God, if I could go back in time and make it so…
He said nothing, but he offered his turtle. He changed his favorite often, but he was still stuck on Raphael.
“Mm, Raphael,” she said, taking the turtle from him and smiling. “He’s my favorite too. He uses twin sai for his weapons. I know someone who can use them too. Maybe I can take you to meet him, and he can teach you too.”
Laz’s eyes lit up. One moment he was standing in front of Rosalie, and the next he was in her arms, hugging her like she was one of us.
My breath caught as she hesitated for all of a moment before wrapping him in her arms and rocking him.
Cole stared at me as I looked up, my heart in my throat. His eyes were glistening with unshed tears as she held Laz. Enzo squeezed my hand tighter as I tried to steady my breathing.
“It’s OK, brother,” Enzo murmured in my ear. “It’s OK.”
I nodded, my throat tight, as Laz broke away from Rosalie.
She handed the turtle back to him and wiped at her eyes.
“I have a little girl. You would love her,” Rosalie said softly. “Her name is Ellis. I think you two would really get along well.”
Laz gave her the first smile I’d seen on his face in weeks. My heart lurched in my chest.
“I’m making dinner. Spaghetti,” Rosalie continued. “Your dad says you love spaghetti. Do you want to help me? I could use a helper to put the garlic butter on the breadsticks.”
His eyes lit up as she offered him her hand. He took it and bounded away behind her, his turtle clutched against him.
We watched as he climbed onto the stool and she handed him a brush for the garlic butter she’d prepared. He wiggled in his seat as she instructed him on what to do.
And that was it.
I was done for.
“She’s perfect,” Cole said, smiling as he watched. “You assholes better get your shit together, or I’m going to keep every inch of her.”
Cole left Enzo and me alone in the living room. We watched as he joined in, basting Rosalie’s nose and making Laz laugh.
My heart melted at the sound. I hadn’t heard his laugh in forever, it seemed.
“She’s a good one, E,” Enzo murmured.
“We’re idiots,” I replied softly.
We were both quiet for a moment before Enzo spoke, his words stunning me.
“I want her back,” he said, his soft voice shaking. He didn’t elaborate. He simply went into the kitchen to join them while I stood and watched.
I wanted her back too.
39
ROSALIE
Lazarus never spoke, but his green eyes were so expressive that I knew what he was saying without saying a word.
I was impressed. I thought that with the guys as his dad, he’d be wild, and I suppose he likely was, but he was also very sweet and respectful. I could tell he had fire inside him and that they likely had their hands full. Judging by the few walls with old crayon markings on them, I knew he did give them a run for their money.
I watched as he ate, kicking his feet and bouncing in his seat. Ethan kept watching him, a frown on his face. I’d catch him glancing at me whenever Lazarus would move too much or when Cole challenged him to a breadstick sword fight, which he fought with valor.
I knew Ethan was worried about how I’d take it all in, and honestly, it was really hard because while I could definitely see Ethan in him, I could also see Celeste peeking out.
