Page 95 of Claimed By Ruin

“Tell her my apologies. I’m sure there’s a way we can make it up to her.”

“All right, if you say so,” I said.

Asia came out of the house, little Levi strapped to her chest in one of those baby carrier things.

I glared at her, though I wasn’t angry. “You adjusted the straps. I had them set just like I liked.”

She shrugged. “Then I guess you’d better go scavenge another one.” She looked at Dante. “You sure you have to go?”

He laughed. “You guys keep this up, I’m going to think you like me.”

“Thank you for everything,” she said quietly.

He shrugged. “What can I say? Rubin doesn’t leave debts unpaid. Neither do I. And you never know, I might need something from you, and I’m sure you’ll return that favor.”

Asia looked back to where Miranda emerged.

“He is perfect,” Miranda said. “You’re in good health. And I left a little something for you.”

“Take care of yourself,” Asia said.

“I don’t have to take care of myself. Dante here will do it for me. Isn’t that right, Dante?”

He shrugged. “Don’t want to know what it’ll cost me if I don’t.” He stood. “Let’s get the show on the road, Doc.”

They got into the car, and Asia and I stood there watching as they drove away.

Levi was sleeping, and I stared down at him. I’d gotten more used to him, but I was still blown away every time I looked at him.

The same way I was when I looked at her.

I kissed her cheek, kept my head close to hers, and whispered in her ear.

“I love you.”

She smiled brighter and met my eyes. “I know.”

THIRTY-SIX

Asia

“Are you still smiling?” I said as I stared down at my son.

He was on his back, his elephant at his side. He never even looked at the thing, but I teared up every time I did. Barely three weeks old and still stubbornly trying to lift his head—his father’s son from the beginning.

“I hope you keep smiling, ’cause it’s time for tummy time.”

I knew he couldn’t understand me. He babbled, though I knew those would soon become cries. Tummy time was not a favorite, but the book said it was important. I tickled the bottom of his foot, then glanced at the door at the soft knock.

I scooped him up and walked over. “Come in.”

I knew who was on the other side. Lourdes looked at me, her eyes solemn and glassy.

“It won’t be long now,” she whispered.

I lifted the baby towards her. “Would you mind?”

She took Levi without a word, and I left the room, walking down the stairs like I’d done countless times before.