The next morning, the soft hum of the hospital was a familiar background to the quiet sounds of family life. Roman, Isabella, and Joelle were seated in the small family lounge, having breakfast together before they went to visit Malachi. Joelle was twirling a strand of her hair absentmindedly, her thoughts clearly elsewhere as she listened to Roman and Isabella talk.

Roman was telling Isabella about an idea he had for a special family day once Malachi was feeling better, while Isabella sipped her coffee and smiled at him. It was a peaceful moment, and for the first time in what felt like a long time, their lives felt normal again - for the most part.

Joelle's eyes occasionally flicked over to her mom's hand, where the promise ring now sat, its gleam impossible to miss. It had been there for so long, a symbol of their love and commitment, but something had changed recently. The ring, with its simple elegance, now looked different. There was a glow to it, something more permanent in the way it rested on her mom's finger.

Joelle's brow furrowed as she took another look. She had noticed it last night, but she'd been too stunned by everything to ask. She couldn't stop herself from studying it now.

"Mom," Joelle began, her voice hesitant but curious. "Is that the same ring?"

Isabella looked down at her hand, realizing exactly what Joelle meant. Roman's heart skipped a beat, the tension in the air rising slightly. He glanced at Isabella, unsure how this moment would unfold, but hopeful it would go smoothly.

Isabella smiled warmly at Joelle, her voice soft and reassuring. "Yes, sweetie, it's the same one."

Joelle's eyes widened as she turned her gaze back to her mom. "But... why does it look different now?"

Roman cleared his throat, knowing the question was inevitable. He could see the gears turning in Joelle's mind, putting things together.

Isabella glanced at Roman, her eyes shining with love, before she turned back to Joelle. "Well, Joelle... Your dad asked me to marry him last night."

Joelle's jaw dropped as the realization settled in. "Wait, what?" she exclaimed, leaning forward in shock. "You're getting married?"

Roman chuckled softly, his eyes crinkling with warmth. "Yes, we're getting married, Joelle. We wanted to tell you as soon as we could. We wanted you to be the first to know."

Isabella nodded, her smile wide and filled with emotion. "We're going to be a family. For real."

Joelle sat back in her chair, stunned, her eyes flicking from her mom's ring to Roman's face. She was trying to process everything, the news sinking in slowly.

"Does this mean... we're all really going to live together now?" Joelle asked, her voice tentative but hopeful. "Like, all of us? Me, Malachi, you, and Dad?"

Roman's heart softened at her words, and he reached out to gently squeeze her hand. "Yes, Joelle. It means that we're going to be a family, and we're all going to be together. I promise."

Joelle's face lit up with a smile, her earlier shock giving way to happiness. "That's awesome!" she exclaimed. "I'm so happy for you both! You two make the best team."

Isabella laughed softly, her heart swelling with gratitude. "We're happy, too, sweetheart. This is just the beginning."

Roman watched as Joelle beamed with joy, and he felt his chest tighten with pride. This was what they had been fighting for - a new beginning, a fresh start as a united family.

And it was all falling into place.

The ring on Isabella's finger was more than just a symbol of their love. It was a promise, not just between them, but to their children, to their future, and to the family they would continue to build together.

As Joelle excused herself to check on Malachi, leaving Roman and Isabella alone for a moment, Roman took Isabella's hand in his. He gave it a gentle squeeze, meeting her eyes with a quiet intensity.

"I love you," he said softly, the words coming out with an ease and certainty that had taken him years to find.

"I love you too," Isabella whispered back, her heart full.

They both knew that there would still be challenges ahead. But together, they were ready to face anything. Their family - their love - was the strongest foundation they could ask for.

And with Joelle's enthusiasm and support, Roman felt more certain than ever that they were exactly where they were meant to be.