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At least she could make me smile. “I would love that.”
The longer it took to go through the house the more nervous we’d become. I hated it, the fear more palpable than before. When Andres finally appeared, standing on the front porch and giving a nod everything was okay, only then could I breathe normally. For now. I doubted that would last but for so long.
As soon as the one of the soldiers opened the door, Max jumped out, immediately growling. All three men reacted instantly, weapons in their hands, using flashlights to search the grounds around us.
“Come on, get inside,” Andres said as he beckoned for us to exit the vehicle.
Both Alicia and I carried the boys inside, their sleeping forms not clueing into the fact we’d arrived. At least Alicia had made it sound as if we were off on an adventure. I only hoped we could continue to allow them to believe everything was okay.
“Max. Come,” I commanded, using the deep voice that he always responded to.
Except for this time.
“Max. Come. Now.” The growl stopped and he squatted and peed on the grass, giving the forest in front of us another look before heading toward me. Once he was on the porch, the sound he made was more unnerving than the ones before.
“There’s nothing out here,” one of Miguel’s soldiers stated.
“The two of you continue to walk the grounds until you’re positive no one is squatting,” Andres directed. He finally shoved his weapon into his jacket and grabbed our suitcases from the back.
“Yes, sir.”
“Come on, ladies.” Andres escorted us inside, closing the door immediately. I watched as he bolted the door and turned on the security system, able to squelch some of my fears.
“Let’s put the boys in the guest room down the hall. Then we can grab some wine from the kitchen,” Alicia suggested.
I followed her lead, already marveling at the house. As I headed from the foyer, noticing the curved set of stairs, as well as the long hallways on either side, I realized the downstairs was likely twice the size of my little house at the lake.
Andres put our belongings down on the floor, nodding to Alicia.
I followed her into the guest room at the end of the hall, still trying to control my nerves. She turned on a light on the dresser and both of us turned down the bed. The room was decorated in bold, rich colors, yet there was such warmth to it, the comforter so thick and plush that I could envision crawling under it.
When the boys were settled, I leaned over, kissing my baby on the forehead. Max stood directly behind me, waiting for direction. “Go on, boy. Snuggle with them.”
He jumped on the bed happily, nuzzling in between the boys. Almost instantly, Dillon wrapped his arm around the pup’s neck.
We tiptoed out and Alicia closed the door partially, allowing me to feel like we could hear one or both if they cried out. Somehow, I had a feeling they’d sleep the rest of the night and for that I was grateful.
As we walked into the living room, I was surprised how incredibly quaint it seemed, the vaulted ceilings and wooden beams adding so much warmth.
“This is incredible,” I told her as she led me toward the largest couch I’d ever seen.
“We fell in love with it the moment we walked in. We knew them it was our forever home.”
“Just incredible. I could live here.”
“Well, you and my darling brother-in-law are welcome any time. Come to think of it, the house would be perfect for a wedding reception.”
I gave her a droll look, wrinkling my nose. “Don’t you think you’re getting a little ahead of yourself?” I placed my purse on the couch, feeling more comfortable since we were behind locked doors, soldiers standing guard.
Andres moved into the room, smiling the way I had. “Very nice, Mrs. DiMaggio. If it’s okay with you ladies, I’m going to find a place to do some work, so I won’t disturb the boys.”
“Thank you. We appreciate your help.” Alicia waved him off, taking a deep breath as soon as she did.
He nodded and headed out.
It was strange to be in such a beautiful house and still long to be hiding under my covers in my small but comfortable bedroom.
With Sabatino lying next to me.
