Page 34 of The Mobster’s Present

I watch with amusement while Angelo and Oriana stare at each other. We’re sitting in our living room because Oriana chirped that she wanted to invite the first guests into her home and that they should be her uncle and aunt.

“We have the same eyes,” Oriana makes her observation with wonder.

“We do,” Angelo agrees.

“You’re my uncle,” Oriana muses.

“Yes,” Angelo’s voice is thick with emotion.

He moves closer slowly while studying the little girl with his hazel eyes. The difference is that hers are too big for her face, and his have seen too much.

Dove giggles while prodding him to move faster. It’s comical.

“Does that mean you’re my aunt?” Oriana’s gaze moves to Dove who beams and nods her head so hard it looks like it might just come off her neck.

As we settle into the living room, I can’t help but marvel at the feeling of home that this place brings. It’s more than the furniture Ashleigh picked out, which is perfect. It’s them. My girls.

I eye my woman and consider how long I’ll have to wait to ask her to marry me. I don’t want to rush her, and Oriana needs to be our focus right now. Still, I can’t wait too long.

Fuck, I’d call an officiant right fucking now if I thought she’d agree to it.

“I’ve never had an aunt before,” Oriana muses, every word innocent in a way I need to protect. “I’ve never had an uncle before, either.” Her gaze swings toward Angelo who has chosen a seat where he can keep his eyes on Oriana while not crowding her. “What do I do with you?”

Dove laughs, her head tipping back. “We can do a lot of things. Think of us like you would any friend, but we happen to be family.”

One side of Oriana’s mouth twists, an expression I’ve come to know means she’s genuinely considering what she’s heard. “So, that means movies and coloring and eating cookies,” her words run together, picking up speed as her excitement grows.

“Yes,” Dove assures her, “all of those things. We can also paint our nails and go shopping. We can go buy flowers or walk along the waterfront.”

“Oh,” Oriana’s eyes grow even bigger, “that sounds like fun too.”

“This is a brand-new city for you,” Dove points out, “which means there is a lot to see and explore.”

Oriana’s eyebrows pull together. “But Mommy has to work, we don’t have time to do too much exploring.”

“That won’t be a problem,” I cut in.

Ashleigh tips her chin up from where she’s tucked into my side. “What do you mean that won’t be a problem?”

I look at her and don’t say anything for a moment. She hasn’t pushed back on very much, but I also know she’s been taking care of herself and Oriana for a long time.

My moment of hesitation gives Dove a chance to pipe up, her voice turning dramatically posh, “Oh, darling, you’ve just become a lady who lunches. Didn’t you get the memo?”

Ashleigh shakes her head. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

“If you want to work, I won’t stop you,” my words are measured and even, “but you do not need to. You’re mine.”

“That doesn’t mean I want to be a kept woman.” She keeps her voice low, “That’s dangerous and could be taken away at any moment.”

“The trusts and accounts can never be taken away from you. I’ve already made sure of it. Everything has you as a primary on the paperwork. I’ve also changed my will, to make sure you and Oriana are always taken care of, along with my life insurance beneficiary.”

“That sounds like a lot of paperwork,” she sounds dazed.

“It wasn’t really. I wanted to give you stability, even if you chose to walk away from me.”

“I don’t think I can,” she whispers, the words pulled from her without her wanting to give them.

Her eyes widen in surprise, and she presses her lips together.