Page 54 of The Guardian

I was almost too afraid to look up at her. Too fearful that I’d drop the baby if I took my eyes off her.

Michel laughed as he bent down and scooped Gemma from my arms. Then he raised her up with his hands wrapped around her little waist. “There’s my girl.” He kissed each cheek.

Gemma cooed and giggled. Obviously knowing him and happy to see him.

I stared at them together and realized my brother was a family man now. It hit me like a ton of bricks. Last time I saw him he was working nonstop as a cop and barely looked up from that work. He’d grown a lot and yes, I felt proud of him. Damn, he looked so happy too. I glanced over at his wife and then scoffed at my rudeness as I stood to shake her hand. “I am very happy to meet you and Gemma. It is an honor.”

Sia gave me a huge smile smile. “I love your accent! Wow. It is amazing.”

I did not have a lot to say about that but I tried, “We have similar looks but we were raised continents apart.”

“Yes, he told me about you and he worried about where you went. I am so glad you showed up here.”

“It was a mutual surprise to find him here…” My words faded away. Bloody hell, I sure did not mean to sound rude.

Laughing, Sia nodded. “Oh, I know. I imagine it was a shock.”

“Not just for the obvious. We brought the twins home to their mother and I find Michael here?” I chuckled. “I never expected that.”

She patted my hand then dropped it. “I think it was meant to be somehow. He told me he hasn’t seen you for several years. I want to make sure that you know that we want you to come and visit. Stay as long as you want. You are his family and that means…You are my family too. Besides, you are an uncle now.”

I smiled at her. Michael did good when he chose this woman. I could see now why he ignored who she was and decided to be happy instead of turning from her because she was a gangster’s daughter. “Thank you so much for that.” I turned to Maya. “This is my…Maya.” I chuckled ruefully as both words were true. She was mine… she just didn’t know it yet.

Sia reached over and shook her hand. “I am so glad to meet you. What a wonderful person you are. The twins love you so much. And if my father hasn’t already done it, I extend the same welcome to you. Please feel free to call this house your home.”

Maya shook her hand as well. “Thank you so much. Your father was most kind to me.”

Sia dropped her hand just as her baby girl started to cry a little. “She’s hungry I am sure.” She moved over to take her from Michael. Then she nodded at the twins as her smile never faded from her lips. “Gabby…I mean your mother, told me to come get you two.”

The twins nodded at her then they both double hugged Maya. Looking up at her their eyes were luminous as if they were afraid they would not see her again.

Maya tucked them close and told them softly, “I will return, i miei preziosi figli. I promise.”

Chapter Eighteen: I-Spy

Maya

After the kids left, I wiped my tears away.

Henry patted my hand.

“They will be fine,” Michael told me. “The whole family loves them already.”

“I can see that and I am happy for it.” I nodded at him. “This is all I ever wanted for them.”

Michael came over, took my hand into his and shook it gently. “It was good to meet you Maya Angel. And remember, we are family now. So drag his sorry butt back here to visit, ok?” He nodded his head at Henry.

All I could do was smile at him. I was not in charge of Henry but I did not point this out.

Michael gave Rain a nod and left.

“Khorosho,” Ok. Rain spoke up as he set his cell down. “I have our new identities set. Then our flight is tomorrow.”

Henry nodded. “If we intend to be there in time, we need to get going.”

Rain stared at him. “Do we use the same ruse as we did for the festival?” He smirked at Henry.

I looked back and forth at them then asked, “What ruse?”