The days following Roman and Isabella's engagement were filled with excitement and anticipation, but also a sense of quiet reflection. Their family, both near and far, rallied around them, offering their support and celebrating the new chapter in Roman and Isabella's life. While they knew the road ahead would continue to have its challenges - especially with Malachi's ongoing treatments - they were determined to face it together, as a united family.

It was a Saturday afternoon when the family gathered for the first time after the engagement announcement, meeting at Jimmy and Naomi's house for an impromptu barbecue. The air was warm, and the smell of grilled food filled the backyard as laughter echoed through the space.

Roman and Isabella arrived early, Malachi in tow, his small hand holding tightly to his mother's. Joelle bounced happily around them, her excitement over the engagement still fresh in her eyes.

"Mom! Dad! Everyone's already here!" Joelle said, her voice full of energy as she tugged on Isabella's sleeve. "Come on! Let's go see the kids!"

Isabella smiled, her heart light with happiness. "We'll be right behind you, sweetie."

Roman squeezed her hand before gently kissing the top of Malachi's head. "You good, little man?"

Malachi smiled weakly, the effects of his treatment still taking a toll, but his face lit up when he saw his cousins running around. "I'm good, Daddy," he said, his voice soft but filled with determination.

As they made their way into the backyard, they were met with the familiar faces of the extended family. Jimmy, Jey, Solo, and Naomi were already mingling, each of them greeting Roman and Isabella with wide smiles and enthusiastic congratulations.

Roman clapped his brothers on the back, his chest swelling with pride. "Thanks for having us over. It's good to have a chance to relax for a bit."

"Of course," Jimmy said, giving Roman a playful grin. "You two deserve it. Just don't start planning the wedding on my grill, alright?"

Isabella laughed, the warmth of the family's camaraderie washing over her. "We're not planning the wedding just yet," she said, looking down at her ring. "But we're definitely excited about it."

Jey raised an eyebrow, teasingly nudging Roman. "It's about time, man. I'm just glad you finally pulled the trigger."

Roman chuckled, glancing over at Isabella, who was now talking to Naomi. His heart swelled at the sight of her laughter, the love they shared reflected in every interaction they had. He had waited so long for this, and now, everything felt as it should be.

Malachi and Joelle had run off to play with their cousins, while the adults settled around the grill, enjoying drinks and catching up. The evening carried on with good food, good company, and the kind of laughter that filled the space with joy.

It was then that Isabella found herself pulled into a quiet conversation with Naomi. The two women slipped away from the group for a moment, walking over to a shaded corner of the backyard.

"I can't believe this is really happening," Isabella said, glancing down at her ring. "It still feels like a dream."

Naomi smiled softly, wrapping her arm around her friend's shoulders. "It's not a dream, Isa. It's real. You and Roman, you've both been through so much, and now, you're finally getting what you deserve - happiness. And you're not alone in this. We've all got your back."

Isabella nodded, her eyes shining with emotion. "I couldn't ask for a better family, Naomi. And the kids... they're so happy. I just want to give them the life they deserve."

Naomi squeezed her arm. "You're already doing that. You and Roman are the best team, and together, you're creating something amazing for them."

The sound of Malachi's laughter caught their attention, and both women turned to see him playing in the yard with Joelle and their cousins. Despite the challenges, despite the uncertainty of his health, Malachi's smile lit up the space like nothing else.

"Look at him," Isabella said softly, her voice full of pride. "He's stronger than he knows."

Naomi nodded. "He gets that strength from you, Isa. And from Roman."

Just as the conversation was taking a more sentimental turn, Joelle came running up to them, her face flushed from running around with the other kids. "Mom, look! We made a fort out of chairs and blankets! You have to see it!"

Isabella smiled, ruffling her daughter's hair. "I'll come see it in just a minute, sweetheart. Go on ahead."

Joelle dashed off, and Isabella turned back to Naomi with a soft laugh. "She's always so full of energy."

"Yeah, she's got a good heart. You've done a great job with her," Naomi said, giving Isabella a knowing look.

As the evening continued, the conversation turned to wedding plans, future dreams, and even a bit of teasing from the guys about what Roman's bachelor party might look like. But through it all, the true focus remained on the family.

Roman and Isabella's love had brought them here, and now, surrounded by the support of their closest loved ones, they knew they had the strength to face whatever came next. The love they shared wasn't just between the two of them; it extended to everyone around them, from the kids to the extended family, and all the way down to the very foundation of what they had built together.

And so, as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow across the evening, Roman took Isabella's hand once more. He looked at her with love, gratitude, and a sense of certainty in his heart.

With their family by their side, the future was bright. And they were ready to face it all - together.