During the 8th month, Anna spent most of her time resting and looking after Levi. Some days, the exhaustion was overwhelming—her mood swings were hard to control, and the constant discomfort from swelling in her legs and the aches in her back left her feeling drained. The due date had come and gone, but still, no sign of labor. As the 9th month crept forward, the waiting grew more painful.
But no matter what, Tom was always there by her side. He wasn't just a supportive partner; he was everything she needed. Even when missions called him away, he'd always make sure to come back as quickly as possible. He completed his tasks before sunrise just so he could be home to take care of her, to sit by her side, to ease her worries. The mafia world was still buzzing, but Tom had become more protective, aware that Anna needed his full attention now more than ever.
Though the physical discomforts were overwhelming, there were moments when Anna would just look at Tom and feel a sense of peace. She had moments where she felt incredibly lucky—lucky to have someone so devoted, so present. But there were times when a wave of sadness would pass over her. She'd find herself missing her mother, wishing she could be here to guide her through the final stretch of her pregnancy.
Tom, ever intuitive, could sense when Anna was drifting into that space. There were nights when she'd go quiet, staring at the walls, her thoughts far away. That's when Tom would take over, stepping in with gentle care to fill the silence.
Tom wasn't just a husband—he'd become her safe place, the one person who knew exactly how to comfort her. It wasn't just about taking care of physical needs, though he did that with ease. He'd cook for her when she couldn't find the energy, making sure every meal was healthy and comforting, even when she lost her appetite. There was something about the way he cared for her that made her feel like everything was going to be okay, no matter how hard the days got.
One particular night, as Anna sat on the couch, wrapped in a blanket, Tom noticed the way her eyes seemed distant. She wasn't tired, not physically. He could tell she was lost in thought, the weight of missing her mother heavy in her heart.
Tom: "What are you thinking about, love?" he asked softly, as he placed a cup of tea beside her.
Anna didn't answer right away. She just looked at him for a long moment, as if searching for something. Then, her voice broke the silence.
Anna: "I miss my mom. I wish she was here to see this... to see me becoming a mother."
Tom's expression softened. He knelt in front of her, cupping her face gently in his hands.
Tom: "I know, love. And I know you've got so much love to give this little one, just like she did for you. But if you need to talk about her, I'm right here. I'll be here for you in ways she would have been if she could."
Anna nodded, her eyes welling with tears. It wasn't just the pregnancy hormones—she genuinely felt the weight of everything in that moment. Tom pulled her into his arms, holding her as she allowed herself to cry, her face buried in his chest. He stroked her hair, whispering soft reassurances until the tears slowed.
After a while, Anna pulled back and looked at him, a small smile on her face.
Anna: "You always know exactly what to say. I'm so lucky to have you."
Tom gave her a tender smile, brushing a stray lock of hair from her face.
Tom: "You don't have to thank me for that. It's just… it's just who I am when I'm with you."
Later that night, Tom cooked her favorite meal—a comforting stew he knew she loved—and they shared a quiet dinner together. There was no rush, no interruptions, just the two of them, enjoying the simplicity of being together. When Anna expressed how much she missed her mother, Tom made sure to listen, not offering solutions, just being there, letting her talk.
It was in these small, tender moments that Anna realized how much Tom had become her anchor. He filled in the spaces where she felt a little lost.
And in the evenings, when Anna would fall asleep, Tom would read to her from the baby books he'd been studying. He told her stories about magical creatures and gentle adventures, sometimes making up stories of his own, imagining the world they would soon share with their baby. Every time the baby gave a little kick in response, Anna would laugh softly, content.
Tom would always make sure to cover her with a blanket, kiss her forehead, and then head out for his mission. He never let her feel alone—even when he wasn't physically there, his presence was always with her.
Meanwhile, Mark and Arin were in the throes of new parenthood with little Levi. The sleepless nights, the endless crying, and the constant cycle of feeding and changing diapers were as challenging as it was rewarding. But they were learning and growing together. And even though it was tough, they knew they had each other. Anna and Tom sent them encouragement, checking in when they could. The whole experience was a reminder to Anna of just how important family was—both the one you were born into, and the one you created.
With Tom by her side, Anna felt ready for whatever the future would bring. No matter how much she missed her mom, no matter how hard the waiting was, she knew she had everything she needed in the man beside her. He was her rock, her strength, and the father of the child they would soon welcome into the world.