Today had been a long day. Six months pregnant with baby number five and working 12 hour shifts as a Physicians Assistant in the ER took a lot out of you. As you were walking up the steps of your brownstone all you wanted was a hot shower, and the chicken parm you were told was waiting for you. But most of all seeing your boys and Sonny.

You heard the music before you unlocked the door. “Is that Miley Cyrus?” you said to yourself. You dropped your bag on the floor in the foyer. You heard your  husband’s tone deaf, Staten Island voice singing along to Party In The USA. You continued to the family room where you found him dancing and singing with your four boys, Ryan 6, Thomas 4 and the twins Nicholas and Ethan who had just turned 2 the previous week. You covered your mouth to stop the giggle from escaping. Your heart was overwhelmed with how much you loved them. As you absentmindedly rubbed your ever growing belly, you thought back over the last year and a half. 

It had been rough for Sonny, to say the least. First having a gun to his head, which still gave you chills thinking about how close you were to losing him. You’ll never forget him coming home that night. You insisted he get help but he kept telling you was ok. Then came the incident of the suspect slipping from Sonny’s grasp. Last was the car accident where a victim died. Sonny felt responsible. Liv or anyone from the station didn’t seem to think it was an issue. “He’s strong.” ”Don’t worry about him.”  “He’ll get over it.”  You couldn’t believe what you were hearing. 

 He had been depressed and was suffering from PTSD but didn’t recognize the symptoms. You did. The mood swings, loss of interest in hobbies, distance, nightmares, and anxiety. After a couple heated arguments and tears from both of you he finally went to a therapist. One day he slipped his arms around from behind, put his hands on your pregnant belly and whispered “Hey little meatball, you got yourself one smart Ma here.” He then kissed the top of your head and nuzzled his face into your neck. “Thanks Doll. Ya always seem to know what I need, even when I don’t.”

You brought yourself back to the present. He had made so much progress in the last 6 months since the accident and starting therapy. You were so proud of him. It’s not easy asking for help, especially when it was you that people came to for help. 

As the chorus started again, you joined in. That got their attention. “Mama!!” You had four sets of little arms around your waist and legs. Sonny padded over to you with a ridiculous grin on his face that showed off his dimples. You would never get tired of that smile. “Hi Mama” he said and leaned down to softly kiss your lips. “Hi Daddy”, you replied. He placed his hands on your belly, “How’s my lil buttercup? Man, feels like she’s dancin’ in there!” “Oh, believe me I feel it”, you laughed and placed your hand over his. 

The boys started pulling at your other hand and saying, “C’mon Mama, dance with us!” Sonny took your hand and pulled you to him, “May I have this dance?” You giggled and said “You will have every dance for the rest of my life.” He lifted you up and gave you a passionate kiss. You started laughing against his mouth as you heard “ewwwww” from the boys. Sonny chuckled, sat you down and the dance party continued.