The house was quiet after the celebration. Israel had fallen asleep with a stuffed elephant clutched in her arms, the soft rhythm of her breathing echoing in the hallway.
Amara stood by the window in their bedroom, her hands gently cradling her belly. The moonlight spilled in, painting silver on her skin.
Santiago walked in silently, watching her for a moment before wrapping his arms around her from behind.
"You okay?" he whispered.
She nodded slowly. "Just… thinking."
"About?"
She leaned back against him. "Everything. How far we've come. How close we were to losing all of this. And now... we're bringing a new life into the world."
Santiago pressed a kiss to her shoulder. "We're safe now. He or she will grow up surrounded by love. That's all that matters."
Amara turned to face him, her eyes filled with warmth and a hint of fear. "Promise me... no more secrets."
He held her face gently. "I promise. From now on, everything I do is for you, Israel, and this little one."
Tears shimmered in her eyes. "You've changed, Santiago."
"So have you," he said. "We survived the storm, Amara. Now we get to live."
They held each other in silence, hearts beating slow and steady—no danger, no running, just the quiet before something beautiful.