The sun was high in the sky, casting a warm glow over the park as Jey pushed Malakai on the swings. The little boy's laughter rang out, carefree and full of joy, a sound that made something deep in Jey's chest tighten.

"Higher, Daddy!" Malakai cheered, gripping the chains tight.

Jey chuckled, giving the swing another push. "You sure you can handle it, little man?"

Malakai threw his head back, grinning. "I'm not scared!"

Natalia, sitting on a nearby bench, smiled as she watched them. Seeing Jey and Malakai together like this-it still felt surreal. But more than that, it felt right.

Jey let Malakai swing a few more times before slowing him down. "Alright, let's hit the slides next."

Malakai hopped off, grabbing Jey's hand and dragging him toward the playset. Jey let himself be pulled along, throwing a wink at Natalia as he passed.

She shook her head, laughing softly.

For the next hour, they played, chased each other, and made memories that should have started years ago. But Jey wasn't thinking about lost time anymore-only what he could do now.

When Malakai finally started to slow down, rubbing his eyes sleepily, Natalia checked her phone. "We should head back. Your uncles and cousins will be over soon."

Jey nodded, scooping Malakai up into his arms. "Time to go home, little man."

Malakai rested his head on Jey's shoulder without protest, his tiny arms wrapping around his father's neck.

And just like that, Jey knew-this was home.

Natalia had barely set the food out when the doorbell rang. She opened it to find Jimmy grinning, his wife Trinity beside him, their kids running ahead.

"Hope you ready for chaos," Jimmy joked, stepping inside.

Trinity kissed Natalia's cheek. "Girl, you sure about this? All of them in your house at the same time?"

Natalia laughed. "Too late to back out now."

Not long after, Solo arrived with his wife, and finally, Roman stepped in, his presence filling the space as he nodded at Natalia. His wife followed, their kids slipping past to join the others.

Jey walked in from the kitchen, Malakai holding his hand.

The second Jimmy spotted Malakai, he crouched down, grinning. "Aye, little Uso, you remember me?"

Malakai hesitated, looking up at Jey.

Jey nudged him. "That's your Uncle Jimmy, little man."

Malakai's eyes lit up. "You're funny!"

Jimmy gasped dramatically. "That's right! Smart kid." He held out his fist, and Malakai bumped it, giggling.

Roman stepped forward next, his gaze steady as he looked at Malakai.

Jey tensed slightly. He knew how seriously Roman took family, and he wasn't sure what his cousin was thinking.

Then, Roman crouched down. "You like wrestling?"

Malakai nodded eagerly. "Uh-huh!"

Roman smirked, ruffling his curls. "Good. You part of the family now-you gotta know your stuff."

Malakai puffed out his chest, proud, and Jey felt something loosen in his chest.

This was real.

This was family.

Natalia watched from the side, feeling warmth spread through her.

She had been worried, unsure of how this would go.

But as she looked around-at Jey holding Malakai close, at his family welcoming their son like he had always belonged-she realized something.

Malakai wasn't just gaining a father.

He was gaining an entire family.

And so was she.