curled up in Roman's lap, his tiny body exhausted from all the running around. Joelle sat beside Isabella, resting her head on her mother's shoulder.

Roman looked around at his family-his whole family-and felt a deep sense of peace settle over him.

This was home.

And he wasn't letting it go ever again.