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“Good girl.” I ruffle her hair affectionately, watching as she prances away, the balloon bobbing along behind her.
My gaze shifts back to Annalise, who’s now arranging plates and utensils with the same meticulous care she’s applied to every other aspect of the party. Her determination to make this day special for our girls is both endearing and admirable, and I can’t help but feel a swell of affection for her.
“Need any help?” I ask, moving to stand beside her.
“Only if you promise not to break anything,” she teases, gracing me with a playful smile that sends warmth spreading through my chest.
“Deal.”
The room buzzes with the anticipation of the party, but I can sense the mounting stress in Annalise as she oversees every detail. Her emerald eyes dart from one party decoration to another, ensuring everything is picture-perfect for our little girls. Despite the playful banter we shared earlier, I know how seriously she takes this responsibility.
“Annalise,” I say gently, resting a hand on her shoulder. “Everything looks amazing. The twins will love it.”
She smiles tightly, worry still etched in her delicate features. “I just want it to be perfect for them. They deserve the best.”
“Of course they do,” I agree, my heart swelling with pride for the woman who’s become such an integral part of our lives. “But remember, they’re still young. What matters most is that they feel loved and cherished.”
Damian, overhearing our conversation, chimes in with his usual blunt honesty. “Besides, they’re too young to remember any of this anyway.”
I shoot him a glare, but Annalise simply nods, taking a deep breath as she considers his words. “Maybe you’re right,” she says quietly. “But I also think there’s something important about creating these memories for ourselves—to remind us of the good times when things get tough.”
“Exactly,” I concur, squeezing her shoulder reassuringly. “And no matter what, we’ll always have each other.”
“Thanks, Cassius,” she murmurs, leaning into my touch for a brief moment before resuming her diligent efforts to make the party unforgettable. Together, we continue setting up, our movements synchronized in harmony as we share this labor of love for our family.
As I watch her work tirelessly, her face flushed with determination, I can’t help but marvel at her strength and resilience. This woman—this fierce, loving mother—has endured so much, yet she still manages to face each day with unyielding grace. My thoughts darken with the knowledge that danger still looms over our lives, but for now, we’re safe, and I’m determined to protect this moment of happiness for as long as I can.
“Alright, everyone,” Annalise announces, her voice filled with authority as she surveys the room one last time. “It’s almost time for the guests to arrive. Let’s make sure everything is perfect.”
As we put the finishing touches on the party, I send a silent vow into the air—a promise to do whatever it takes to keep our family safe and ensure that we have many more moments like these to share.
A hush falls over the room as Damian’s words hang in the air, sharp and cold like shards of ice. I watch Isabella’s face contort with anger, the fierce protectiveness she feels for her family evident in every line of her body.
“Damian,” she snaps, “don’t you dare ruin this moment for them. They deserve a perfect day.”
His gaze locks onto hers, the tension between them palpable. For a moment, I fear they might erupt into an argument right here, but then Damian’s expression softens ever so slightly. He sighs, running a hand through his jet-black hair.
“Alright, Bella,” he concedes, the nickname rolling off his tongue with a begrudging affection. “I didn’t mean to spoil their celebration.”
“Good,” Isabella replies curtly, her eyes still flashing with protective fire. “Now, if you don’t mind, we have a party to prepare.”
Damian studies her for a moment longer before nodding. “Fine. But I have work to do too.” His voice is laced with authority, reminding us all of the responsibilities that are constantly pressing down on him. “Just remember,” he adds, his piercing blue eyes flicking to meet mine, “we can’t let our guard down. Not even for a day.”
“Of course,” I murmur, my heart tightening at the reminder of the dangers lurking just beyond the walls of our safe haven. “We’ll be careful.”
“Good luck with the party,” he tells us, offering a brief nod before turning on his heel and striding from the room. As the door shuts behind him, I can’t help but feel a pang of envy—Damian has always been able to carry the weight of our world on his shoulders, his strength unwavering even in the darkest of times.
But today isn’t about darkness or danger. It’s about family, love, and the precious moments we’re able to steal away from our complicated lives. I turn my attention back to Isabella, who has already resumed her efforts to create a magical day for the twins.
“Alright,” I say, determination and love fueling my every movement. “Let’s give them a party they’ll never forget.”
As we work together in harmony, I can’t help but feel grateful for the family we’ve forged amidst chaos and violence. And as we prepare to celebrate the innocence and joy of two young lives, I know that we’ll do whatever it takes to protect this fragile happiness—no matter what the future may hold.
I laugh, my voice echoing in the spacious room as Annalise teasingly scolds me for not being present for the actual party. “You better be here for all of it, Cassius. No work allowed today.”
“Wouldn’t dream of missing it,” I assure her, a playful grin spreading across my face. The banter between us flows effortlessly, a dance we’ve perfected over time.
As I continue to blow up balloons, I can’t help but steal glances at Annalise while she fusses over the cake. Her wavy brown hair falls around her shoulders like a cascade of silk, and her emerald-green eyes flash with determination. She’s always been a force of nature, but there’s something different about her now—softer, yet somehow fiercer than ever.
