“You want to keep the baby?” I ask, trying not to get my hopes up for fear that she’ll shatter my heart.
Harper wordlessly nods. More tears fall, and I lean down, hugging and kissing her. “Babe, I want that too. But are you sure?”
“As sure as I am about us managing two kids.” She laughs between tears.
I grab a tissue and dab at her eyes, trying to make her feel better. “I promise we’ll figure it out together.”
There’s been silence from the DeLucas. My father has assured me that all of them are dead. I can’t help but feel like shadows follow us. I’ll always be looking over my shoulder working for my father.
But leaving the mafia behind isn’t an option. Not with all I’ve seen, all I know. When women like Harper are taken, I can’t just ignore the horrors when we can do something to stop it.
Law enforcement isn’t an option.
I’ve gotten my hands far too dirty to become one of the good guys.
Sitting on the couch with Zeke in my lap, there’s a strong knock on the front door. It’s Sunday afternoon. My father gave us the day off because he thinks we have hockey practice.
It gives me the day to spend with my family.
I place Zeke on the sofa and wander to the door, glancing through the peephole.
I never thought I’d see him on my front porch.
Yanking open the door, I come face-to-face with Kyler Greyson, Bristol’s father.
“Mr. Greyson,” I say, a stupid grin written all over my face.
Zeke jumps down from the sofa to see who is at the door.
“Luca, is my daughter here?”
“Bristol! Liam! You have company!” I shout into the void. They’re cooped up in Liam’s bedroom, doing who knows what—actually, I’m pretty sure I know what, and I don’t think her father would approve.
“Come inside,” I offer, opening the door farther and letting him enter the house.
He steps inside, glances around, taking in our living arrangements.
“Hi,” Zeke says, smiling shyly up at the stranger.
“Hey, little buddy.” Kyler bends down to Zeke’s level and my little man glances Kyler over like he’s sizing him up.
“Do you play hockey?” Zeke asks.
Our kid probably thinks everyone plays hockey, but he has no idea he’s standing in front of a legend.
“I used to,” Kyler says and taps Zeke’s nose.
Zeke giggles, and Kyler stands just as Bristol comes waltzing down the hallway. Her eyes widen when she sees who the guest is.
“Dad?” Bristol glances over her shoulder toward Liam. There’s a silent exchange between them before forcing a smile at her father.
Liam hasn’t surfaced yet from around the hallway, but I imagine he’s fixing his clothes or trying to look presentable.
“Your paperwork came through and you were accepted to Evergreen University for next semester.”
“I know,” Bristol says. “That’s not why you’re here.”
“You’re right. The holidays are coming, and we’d like you and your boyfriend to come spend them with us.”
