Natalia glanced over at the booth where Jey sat with Jimmy and Solo, tension still lingering in the air despite the fact that they were finally talking. She knew Jey needed this, even if he didn't want to admit it. He was stubborn-always had been-but he wasn't heartless. No matter how hurt he was, she knew he didn't want to shut his brothers out forever.

Turning her attention back to the women sitting around her, she let out a small breath, trying to shake off her worry.

"Think they'll actually talk it out this time?" Galina asked, resting her chin on her hand as she watched Roman's cousins.

Naomi smirked. "Oh, they'll talk. Whether they actually listen to each other? That's the real question."

Almia chuckled, shaking her head. "They'll get there. They always do."

Natalia appreciated their optimism, but she had seen the way Jey had been shutting himself off. She hoped this wasn't another conversation that ended in frustration and silence.

"Guess all we can do is let them work it out," she murmured, picking at the edge of her napkin.

Joelle, who had been sitting quietly beside her, nudged her lightly. "It was smart of you to set this up," she said with a small smile. "They needed this."

Natalia returned the smile, grateful for the younger girl's support. "Let's just hope they see it that way."

A small burst of laughter drew her attention to Malachi and the other kids, who were seated at the far end of their table, happily munching on fries and chicken tenders. Joelle had been keeping Malachi entertained, and Natalia couldn't help but feel a little warmth in her chest at how easily her son had fit into this family.

"They're lucky to have you, you know," Galina said, watching Natalia carefully. "You've been good for Jey."

Natalia felt a mix of emotions swirl inside her. She had never set out to change Jey, but she knew she had been a grounding force for him through all of this.

"I just want him to be okay," she admitted. "He's been carrying so much."

Naomi reached over, squeezing her hand. "And that's why you're the best thing for him."

Natalia exhaled, feeling the weight of their words settle over her. She wasn't alone in this. Just like Jey had his brothers, she had these women-strong, supportive, and fiercely loyal.

Glancing back over at Jey's table, she saw him nodding, his body language a little more open than before. She didn't know how the conversation was going, but it didn't look as tense as it had before.

Maybe, just maybe, things were finally starting to move forward.