“Think about how he’ll feel being the last to know,” I said gently.
She hugged me tightly. “I’ll tell him soon. Let’s get through the appointment and looking at houses. Then I’ll tell him.”
“Promise?”
“Swear it,” she said.
We were both quiet for a moment before she spoke.
“Ani?”
“Yeah, baby?”
“Ethan said they can’t leave this life. That it’ll always find them. That he and Enzo are stuck here because of enemies and all that. Do you think that’s true?”
I was quiet as I contemplated my answer.
“Do you want the truth or a pretty lie?”
“The truth,” she whispered.
“I think E is right. The guys and I have already discussed it. We decided we’d come back into the life if we had to. Evan said that Enzo wanted the top. That he promised it. He wouldn’t make him give it up, but he really just hopes shit turns out like a dream. We all know that it can’t, but we’re just here, waiting to see which direction we need to move.”
“You’d come into this life again?” Her voice shook.
“I would do anything for you and those I love, LeeLee. I know Enzo can’t just up and leave. I get it. We were hoping, but he has a lot of enemies, and they won’t rest until they’re dead or he is. So, we’re coming to Chicago. We’ll do what we must. Maybe someday we will get to leave. Maybe we won’t, but it doesn’t matter as long as we’re all together. If all the enemies are dead, maybe shit will get better. I don’t have a crystal ball to see that far ahead. So, I wait. But I’ll wait with you while we sort through it. Together. Our family in one place.”
“You’re all too good to me,” she said, her voice cracking. “I want everything to be OK. I don’t even care if we’re in this life or not. I just want us all together. Am I selfish?”
“If you’re selfish, then I am too,” I whispered against her lips. “Because that’s what I want too. I know I can protect our family. It’s in my blood.”
“I don’t want anyone to get hurt.”
“That’s the game we play. But don’t think about it. Let us handle it. I promise we’ll make it through.”
She snuggled against me, and I held her tightly. When she finally fell asleep, I carried her upstairs to Cole’s bed and placed her beside him before I crawled in and kissed her stomach gently. She was developing the smallest little bump.
“Hey, babies,” I murmured. “Daddy is here. I love you so much. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
I kissed her stomach once more before shifting so I was lying beside her. I placed my hand on her stomach where the babies were nestled and closed my eyes.
A warm hand gave mine a gentle squeeze.
“You’re a complete dickhead, but I’m glad you’re here,” Cole murmured into the darkness.
I smiled at his words. “You’re glad I’m here?”
“Easier to smother you with a pillow when you go to sleep.”
I laughed softly at his words, but I could hear the smile in his voice.
We were going to be OK. That is, if he didn’t kill me in my sleep.
64
COLE
Iawoke feeling like I’d won the world. Rosalie was snuggled in my arms, and Anson was holding her tightly from behind.
