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That had to be the therapist talking. His new male therapist. “You’re my brother. You fucked up,” I bluntly said. “But you accidentally helped rid the world of a bad guy, and you also brought Natalia back into my life. Forgiving you is possible, and to answer your question, yes, it’s something I also want. Plus, Natalia wants it. And she’s stubborn. You’re just lucky that woman has a heart of gold.”
Anthony lightly chuckled, then rubbed his chest as if he might have his own heart attack. Yeah, uh no, please don’t do that. “All those years you pretended to hate her?”
“Was my attempt not to step on your toes and violate the brother-code, I guess.”
He shook his head. “All the sacrifices you made for me.” He cursed, his eyes falling to the dirt ground, and he kicked the toe of his boot against a rock there. “You’re going to propose, right? For real, I mean?”
I wasn’t sure if I was prepared to talk about Natalia with him quite yet, but I admitted, “Yeah, when the time is right.”
“Maurizio said you can have the inheritance. All ten million. Well, that’s what Mom said. Even if you don’t marry anyone.” Anthony slowly worked his eyes up. “And yet, you said no. Why?”
“Don’t tell me you’re asking for it.” I tipped my head to the side, definitely not prepared for that conversation.
“No, no. I’m done trying to get money from other people.”
I wanted to feel relief at that, but change took time. It was still early for him. “I don’t want the money, no. But I like having Maurizio in our lives. Mom appreciates it, too. He reminds me of Dad, and that hurts at times, but it’s also kind of nice.”
“I know what you mean.” Anthony’s eyes were tearing up. Another surprise.
When Maurizio had flown us back from Monaco, he’d rented a house in Charlotte and was working remote to run the Rossi family business from here. He wanted to make up for lost time, and he was willing to be proactive. To stay in town. I had to admire his determination.
“So, what do you say? Want to work together?”
“You’re offering me a job at the shop?” Anthony’s brows lifted in surprise.
“I guess so, yeah.” Was I crazy? Probably. But I couldn’t help but remember the last photo we took with Dad before I left for the Navy. The three of us in that picture together. And maybe I was trying to go back in time a little, to bring Dad back the only way I knew how, but . . .
“I can’t.” Anthony frowned. “I barely remember the difference in wrenches. I’d be useless in a shop.” He stroked his jaw. “But I got an offer for an assistant coach position up in Toronto. Not the majors. Not even the minors.” He smiled. “Kids, actually. Like that guy in Mighty Ducks. Remember that movie?” He waved a hand. “Anyways, I think I could help these kids out with hockey. Make some kind of difference in their lives. Help teach them what not to do. You know, as in not make the mistakes I did.”
I let go of a deep sigh. Relief mixed with a sense of pride striking me hard. “That’s amazing, Anthony.” I was the one gripping my chest now. “Dad would be proud of that.”
The tears he’d been trying to keep at bay finally escaped. And fuck if I couldn’t not respond to that.
When he dropped his face against his palm, trying to conceal his emotions, I pulled my kid brother in for a hug and let go of some unexpected tears myself. “I miss him,” he whispered.
I patted his back as I hugged him, trying to find my composure, but instead found myself forgiving him. And also, finally, forgiving myself for whatever guilt I’d kept buried inside.
“But I’ve missed you, too. I—I don’t want to lose you, brother. And I thought I almost did back in Monaco.”
“I missed you, too,” I hoarsely admitted. “And I’m not going anywhere.”
* * *
“A blindfold, really?”
“I want it to be a surprise.” I held Natalia’s hand as I walked her into our new condo. It was her first time there since I’d been given the key.
“I do love a good surprise.”
“Yeah, I know you do.” With Maria’s and Mom’s help, I’d ordered a king-sized bed and bedding last week so we’d have at least one piece of furniture already there for our first night together.
While Natalia had been at work, Maria had helped me set everything up. Rose petals. Candles. All the stuff Maria said would be “romantic.” I had a feeling Natalia wouldn’t care as long as we were finally alone together.
I also saw the cardiologist today and was given the best news I’d had in weeks. Permission granted to resume normal activity, which included having sex with the woman I loved. And she wouldn’t need to feel guilty about it, which was the last thing I wanted for us. No more guilt.
I’d had to call in a few dozen favors to see the doctor ahead of schedule, which had been almost more difficult to pull off than taking down a high-value-target in a war zone. But determination will get you everywhere.
I walked Natalia down the hall to our new bedroom and let go of her hand. I’d had her wait in the Jeep so I could light all the candles once she’d pulled into the parking lot, so I was all set. “You wore that on purpose, huh?” I eyed the gray pencil skirt she’d paired with black heels and a black silk top.
