The doorbell rings, and I go to open the door. Dad is walking without a cane now, and physical therapy has worked miracles. Mom’s carrying three different side dishes because she still doesn’t believe we have enough food.
“Remy!” She sets down the dishes before pulling me into a hug.
Dad shakes hands with each of the triplets. “Boys. Taking good care of my daughter?”
“Always, sir,” Ansel responds automatically.
Dad grins. “Good. Because I’ve got three sons-in-law to keep in line now.”
“Dad.” I press my hand to my forehead. I’m not going to bother reminding him that we aren’t married.
“What? I’m recovered now. I can threaten people again.”
The doorbell rings once more.
I open the door, and my best friend immediately pulls me into a hug. “Okay, you’re glowing. Are you pregnant?”
“I’m not pregnant, Jess. I’m just happy.”
“Ugh. Gross.” She grins. “But also, I’m really glad.”
What is with everyone today?
Dinner is loud and chaotic and perfect. Dad tells stories that have everyone laughing. Sadie grills the triplets about the company’s latest merger.
“The Geneva account is thriving,” Ansel mentions. “Their infrastructure is more secure than most government facilities now.”
Enzo passes the salad. “That’s because Remy rebuilt it from the ground up.”
“Speaking of security,” Dad says, “what happened to that former employee? The one whose breach is why you hired Remy in the first place?”
“Serving eighteen months in federal prison,” Breck answers. “His sentencing came through last week.”
“That is the best thing that bastard ever did for us.” Enzo looks at me with warmth. “Even though he was trying to sabotage us, he brought Remy into our lives.”
Mom reaches over and squeezes my hand. “Silver linings.”
“And Damon?” Jess asks. “Please tell me that asshole got what he deserved.”
The table goes quiet.
“Three years for conspiracy to commit kidnapping and providing material support,” Ansel intones. “Trent got twenty-five years for the actual kidnapping, assault, and violating bail.”
Breck’s jaw tightens. “Still not long enough.”
I reach over and squeeze his hand under the table. “It’s enough. They’re gone. We’re safe.”
“Speaking of safe,” Sadie pivots smoothly. “How’s business? Remy, you haven’t told me about your latest project.”
I’m grateful for the change of subject. “We just signed a contract with a tech startup. They need a complete security overhaul.”
“She’s got the best reputation in the industry.” Enzo looks at me with pride. “Half our clients specifically request her to work on their projects.”
“And she’s a partner now,” Ansel adds. “Officially.”
Dad beams. “That’s my girl.”
“It’s not just charity.” Breck leans back in his chair. “She’s grown the business by fifteen percent this quarter alone. We’d be stupid not to make her a partner.”
