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“He wouldn’t what?” Callum asks from the bottom of the stage, his eyes dancing with mirth. “Carry you in front of all these people? You know the answer to that, Venus.”
“Don’t you dare!”
“My apologies, your majesty.” And then, I let out a low squeal that makes those closest to the stage chuckle. Not at me per se, but how often I get caught in this type of situation. The moment he sets me down, though, I smack his arm and walk over to Uncle Jameson. He’s another softie. “Get your nephew to leave me alone.”
“You heard her.”
“I did.” Callum’s tone holds no remorse. “Are you ready, love?”
“Yes.”
He takes my hand in his, and together we face the men and women who work for the Jameson family. My family. Giannis and Dwayne are a part of that group now, as is Kray and Lindsey, who stand a few steps from the stage and to the left of Mariah and Casper.
Everyone is smiling. Happy for us.
“You will lay your life to protect her.”
“Aye.”
“You will respect her as you do me.”
“Aye.”
“I will never forsake my family. We are one blood.”
“One blood.” The last unanimous chant is loud, and it almost drowns out the music coming from the other room where politicians, heads of countries, and a few generals mingle and drink, unaware of what’s happening within this room. We’re celebrating more than just his blood oath, but the grand opening of Jameson Arms.
Don’t let a country at war fool you. They all rub elbows in one way or another.
“My Venus,” Callum’s voice is reverent. So low no one else can hear, but I do.
“I love you, Mr. Jameson.” However, the smile turns into a frown when I gasp a minute later.
“Aliana, baby?”
“Callum, I think…” I feel wet, not a lot, but like I had one of those accidents all pregnant women have. You sneeze or laugh at the wrong time and things happen down there. “Callum, I think my water is about to break.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yes.”
“Out,” his voice booms, and everyone but our family leaves. They’re crowding us now, worried, but Aurora meets my gaze, and she gets it. Gentle hands cup my face, thumbs rubbing across my cheek. “Are you in pain?”
“Not yet, but I feel off. Some pressure, but our doctor said that’s normal.” Callum’s mom stands to our left, her hand massaging my lower back where I’m most uncomfortable, and I shoot her a small smile. “Thank you.”
“I’m so excited, Aliana. My heart is racing!”
“Mum, let me get her to a seat. We need a—"
“Casper, honey. Don’t just stand there. Please bring the car around the back.”
“Gem, what’re you—”
“I swear to God, if my best friend has our niece or nephew here because of you, I will smite you.” At his wife’s words, he nods dumbly but then jumps into action, rushing out of the room with all the men in this family on his heels. “Well, that lit a match under them. Pussies.”
I’m surrounded by crazy people. I laugh at that, full-on giggles, but it quickly turns into a grimace as wetness rushes down my leg and feet. So gross. “Yeah, that was definitely my water breaking. I’m going to need a change of clothes.”
“We have some in the car.”
