Page 172 of Exposed

She gestures to the landscape that will soon be outdoor patios as she stands next to Ollie who feverishly takes notes on an iPad. They’re wearing matching pink hardhats.

It took us about five minutes to confirm Ollie had nothing to do with the Carter Cartel. Goldie knew it, but we had to do ourdue diligence. Ollie also got a promotion. He’s the new general manager of The Pink. It was the first thing Goldie did when the place officially became hers.

And it’s all hers.

That’s because Dex Carter was sentenced to prison last week. The U.S. Attorney hit him with so many charges, he won’t be eligible for parole until he’s one hundred and seven since he’s serving his sentences back-to-back instead of concurrently.

That’s what happens when you smuggle cocaine into the country for years and dip your toes into human trafficking.

The rest of his organization is either awaiting trial or already charged. That includes Randall Becerra. I’ve come to peace with the fact he’ll pay for what he did to Goldie while he rots in prison.

She’s moved past it, so I have no choice but to follow suit.

Ollie sees me first and nudges his new boss. When Goldie turns to me, her profile takes my breath away.

But it does on a daily basis these days. In fact, more so every day.

She’s as slim as ever … except her belly where our son grows.

I’ve got four more months of sleeping through the night and walking around naked, should I want to.

We took our time, or as much time as someone my age can afford. We thought long and hard on the subject.

In the end, the decision wasn’t difficult.

Laken and Willa moved back to Miami right after Goldie and I were married. She finally had enough of Silas, his infidelities, and his politics. My sister and Goldie are tight, and Goldie loves Willa.

It didn’t take long for us to decide we want that too.

And here we are. Even Alina has agreed to get on a plane to visit. She wasn’t kidding when she said she wouldn’t fly unless we gave her a grandbaby.

When she’s at my house, I won’t have to eat cauliflower steaks.

I can’t take my eyes off my wife. Like every time I’m close to hersince she told me she was pregnant, I put my hand to her belly when I kiss her. “Hey.”

Her dark eyes shine as she squints up at me through the sun. “This is a surprise. I didn’t know you were stopping by.”

I give Ollie a chin lift. “What’s up?”

“I’ll tell you what’s up.” He tucks the iPad to his chest and points to his boss. “I’m overworked and underpaid. Something has to give. I cannot operate under these conditions.”

“You’re not overworked. You had a facial this morning.” Goldie rolls her eyes before she looks at me. “He doesn’t like to work outside.”

“I don’t like freckles, and the sun will make me wrinkle prematurely,” Ollie explains. “I tried to tell her I’m an inside manager when she forced me to take this job, but she doesn’t listen.”

These two could do this all day and neither one is serious. Maybe other than Ollie’s skin care—he’s completely serious about that.

“Anyway.” Goldie gives Ollie a playful nudge and looks back up to me. “How is Trippy?”

“As good as she can be. Evie adjusted her meds. She also praised Trippy for being careful while driving her golf cart since there’s been no more fender benders. It was a good appointment. Is everything on schedule here?”

“I’m going inside to call the landscaper with your ideas.” Ollie leans in and gives my wife a peck on the cheek, which I swear he does only when I’m around. Then he looks to me and gives me a curtsy. “Your highness.”

Ollie hurries inside where the AC is cranking away. I take Goldie’s hand and lead her away from the construction and closer to the water. “I’ve got news.”

She slips on her shades as she follows me to the sand. “Is this good news or bad news?”

“It depends on who you ask. Landyn isn’t happy. I’m surprised your group text hasn’t blown up yet.”

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