Page 77 of Ruthless Love

“A wedding gift. Find the lock.”

“Thanks,” I say, taking barely a second to process the obvious clues.

The design is distinctly Florentine, and yet the few words on it are Latin, a tantalizing combination that isolates its origin to a tight geographic area. Between the rich architecture, priceless art, and endless assortment of flavorful pastas, fresh breads, and distinctive wines Evie will love trying, I come to terms with the man standing before me.

He’s right. He’s no Mav.

Nope. This son of a bitch is a thousand times more cunning.

Gracious, I extend a hand, trying to tamp down a growing thrill at what working with this guy might hold in store for me.

Chapter Forty-Nine

AUSTIN

Three months later

“They’re here!” Evie shouts like I’m not three feet from her, and begins jumping up and down, seemingly more excited than I am that Gaby and her family are moving here.

Scratch that, we’re both excited. But I’m not jumping up and down like a girl.

“I still can’t believe you gave them your house,” I say, staring with amazement at the home that’s changed completely in a matter of weeks, much like my own. With the towers of boxes now gone and permanently unpacked, it actually feels like a home.

Evie had it repainted and refinished, passing every design idea by Gaby’s entire family, making sure it would go with their furnishings and decor. I also had a hand in it, sweeping it for cameras and bugs, but no need to bring that up.

“It’s not like I was in it anymore,” she says with a matter-of-factness that hides whatever truth she won’t discuss. But it doesn’t matter. I love her, and whatever this brave woman wants, she’s damn well getting. “Besides, it’s in the best school district, and a hop, skip, and a jump from their new practice.”

With Gaby’s mom fresh out of her medical residency, and her father a more seasoned physician, this city provides some of the best growth opportunities for two OB-GYN specialists. Not to mention that their newest client happens to be one breathtaking baker girl with a fresh bun in her oven.

I sneak my arms around Evie and give her a quick kiss before we head across the street to meet the neighbors and their new moving truck.

As soon as they park, Gaby runs up, totally ignoring me and wrapping a big hug around Evie before staring in wonder at her belly. “How long until the baby comes?”

“It’ll be a while,” Evie tells her.

“Seriously, nothing for me?” I say, insulted until Gaby nestles in my arms. I grab Evie with her, and hold my two girls so close, I’m sure they hear my heart pounding for theirs.

“How’s your energy,” Joelle asks, meeting Evie with a hug. This is Evie’s first chance to meet Gaby’s mom face-to-face, but with all the FaceTime calls they’ve shared, their closeness is apparent.

“I’m hanging in there,” Evie says, completely downplaying her still round-the-clock working and baking, only tearing away from either when I insist. And with my chaps and hat, trust me, I do insist.

I greet Andre with a firm handshake, knowing neither of us is quite ready for a bro hug. There’s a quiet kindness to him, though, that makes me glad he’s been the man to raise Gaby.

“I envy you,” I say honestly, and surprise lights his face.

“How so?” he asks, with a modest but genuine fascination.

“Your patio. I’ve admired it from afar when Evie lived there, but I’m hoping to start a small project in the coming months.”

“I’d love to help,” he says graciously. “Before I got my scholarship, I worked construction my first year of school.”

Gaby chimes in, running into her father’s arms. “I can help too.”

The jealousy I feel for their close relationship can’t be helped, but I shove it down. There’s no room for it when we all love this beautiful girl so much.

Evie slips into my arms, and I know she’s reading me like an open page of Vogue. I plant a loving kiss on her lips before we’re interrupted by Gary’s boys, circling us all on their bikes. Evie and I both try to shush them before they blurt out, “Let us know if you see any more tarantulas.”

“Tarantulas!” Gaby shouts. “Where? I want to see one.”

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