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Bodies swayed in the colourful lights as music filled the club. Cora sat next to Katie at the table where most of my family gathered. They chatted enthusiastically while sipping cocktails, their smiles brimming.
Happiness flooded me.
We had all the time in the world. Not only a week. It might get hard when Ruby moved in after her hospital stay, but whatever happened, I’d be there for Cora.
Mac sidled up next to me and followed my gaze to our girls.
‘She fits in well,’ he said. ‘You look happier than I’ve seen you in forever.’
‘I don’t think I believed it could be so good. When you all met your partners, I kind of thought you’d all lost your minds.’
‘We did,’ Mac said with a laugh. ‘Love’ll do that to you.’
Love.
It had only been a few weeks. I had an obsession. Then, a desire. Could I be in love with her so soon?’
The way my heart leapt inside my chest told me I could.
‘We need to take care of Edwards. I don’t know what his endgame is, but if he comes after us, they could get hurt.’
‘Tomorrow. Tonight, let’s focus on the good stuff.’
‘Your men are at the doors?’
‘I’ve got thirty guys in the building. All armed. Everyone who comes in is being checked for any weapons or drugs. There’s no sign of anything amiss. Our intelligence on Edwards tells us he only has a handful of men in his service now. He’d be an idiot to try to take out thirty armed guards as well as us.’
Letting my shoulders relax, I nodded. ‘You’re right. C’mon, let’s go join everyone.’
‘Happy birthday.’ I slapped Logan on the back, and he pulled me into a hug.
‘Thanks for hosting, Ewen. Everything is perfect.’
Following his sweeping gaze, I smiled.
It was perfect. My family was all under the same roof. Our friends and business partners were laughing and having a great time. Well, everyone except Alfie. Where the fuck was he?
‘Glad I could help,’ I said. ‘Feels pretty great having everyone back together. Shame it can’t be more often.’
‘There’s not a chance in hell Esther’s going to move back to Glasgow. Who can blame her? They might not be in a mansion, but they get far more sun than we do.’
‘And what about you? Are you still loving life as a country bumpkin? Don’t you ever regret handing over the reins to Maeve?’
‘I couldn’t be happier if I tried. Haven’t regretted a thing since Valentina made her way into my arms.’ Logan’s eyes creased as he grinned.
‘Sappy git.’
‘Seems to me like I’m not the only one. You’re a lot less of a miserable fuck when your girl’s around.’
‘I can’t help it. She does things to me, man.’ Makes me want to be better.
‘I don’t need the details.’ Logan winked as I rolled my eyes.
Valentina appeared, holding a cake that looked very much homemade. All the money we could need, and she was baking cakes herself. Logan beamed at her as the music dimmed, and we sang.
Mid happy-birthdays, Cora slipped her arm around my waist and beamed up at me. When Logan blew out the candles, we both cheered.
As the music came back on, I took her hand and steered her toward the dance floor.
