Chapter 16
I graduated from college.
With honors.
Sophia graduated too.
We were happy.
Successful.
In love.
One night, I took her to our favorite restaurant.
The one where we had our first date.
After dinner, I got down on one knee.
I pulled out a ring.
"Sophia," I said. "I love you more than anything in the world. You make me a better person. You make me want to be the best man I can be. Will you marry me?"
Sophia's eyes filled with tears.
She nodded.
"Yes," she said. "Yes, Anthony, I will marry you."
I slipped the ring on her finger.
We kissed.
And everyone in the restaurant cheered.
Our wedding was perfect.
Big. Beautiful. Full of love.
My parents were there.
Sophia's parents were there.
Our friends. Our family.
Marco. Maria.
Everyone who mattered.
My father walked me down the aisle.
He was so proud.
My mother cried.
Sophia was beautiful.
The happiest day of my life.
Until...
A year later.
Our son was born.
Vincent.
Named after my father.
He was perfect.
Ten fingers. Ten toes. Beautiful eyes.
My father held him for the first time.
He cried.
"Hello, grandson," he said. "I'm your grandpa. And I'm going to teach you everything I know. About honor. About loyalty. About family. And about making the world a better place."
He looked at me.
"You've given me everything, son," he said. "A second chance at life. A beautiful daughter-in-law. A grandson. A legacy I can be proud of. Thank you."
I hugged him.
"Thank you, Dad," I said. "For everything."
Our family was complete.
May you like
And life was perfect.
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