Total pages in book: 54
Estimated words: 53428 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 267(@200wpm)___ 214(@250wpm)___ 178(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 53428 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 267(@200wpm)___ 214(@250wpm)___ 178(@300wpm)
I tensed as my nerves flared.
Please say he will be happy. Please, God.
Santino took the top off the box and froze as he saw what was inside.
I didn't move either, not sure if he was terrified or shocked with happiness.
The moment stilled with the rocking of the yacht and the sound of the sea outside.
Finally, after a few quiet minutes, Santino picked up the pregnancy test out of the box and looked at me with watered eyes. "You're pregnant?"
My bottom lip quivered. "Yes."
A wicked smile spread across his face. "We are going to be parents?"
"We are."
"We will have a family."
"A beautiful one."
"And very large."
"Well. . .let's just see with this first one."
Fast, Santino pulled me into his arms. "God, woman, I love you so fucking much. You're right. This is a priceless gift that I could never top."
"Just keep loving me like you do, Santino, and you'll top it all."
* * *
Later that day, we stood on the deck of the yacht side-by-side, looking out at the orange and pink sunset over the sea.
My phone rang.
Santino grinned. "They must have gotten your texts."
"Probably." I pulled the phone out and placed it next to my ear. "What's up?"
Merik's voice rode the line. "Another month in Italy, Kash? You must be loving the hell out of that Italian food."
"That's one of the many reasons."
"Word? Shoot. Enjoy yourself. Shit is chill right now in Paradise City anyway."
"Oh really?"
"Hell yeah." Merik chuckled. "We kept your mission. The West Coast is coming out for Dima. There's not one lawn in the West that doesn't have his campaign sign. All red cars got his bumper stickers on the back."
"Good shit."
"Oh!"
I blinked. "What?"
"I'm finally alone so I can tell you this shit. Kash, guess who I walked in on during your reception night?"
"Who?"
"Tomasso and Mom."
I shrieked. "Aunt Irene and Tomasso!"
Santino snapped his view to me and quirked his brows.
"Yo, Kash. All I saw was Tomasso's bare white ass and him holding a tub of whip cream. Mom was on the floor. I rushed out of the kitchen after that."
"No?"
"I've been having nightmares about it ever since. I may need to see somebody."
"Are you serious?"
"Unfortunately, yes." Merik let out a long breath. "I couldn't tell anybody because if Roscoe heard about that shit—"
"He might shoot Tomasso?"
"Facts."
"Is Tomasso even still there?"
"Hell yeah. He got a condo downtown. He leaves every now and then to do jobs I guess, but he said his home base is Paradise City."
"And your mom?"
"She be sneaking her ass out at night with pies and shit. Every now and then I bump into her downtown. Roscoe better not find out."
"Hey. That's grown folk business."
"Since we on gossip, you know Rue and Leonardo got a thing going?"
"No." I stepped back from the side in pure shock. "Leonardo and Rue?"
Shock covered Santino's face as he watched me.
"When did this happen?"
"Must have been at the reception. Look, Kash. The all-night bar was a bad idea. Everyone was clearly fucking by the end of the night."
"But Rue and Leonardo though?"
"They keep it secret, but I see the glances as they handle Santino’s and your business."
"I can't believe this."
"Kash, things are hot in the West but at least in a good way."
"Yes. I agree."
"Alright then. I'll let you get back to being nasty out in Italy."
"Thank you, cuz."
"Peace."
I hung up with a huge smile on my face.
Santino stared at me. "Leonardo and Rue?"
"Apparently, that's a secret thing."
"Interesting."
"And don't forget Tomasso and Aunt Irene."
"I'm not shocked about that."
"What?"
"Tomasso will sleep with anyone who is a master in the kitchen. His sleeping with Aunt Irene was simply a matter of time."
I chuckled. "Well, why didn't you tell me that?"
"Because we were busy." He gathered me in his arms. "And now we will be even more busy, raising a little one."
I shivered in fear, but knew all would be okay. "You're right."
"You're going to be an amazing mother."
"And you will be an awesome father."
"I love you, Kash."
A wave of emotion crashed into me as I whispered, "I love you too, Santino."
I rested my head against his strong chest, feeling my heart swell with emotion as the sun slowly sank below the horizon. His arms held me close and time stilled as I watched the sky turn shades of pink and orange, until the last sliver of light had finally slipped away.
Finally, I got my happy ending.
Yet, it was a blissful ending that would start a new beginning of passionate love, a blessed life, and a loving family.