“I’d love to visit you all, but my life is here now. And besides, you’ll be a wonderful mother.” She hugged me again while we both cried some more.
“Yes, she will,” Conal agreed with a smile, tucking me into his side, which prompted Ronan to grab my hand because he hated being left out.
“You’d be welcome anytime, Amelie,” Declan said smoothly. “I’ll be in touch.”
I narrowed my eyes at him. How long had he known she was alive? He and I were having a chat the minute we left. Then it occurred to me I’d never known Mrs. Gia’s actual name. In my head, she’d always been Mrs. Gia.
Amelie suited her.
We said our final goodbyes as the sun sank into the sea. The sound of cicadas followed us down the path toward the car, where a hot and bothered Ash stood waiting.
“Took you long enough,” he grumbled. “I have heatstroke.”
“Really?” Conal scoffed. “I saw you talking to a blonde chick earlier. You didn’t look like you were dying then.”
“She was an Estonian backpacker staying in the village.” Connor shrugged, attempting to look nonchalant. I wasn’t fooled, though. The gleam in his eyes gave him away. Declan might have brought him along for additional security, but this Irish ruffian wasn’t about to miss out on a prime flirting opportunity. “The young lady was out for a hike. Therewas nothing else going on, so I took the time to exchange pleasantries.” And saliva, knowing him.
Declan gave Connor some side-eye while muttering something about taking his eye off the ball since he wasn’t supposed to get distracted while on duty, but honestly, my husband needed to stop being so fucking paranoid.
I tapped my foot impatiently. “Can we go get food, please? This baby is hungry.”
My stomach growled again before I yawned. It had been a long, emotional day, and I was ready for food, a soak in the tub, and the back rub one of my husbands had promised me.
“Please tell me we’re not flying home tonight. I can’t face another long drive,” I whined.
“No, princess, I’ve booked us a night in the Hotel Cipriani again.”
“And that’s why you’re my favorite husband,” I winked before wrapping my arms around Declan’s waist.
The other two grumbled loudly, but I ignored their bitching. There was still time for them to earn my favor and a spot beside me in bed later.
Back rubs and delicious food would definitely do the trick.
Epilogue 3 - Verity
Iwalked into the same suite we’d stayed in last time, shortly after I got engaged to the three men of my dreams, and sighed with happiness.
“Let me run you a bath, sweetheart.” Conal hurried into the bathroom to turn on the faucets. The scent of lavender wafted out a few minutes later. Perfect. A nice relaxing soak was just what I needed after a long day spent traveling.
My husbands knew exactly how to take care of me. Damn, I’d chosen well.
I shrieked as Ronan lifted me up and carried me from the living room into the bathroom.
Conal had lit some candles for extra ambiance. I had a few minor concerns about the possibility of causing smoke damage to one of the priceless artworks on the wall but then thought fuck it. That was a ‘him’ problem, not a ‘me’ problem.
The twins removed my clothes with great efficiency and then deposited me in the tub before dropping a kiss on my lips and melting away. Hot water enveloped my body, soaking away thegrime of the day. I lay back and closed my eyes, luxuriating in the scented heat.
In the living room, I heard the murmur of voices as the guys chatted. The baby in my belly kicked vigorously, perking up in the hot water.
She’d be here in less than two months. Part of me remained perpetually terrified about becoming a mother. My childhood had been as fucked up as they come, but I knew deep down it would be different for my child.
She would have three overprotective fathers watching over her. A mother who loved her to the moon and back. And several aunties keen to be a part of this child’s life. Not to mention two cousins and another two due soon.
I closed my eyes. Life was good.
Lips brushed mine, waking me from a relaxed slumber. When I shifted, I realized the scented water had cooled. Damn, I must have fallen asleep. Hardly surprising after such a long day. Visiting my father and then discovering Mrs. Gia -Amelie- was alive after all these years had knocked me for six.
“Wake up, sweetheart.” Conal reached down to lift me from the tub.
