Chapter 43

Chapter 43 – A Home Full of Stories

The years passed in the blink of an eye for Gisele and Ricardo. The couple, who had consolidated their love at every turn, were now living a phase of tranquility and pride, watching their children follow different and brilliant paths.

Gisele and Ricardo were married in an intimate ceremony, surrounded by close friends and family. Although they decided not to have any more children, little Liam, who was now an energetic teenager, completed the family perfectly.

The family home was a true refuge, always full of stories, laughter and, inevitably, a few jiu-jitsu fights. All the family members, including Gisele, now sported their black belts, a symbol of discipline and unity that connected them deeply.

Vivian, now 19, had discovered her passion for volleyball while still in school. She trained tirelessly and stood out as one of the most promising players of her generation. Playing as a wing spiker, her agility and strength drew attention on the court.

"You have the reflexes of someone who has trained jiu-jitsu since he was little," Ricardo joked after watching one of his matches.

"Of course! Everything I know started on the mat," Vivian replied, hugging her stepfather.

She was playing in the college league, but was already receiving offers to become a professional. Despite her busy life, she always made a point of coming home and spending time with her family.

Benjamin, now 21, decided to follow in his stepfather's footsteps and enlisted in the Marines, but in the US. The decision took Gisele by surprise at first, but she soon understood her son's desire to push his limits and serve his country.

"Are you sure about this, Ben?" she asked, worried, when he told her the news.

"I am, Mom. Ricardo always talks about honor, discipline and how it shapes a person. I want that for myself," Benjamin replied with determination.

Today, he had already gone through rigorous training and was part of an elite unit. Whenever he was on leave, he made sure to train jiu-jitsu with his family, keeping the roots that had made him strong.

Tom Brady's son Jack also found his way into the sport. Now 22, he was a global star in competitive jiu-jitsu. Training under Ricardo, he became one of the most technical and respected fighters on the international scene.

"You carry the family name on the mat," Ricardo would tell Jack before a big competition.

"And I do it proudly," Jack would reply, hugging his stepfather.

He traveled the world competing and bringing home medals, but he never stopped spending time with Liam, serving as a mentor and inspiration to his younger brother.

Liam, now 15, was a talented and focused teenager. A black belt in jiu-jitsu since he was 14, he was known for his technical skill and calmness on the mat.

"You're much calmer than I was at that age," Ricardo would say proudly.

"I learned from you, Dad," Liam would reply with a smile.

In addition to training regularly with his brothers and father, Liam also helped teach children at the family gym, showing a selfless and patient side that charmed everyone around him.

The family home was everyone's favorite meeting place. Despite their busy schedules, Vivian, Benjamin, Jack, and Liam always found time to get together with Gisele and Ricardo. These get-togethers were filled with special moments, including friendly fights on the improvised mat in the backyard.

"Come on, everyone against Dad!" Liam would joke, trying to organize a team fight.

"It's no use, all of you together are still no match for me," Ricardo would tease, drawing laughter and protests.

Even Gisele would join in the fun, showing that she still had her technique sharp, despite not competing professionally.

While Gisele's family was thriving, Tom Brady had also found happiness. After years of reflection and personal growth, he remarried a successful businesswoman who shared his interests and understood his passion for sports.

During one of Jack's visits, Tom commented, "I'm so happy for your mom and Ricardo. They've made an incredible family, and I appreciate everything they do for you and your siblings."

Jack smiled, feeling lucky to have two families who supported him unconditionally.

One evening, as the sun was setting, Gisele and Ricardo sat on the porch, watching their children play in the garden.

"Look at them," Gisele said, tearing up. "Each one of them going their own way, but always coming home."

"That's because this is where they feel most loved," Ricardo replied, holding her hand.

"Did you know it would be like this when you agreed to this life with me?" Gisele asked.

"No, but I knew it would be amazing because it was with you," he replied, kissing her softly.

Time had passed, but the essence of the family remained the same: love, respect and mutual support. Gisele and Ricardo, together, built a home where everyone felt safe and valued.

And, as they watched their children grow up and become extraordinary adults, they felt proud of everything they had achieved, together.

END

Thanks for reading this story

New stories in my Patreon News stories there: " I won a Oscar when I was 19 " and " NCIS HAWAII: The Captain "

p@treon.com/SHADOWGHOST07 

Just replace the @ with an a