The backyard was alive with laughter, music, and the mouth-watering scent of food. Jey watched as his family sprawled out across the picnic tables, plates piled high with ribs, corn, and salad. Malakai was in the corner, eyes wide as Jimmy and Solo tried to teach him how to play cornhole, the bean bags barely making it past the first row.

Jey leaned against the fence, watching the scene unfold with a quiet smile. It was a good day. A normal day. For the first time in a long time, he could feel his past and present coming together in a way that felt right.

Natalia appeared beside him, holding two drinks, handing him one with a soft smile. "You good?" she asked.

He took a sip. "Yeah. This... this feels good." He nodded toward Malakai, who had just made his first successful throw, causing Jimmy to cheer dramatically. "That's my kid. He don't even know it yet, but he's a natural."

Natalia chuckled. "He's got your competitiveness, that's for sure."

Jey raised an eyebrow. "And your attitude." He smirked, taking another sip.

"You're not wrong," she replied, her tone teasing but warm.

As the day wore on, more family members arrived, and the BBQ grew louder. The kids ran around, a chaotic mess of laughter and shouts, while the adults lounged around in chairs, talking, joking, and catching up. Jey felt a strange sense of peace. His brothers-Jimmy, Solo, and even Roman-had embraced Malakai without hesitation. Roman had even spent some time teaching Malakai how to throw a football, his serious demeanor softening just enough for the boy to feel comfortable.

Jey found himself chatting with his cousin, laughing about old stories from their childhood. As the sun began to set, turning the sky a deep orange, he felt a weight lifting off his shoulders. This was what family was supposed to be. No drama, no tension-just pure, simple moments.

Malakai came running up to him, holding out a plate with a huge grin. "Look, Daddy, I got dessert!" He handed it to Jey, and the sight of the boy calling him Daddy made Jey's chest tighten.

"You got cake and ice cream, huh?" Jey asked, ruffling his son's hair.

Malakai nodded vigorously. "And I got the biggest piece!"

Jey chuckled, his heart swelling. "Well, you earned it." He glanced over at Natalia, who was watching them from across the yard. There was something about the way she looked at him, something unspoken but filled with understanding.

It was then that Roman approached, his usual stoic expression softened just enough to show he was genuinely checking in.

"You good, Uce?" Roman asked, his gaze flicking between Jey and the boy.

"Yeah, I'm good," Jey replied, his voice steady. "Feels right, y'know?"

Roman nodded slowly, his gaze following Malakai for a moment before he spoke again. "The kid's got heart. He'll be just fine."

Jey smiled, glancing down at Malakai, who was now eagerly devouring his cake. "I'm gonna make sure he has everything he needs."

Roman's eyes softened slightly, and he gave Jey a brief, approving nod before stepping away.

Jey exhaled, watching his son. This wasn't how he had imagined fatherhood, but it felt better than he'd ever hoped.

As the night carried on, the sounds of the BBQ and the crackling fire pit mixed with the fading hum of the music. People relaxed, sharing stories, sipping drinks, and enjoying the food. The warm glow of family filled the air, and for once, Jey didn't feel like an outsider.

He was home.

And so was Malakai.

And Natalia.

Everything had changed, but in the best way possible.