The house buzzed with warmth and energy as everyone dug into their plates. The conversation flowed naturally-stories being told, jokes being thrown, kids laughing as they ran around the living room. It was the kind of night that made Natalia pause, letting herself take it all in.

Jey sat next to Malakai, helping him cut his food, while Jimmy and Solo kept up their endless banter. Trinity, Roman's wife, and Solo's wife were talking with Natalia, asking about her life before all of this.

"So, Nati," Trinity started, smirking. "Now that you've got all the men in this family wrapped around your finger, what's next?"

Natalia laughed. "Oh, I don't know about all of them."

Jimmy leaned back, grinning. "Nah, Trin's right. Jey over here actin' brand new."

Jey, mid-bite, shot him a look. "Man, what?"

"You know what," Jimmy teased. "You sittin' here all domestic, cutting up pancakes like a whole dad-"

"I am a dad," Jey shot back, shaking his head. "And don't act like you don't do the same with your kids."

Jimmy smirked. "I ain't sayin' it's a bad thing, Uce. Just sayin' it's a sight to see."

Natalia glanced at Jey, who was now focused on helping Malakai wipe syrup off his hands. It was a sight to see-one she never thought she'd get.

Roman, who had been mostly quiet, finally spoke. "It's good to see, though." His voice was calm, steady, and when Natalia looked up, she saw something genuine in his expression.

Jey met his cousin's eyes, something unspoken passing between them.

Natalia knew what this moment meant.

Roman might be tough, might keep his emotions locked up tight, but this? This was his way of saying he approved.

Jey nodded, acknowledging it. "Yeah. Feels right."

Natalia swallowed, feeling her chest tighten at those words.

Because she wanted it to feel right. She wanted to believe this wasn't temporary.

As the night stretched on, the kids eventually started winding down, curling up on the couch with blankets. Malakai, full and sleepy, rested against Jey's side, his tiny hand gripping onto his father's shirt.

Natalia felt herself soften at the sight.

Jey looked down at Malakai, his expression unreadable for a moment before he spoke. "I should probably get him to bed."

Natalia nodded, standing. "I'll grab his pajamas."

As she moved down the hall, she heard footsteps behind her. Turning, she found Jey leaning in the doorway.

"You good?" he asked, his voice low, careful.

She exhaled, nodding. "Yeah. Just... taking it all in."

Jey stepped closer. "I meant what I said earlier. This feels right, Nati."

She searched his face, trying to see if there was any hesitation, any doubt. But all she found was certainty.

And for the first time in a long time, she let herself believe it.

"Yeah," she murmured. "It does."