Page 185 of Hidden Empire

Epilogue

Jade

Two Months Later

Ithought my husband was mouthwatering before, but nothing compares to how he looks holding our two babies. It’s unfair, really. I can’t keep my hands off of the man even more now that I’ve been cleared for sex, but I am not ready for another pregnancy.

While I watch from the door, Dmitri murmurs to our two-month-olds in Russian as they sleep soundly on his bare chest. He rocks them gently in his chair, turning his head to give equal attention to our daughter and our son.

These three mean everything to me.

Apollo catches me staring and makes a dramatically disgusted face. “Don’t lust after your husband in my presence. I’d like to keep my lunch in my stomach, thank you.”

Matteo chuckles at our brother’s grossed-out look. “I think it’s sweet.”

“I can’t help it,” I sigh dreamily. “Doesn’t he just make your ovaries melt?”

“Oh yeah,” Matteo chimes easily. “My non-existent ovaries are in a puddle.”

“Thank you for understanding,” I laugh, loving his easy-going attitude.

A lot has happened since their birth, including the giant ring on my finger. Dmitri proposed to me at our first family dinner, where I could sit on an actual chair. While we’ve been married on paper for months, he told me he’s going to give me a proper wedding. All the bells and whistles included. Of course, I said yes, but made him promise to give me at least a year so that our twins can participate.

I mean, what’s better than two adorable toddlers all dressed up and walking with their mama down the aisle?

Dmitri put immense thought into my engagement ring too. It’s a sage green emerald, princess cut with tiny white diamonds along the band. Now I can carry my brother with me everywhere I go. I’ll never forget him, the color of my ring a permanent reminder.

“Won’t lie, though,” Matteo continues more seriously. “Your kids are giving me baby fever. They’re too perfect, Jade. You killed it, little sis.”

Apollo groans. “Lord, help us all.”

Matteo lifts his middle finger, scowling at our brother.

“I dunno,” I hum, smiling at the thought of Matteo becoming a dad. “Those would be some pretty incredible babies. The house would never stop laughing.”

“Thank you,” he emphasizes.

I chuckle. “Just being honest.”

I can’t imagine what Matteo’s party throwing skills would have in store for his children. Unfortunately, he hasn’t been able to show them off to me personally yet, but I’ll make it a point to let him have free reign over my twentieth birthday. Losing Cesar so close to my nineteenth this year didn’t exactly put everyone in the partying spirit.

It’s okay, though, we’re healing, and we have plenty of time.

“Your guests are pulling up,” Apollo reports dully, looking out the window.

A rush of excitement hits me, but Matteo still beats me downstairs. I’m more cautious with running as I’m still losing some baby weight and adjusting to the difference in my body. I don’t mind it, though.

I get to hang out with my first girl friend today!

Matteo and Cole look like they’re in some kind of stand off when I round the corner, and I find Ana standing behind her stepbrother patiently.

“Hi!” I call out excitedly. “You made it.”

Matteo seems to relax when he finds Apollo trailing behind me. Anything to make Cole the outnumbered one, I suppose.

Whatever, I don’t care about the antics today. Today I try my second attempt at making a friend, and broody boys will not ruin my mood. My gorgeous husband is looking after our babies, and I can relax knowing it.

“Was the drive okay? Do you need anything?”

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