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Allegra snuggles deeper into me and tucks her head under my chin. I chuckle softly as she curls up on my chest like a cat. She even purrs like one, too.
I gather her left hand in mine, lifting it to my lips and kissing her ring. It looks perfect on her little finger.
“I love it,” she whispers, peering up at me. “I loveyou.”
“Love you so fucking much, angel.”
She smiles at me, then yawns adorably.
“Get some sleep, love,” I say softly. “I’ll be right here, always.”
“Always,” she repeats as she drifts off.
Her confidence in me, even after the last twenty-four hours, is humbling. I’ll spend the rest of my life making sure she never regrets trusting me that first day she ran into my arms.
EPILOGUE
ALLEGRA
“Go set these on the table and then come back for your next assignment,” I tell Aaron, our five year old. He beams up at me as he takes the napkins, his eyes the same magical hazel color as his father’s. I watch Aaron’s chubby little legs carry him into the dining room, where everything is ready for Armando’s birthday dinner when he comes home.
Something tugs on the hem of my apron, and I look down to see little Alison, our mischievous three year old, with a marker in one hand and a fistful of my apron fabric in her other hand.
“And what are you doing, little miss?” I ask as I scoop her up into my arms. Little red ringlets bounce in front of her eyes, and I blow them out of her face, making my daughter giggle.
She shows me the marker in her hand, which thankfully still has the cap on, and grins like she just won a prize.
“Yes, I see. Have you been convincing your brother to get things for you that you know you aren’t supposed to have?
Alison’s eyes grow wide, and even at such a young age, she’s learned to pretend to be innocent. It’s a good thing she’s a terrible liar. It’ll keep her out of trouble for a little bit longer, anyway.
“What now?” Aaron asks as he bounces into the kitchen and stands next to me.
“How about giving me a hug?” Armando says as he strides into the room.
“Dad!” Aaron squeals, racing into his father’s arms. “Happy birthday!”
Armando tosses our rowdy boy in the air and catches him, spinning him around the room before setting him back down and turning his attention to me.
“Hey, beautiful,” he murmurs, pressing his lips to my temple. “Missed you.”
I smile up at my husband, knowing he means every word. Even though Armando has scaled back on the number of assignments he takes, the days he has to go into work are always long. He always makes up for it, though. By the way his hand is lingering on my lower back, I know he’s thinking the same thing.
“Missed you, too,” I tell him, leaning in for a kiss. My husband slides his hand against the side of my neck, holding me close as his lips claim mine. We’ve been married for over six years now, but each kiss is just as life-giving as the first one.
“Dad!” Alison shouts right in our faces. I almost forgot she was propped up on my hip.
Armando chuckles, breaking our kiss. “Ali,” he says in the same tone, booping her nose. She bursts into a round of giggles, which only intensify when Armando takes her from me and starts tickling her round little belly.
“Alright, kids,” I say, looking between Aaron and Alison. “Go wash up for dinner.” They do as I say, and Armando turns to head that way as well. I grab him by his sleeve and pull him into me. “Not you,” I tell him with a smirk. “I’m not done with you yet.”
Armando grins wickedly, circling his arms around me and fusing his lips to mine. I open up for my man, savoring his kiss, the way his tongue glides against mine in steady strokes. I’m vaguely aware of being lifted and set down on the counter, my thighs spreading so my husband can stand between them.
“And how can I be of service, my sexy wife?” he purrs into the side of my neck. “Need me to kiss you some more?” I nod, sighing when Armando licks his way up and down my slender column. “Need me to taste you, angel? Need me inside you?”
“Yes,” I hiss, looping my arms around his neck and pulling him down for more.
“God, Allegra,” he groans.
