Laughter filled Natalia's house, blending with the rich aroma of food as everyone settled in. The energy was loud, chaotic, alive-but it wasn't overwhelming. It was family.

Jey sat on the couch, Malakai perched on his lap while Solo and Jimmy went back and forth in an exaggerated argument over who was the better cook.

"Ain't no way you making better ribs than me," Jimmy scoffed, pointing his fork at Solo.

Solo, as calm as ever, simply shrugged. "Numbers don't lie. Ask anybody-mine gone first."

Jey smirked. "Both y'all just mad 'cause you know I'm the grill master."

Jimmy groaned, throwing his hands up. "Here he go!"

Malakai giggled, looking up at Jey. "You cook too, Daddy?"

Jey grinned. "You already saw me flip them pancakes, huh? That ain't enough proof?"

Malakai nodded seriously, and everyone laughed.

Across the room, Natalia sat with Trinity and Roman's wife, laughing as Trinity recounted a story about one of Jimmy's many clumsy moments.

"I swear, girl, he almost set the kitchen on fire tryin' to fry some turkey one year," Trinity said, shaking her head.

"Why does that sound exactly like him?" Natalia chuckled.

Trinity leaned in, lowering her voice slightly. "So... you and Jey."

Natalia's smile faltered slightly, but Trinity wasn't pressing-just observing.

"You happy?" Trinity asked, softer this time.

Natalia glanced over at Jey, watching as he playfully wrestled Malakai while Solo and Jimmy egged them on.

She exhaled. "Yeah," she admitted. "I think I am."

Trinity grinned. "Good. That man ain't stopped talkin' about you since we were kids. 'Bout time the universe got it right."

Natalia's heart stuttered, but before she could respond, Roman's deep voice cut through the noise.

"Aye, Malakai."

The little boy perked up, looking at his uncle.

"You got a favorite wrestler yet?" Roman asked.

Malakai grinned. "Daddy!"

Jey's entire expression shifted-like he wasn't expecting it, but the pride that swelled in his chest was undeniable.

Jimmy clutched his chest dramatically. "Boy, that's sweet."

Natalia covered her mouth, suppressing a laugh as Jey gave his brother a warning look.

Roman nodded approvingly. "That's a good answer." He looked at Jey. "Better teach him right, Uce."

Jey smirked, wrapping an arm around Malakai. "Already on it."

Natalia watched, her heart full.

She had spent years doing this on her own. Protecting Malakai, making sure he never needed anyone.

But now... she wasn't alone anymore.

And neither was he.