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Well. Just when I thought I could make it out of this without crying my eyes out. Tatum’s sniffling has gotten louder, too. Callum pulls out a handkerchief and dabs at my eyes and cheeks. All I can do is accept his gesture, smiling through my tears.
“Do we have the rings?” the judge asks.
That's Romero 's cue. “I knew better than to misplace these,” he murmurs. “I didn't want Tatum to kill me.”
“I can hear you,” she whispers back.
I'm fighting giggles as Callum extends his left hand for me to slide the titanium band over his third finger. He said he wanted the titanium as a symbol of how unbreakable our bond is. All I know is as I place it on his hand, I'm almost swept off my feet by a wave of pure love. It's the most profound thing I've ever felt except for the first rush of joy that ran through me when we saw the baby together during the ultrasound.
I switched my engagement ring to my right hand for the ceremony, leaving my ring finger free for the exquisite platinum band set with tiny diamonds. It sparkles like crazy, catching the light no matter how I turn my hand. “Like this ring,” Callum murmurs, “there is no beginning or end of my love for you. It goes forever.”
“I had no idea you were so good with words,” I whisper.
“I guess you bring it out in me.” Once the ring is in place, he kisses my hand. “Mine forever.”
“Always,” I whisper.
“Then by the power vested in me, I declare you husband and wife. Callum, you may kiss your bride.”
Not just yet. Give me a second. Let me be in this moment just a little while longer, this last moment before we seal it with a kiss. Let me savor this just a moment more.
I could swear he hears my thoughts, taking his time, holding my face between his hands and staring deep into my eyes. “Are you ready?” he murmurs, and I don't think he’s talking about the kiss. He's asking whether I'm ready for everything life has in store for us.
There's only one answer. The only answer. “Yes.” And I mean it with all my heart.
CALLUM
There is no sense of peace in the house. No hope of calm. Not while it’s crawling with guards at all hours. Not with Jack out there somewhere, plotting how he’s going to blow my world to pieces for taking his son’s life.
I sent Romero home an hour ago against his wishes. He needs sleep—we both do. But I can’t imagine willing my mind to quiet down long enough for sleep to catch up with me. I would only toss and turn and wake Bianca. One of us has to be sharp, meaning he needs a break while I pace my office or check in with the guards down at the front gate walking the perimeter. Watching. Waiting.
If this goes on much longer, I don’t know how my nerves will stand it. A man in my position can expect to endure many sleepless nights. I’ve lived with strain, stress, tension, to the point where I thought I was impervious. But this? Everything that’s ever mattered is at stake, and at the moment, there’s nothing I can do but wait for Jack to show his face. Romero’s exhausted his extensive contact list—we have guys combing every square mile between this compound and the property Jack’s been living and working out of. We even have eyes on his Miami residence in case he flew down there to regroup.
Where is he? What’s his next move?
A whiskey might dull the incessant pounding in my head, but I can’t risk dulling my senses along with it. I can only grind my teeth and push through, ignoring the bar cart while I pace for lack of anything better to do. Patience has never been one of my virtues.
The ringing of my phone pierces the silence. I pounce on it, snatching the device from the desk. The sight of Sebastian’s name, especially at two in the morning, takes my already rapid pulse and sends it into overdrive.
“This had better be good,” I murmur without greeting him.
“Of course it’s good. Why else would I be calling you at this time of night. I did it. It finally happened.”
My grip on the phone tightens. “What are you talking about? I’m not in the mood for games.”
“This isn’t a game.”
Then why does he sound so jumpy? Almost hyper. “Tell me you have good news.”
“Excellent news. And if you want what I know you want more than anything, you will meet me at the address I’m about to provide.”
Easy. Calm. I can’t afford to leap without looking first, especially when it sounds like the kid is on speed.
“Is this about what I think it’s about?”
“You’ll find out when you get here.”
“I’m going to need more than that, Sebastian.”
