Total pages in book: 96
Estimated words: 93203 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 466(@200wpm)___ 373(@250wpm)___ 311(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 93203 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 466(@200wpm)___ 373(@250wpm)___ 311(@300wpm)
Aldo nodded. “So Luca would run Ottawa.”
I met his eyes. “I was thinking I would keep this place. You could have Toronto. I know you love the big city. So does Vi.”
He looked incredulous. “You’d give me Maple II to run?”
I drew in a deep breath. “I’d give you Maple II outright.”
“Roman—”
“There would be fees.”
“Of course.”
“But it would be your vision. Yours to do as you want. Same as with Luca. I would have a stake in the business. A monthly draw.”
He shook his head. “But here?”
“I would figure it out. All of this will take time if we go forward.”
“I don’t know if I can leave you, Roman.”
I smiled at the man I trusted with my life. “You aren’t leaving me. You’d be down the road. That one runs without me there twenty-four seven. This one can as well. I’ll hire the right people. Without the illegal stuff to worry about, it won’t be as…hands on.”
He looked thoughtful. “We’ll talk more. Think it over. Carefully.”
“After the wedding,” I agreed.
I returned to the suite, not surprised to find Effie in her favorite spot. I was beginning to wonder if I needed to have the chair moved to the estate with her.
Unable to resist, I bent and kissed her. I liked how her mouth felt underneath mine. As usual, that feeling of completion welled inside me now that she was close.
I sat across from her, studying her face. Her eyes were tranquil and warm. She smiled at me. “Thank you for today,” she said, sounding shy. “The dress, the flowers. I didn’t expect any of it.” She reached out, touching a blossom beside her.
I returned her smile. I had sent Judith up to have her discuss the types of flowers Effie wanted for the wedding. Once she had done so, I met with our on-site florist and sent up an arrangement for Effie after recalling her saying she had never received flowers. I kept the card simple, signing it,
I can’t wait until Friday.
Yours, Roman.
Audrey informed me that Effie had been surprised and pleased with her flowers. Watching her touch them, I decided to make sure flowers were sent to her regularly at the estate.
“You were very quick with your dress selection.”
Effie nodded. “It was as if Gerry already knew what I would love.” She paused. “It’s not really traditional.”
I laughed. “Neither are we. Whatever you picked, you will be lovely.”
“Vi picked her dress too.”
“I understand green is the color of the day.” I winked at her. “I would have gone violet-blue if I were choosing.”
She blushed, the color highlighting her prettiness. “You gave me a choice.” She held up her hand. “I wanted to complement my ring.”
I leaned close, running a finger down her warm cheek. “Nonna will love that. Thank you.”
Our eyes locked for a moment, and I bathed in the sweetness of her gaze. She had no idea how she bolstered me with her presence. I wasn’t sure how it happened. I cupped her cheek, and she turned, pressing a kiss to my palm. Once again, she disarmed me with her affectionate gestures.
I pulled my hand away, feeling the warmth of her mouth on it.
“Do you have the names of the people you want to invite?”
She handed me a list. “Just a few.”
I scanned it and nodded. There were less than a dozen names, and five of them now worked for me. “Invites will go out tomorrow. Hand-delivered.”
“You said it will be small?”
“I am inviting some important people in my world. Not to do so would be considered disrespectful. I would rather it only be us and those we are closest to, but for now, I need to do this. But I am keeping the numbers very small, yes. Just over fifty.”
She looked wistful. “I wish my mom could be there. I’ll have no family.”
I took her hand. “My family will be yours, Little Tiger. You will not be alone again. I will keep you safe.” I paused. “I swear I will try to be a good husband to you.”
“I know.”
“You’re not thinking of Marianne, are you?” I asked.
“No. Not at all. She is not someone I consider family anymore. You don’t do what she, ah, tried to do to family. To anyone.”
I cleared my throat. “Luca would like to walk you down the aisle if you are agreeable to that.”
She blinked. “Really?”
“Yes. If you want. We thought it might be intimidating for you to walk into a room of strangers.”
She dropped her head, shaking it slightly as a smile curled her lips.
“What?”
“You keep telling me you’re cold. That you can’t love. You insist you will ‘try’ to be a good husband, yet I feel the doubt you have. I already know you’ll be a good husband, Roman. You’re a good man.”
I laughed dryly. “I’ve killed people, Effie. I’ll kill again, I’m sure.”