The days following Roman's proposal felt like a whirlwind. The promise of their future, symbolized by the simple, yet meaningful, engagement ring, hung between them as a constant reminder of the love and hope they shared. But in the midst of the excitement and joy, reality hadn't softened. Malachi's treatment was still ongoing, and the weight of that reality never quite left them.

Roman found himself waking up earlier each day, checking in on Malachi's progress, holding Isabella close in the quiet moments they had together before the chaos of hospital visits and life with two kids took over. There were still moments of uncertainty, still moments of fear. But with Isabella by his side, Roman felt a new strength. A strength he hadn't known he had before.

The morning after the proposal, they both awoke with a new sense of peace. Isabella, still wearing the promise ring-turned-engagement ring, smiled at Roman as they got ready to head back to the hospital. It was a simple morning, but it felt full of possibility.

"I can't believe we're doing this," Isabella said, her voice soft but excited. She was still in disbelief that they had taken the step to move forward together, especially after everything they had been through.

"Me neither," Roman admitted, his grin wide. "But it feels right. Doesn't it?"

Isabella nodded. "More than anything. And I feel... hopeful. Like we're finally going to be okay."

Roman pulled her into a tight hug, his lips brushing against her temple. "We are. I'll make sure of it."

The hospital was as busy as ever when they arrived. Malachi was still under observation, but his condition was stable, and that was something they could be grateful for. They both felt the need to keep the momentum of their recent engagement private, for now, waiting until the right moment to share the news with their families.

But that afternoon, while Malachi napped and Joelle spent time coloring in the corner of the room, Isabella sat beside Roman, her fingers intertwined with his. The calmness between them felt natural, yet every few moments, Isabella would glance down at her hand, at the ring, and a smile would break across her face. Roman noticed it each time, and each time, his heart would swell with a sense of accomplishment - not just in the love they shared, but in the family they were building together.

"Do you think we'll tell them today?" Isabella asked quietly, her eyes catching his as she looked up from the ring. "I mean, tell Joelle? Malachi's too young, but Joelle might understand."

Roman thought for a moment, his eyes never leaving hers. "Maybe. I don't think we need to rush it, Isa. It's been a lot already. But when the time is right, I want her to know. She deserves to see us happy."

Isabella smiled, the thought of telling Joelle warming her heart. "I want that too. For her to see us happy. Together."

Later that evening, after Malachi had been settled into bed, and after a quiet dinner in the hospital cafeteria, Roman and Isabella found themselves in the family lounge with Joelle. Roman had asked Joelle to come sit with them, wanting to talk to her about something important.

Joelle walked in, a little hesitantly. The mood in the room was lighter than usual, and she could feel the change in the air. It wasn't just the hospital's sterile atmosphere anymore - it felt more like home. Roman had been especially attentive to her lately, noticing when she needed space, but also stepping in when she seemed overwhelmed. And Isabella had been a rock.

She sat down on the couch between them, looking up at Roman, her expression soft.

"What's up, Dad?" she asked, her voice slightly uncertain.

Roman exchanged a glance with Isabella before speaking. "Well, Joelle, I wanted to talk to you about something."

Joelle raised an eyebrow, suddenly curious. "What is it?"

Roman smiled, the warmth in his eyes almost reaching her before he even spoke. "I asked your mom to marry me. We're going to be a family. For real."

Joelle's eyes widened in surprise, her mouth hanging open. "Wait... you're... getting married?"

Isabella's eyes shone with happiness as she looked at her daughter. "Yes, sweetheart. Your dad and I are going to get married."

For a moment, Joelle didn't know how to respond. She blinked a few times, processing the news, then, as if realizing the weight of it, her face broke into a wide grin. "That's awesome!" she exclaimed, jumping up from the couch and wrapping her arms around both of them in a tight hug. "I'm so happy for you both!"

Roman chuckled, feeling the relief flood over him. "We're happy too, Joelle. It's going to be a new chapter for us. We're all going to be together, for real."

Isabella's heart swelled as she looked at the two people she loved most in the world. This wasn't just a moment for her and Roman. This was for their entire family. And she could already picture it - the family they would be, strong, loving, and unbreakable, no matter what the future held.

Roman and Isabella spent the rest of the evening talking with Joelle, making plans for their future and discussing the changes that would come with the wedding. It wasn't about the wedding day itself. It was about what came after - a commitment to each other, a commitment to their children, a commitment to love and family.

As they tucked Joelle into bed later that night, Roman kissed her forehead and smiled. "We're going to make this work, Joelle. No matter what."

Joelle smiled back, her tired eyes closing as she whispered, "I know you will, Dad."

Roman left her room, his heart full. This family - this bond - was everything to him. And as long as he had Isabella by his side, he knew they would face whatever came their way, together.

And as the night grew quiet, the promise of their future, and the certainty that everything would be okay, settled in their hearts.

Tomorrow was a new day, and it would be one they would face as a family, stronger than ever.