Page 77 of Beautiful Vows

“Wow!” Lia exclaims when we get inside the house.

My eyes are drawn to where she is looking. The panoramic windows dominate the far wall of the room. Beyond the glass, the world is a tapestry of lush greenery. And there, in the distance, is a strip of aquamarine so vivid it seems almost unreal.

I turn and squeeze Cade’s hand as I watch Lia’s eyes light up, her fingers trailing over the sleek leather of the couch. It’s strange to see her like this, so unguarded and genuinely excited.

“This is incredible,” she gushes, spinning slowly to take in the entire room. “The color scheme, the modern lines ... It's perfect. I would have chosen exactly the same things.”

I can’t help but smile at her excitement. There’s something infectious about Lia’s joy.

Dante chuckles, his deep laugh echoing in the spacious room. “That’s because I got your old boss, Harry, to ask you questions about what would look wonderful inside the house,” he reveals, pride coating his voice.

I raise an eyebrow, impressed despite myself. It’s a clever move, typical of Dante’s attention to detail. But he’s also good at making people do what he wants.

“You’re sly,” Lia accuses, but there’s no heat in her words. Instead, she laughs, the sound light and carefree in a way I’ve rarely heard from her. She’s normally so guarded. It’s a side of Lia I haven’t seen before, and I like it.

“Come with me.” We all follow Dante up the staircase and to the galleried landing.

There’s an elevator in the home which is hidden from the main entrance. And another secret staircase which leads to an underground bomb proof panic room. Despite the top security of this home, Dante isn’t taking any chances.

Dante opens the door at the end of the hallway. “There’s eight bedrooms, but I thought the twins would share at first.”

The door opens to a mink colored room. Only the accent of multi-colored furnishings and cushions dot around. Two white cots stand side by side against the back wall.

Lia slams her hand on her mouth. “It’s so pretty.”

“You like it?” Dante checks. “I wasn’t sure about the colors.”

“It’s perfect.” Water coats her eyes as she slides her fingers over a wooden cot before she pulls out a small teddy bear.

“There are two cameras installed,” Cade says and points his finger, “there and there. And if there is a sudden noise in the room, we’re alerted via an app and the doors and windows lock.”

“Not that anyone will ever be able to get into the house,” Dante adds.

“Absolutely. This is extra security only.”

“Come,” Dante says. “There’s more to see.”

Another door opens. There’s a studio with bookshelves on one wall and views of the ocean in the distance. It’s already kitted out with more books than she can read. A desk in the corner and a sofa with views of the sea.

Her mouth opens.

“Nothing to distract you from writing,” Dante says, a grin forming on his face. “Maybe you could write a thriller with your killing knowledge.”

“Haha.” She pats her tummy. “I doubt I’ll get the time for writing, but I’m going to read in here while my babies are asleep. It’s perfect.”

She’s definitely with us for good.

“Learn to dictate,” I add as her phone chimes in her pocket.

She checks the caller and says, “I’ll just get this. It’s Milly.”

“Hey. How are you?” Lia says.

Lia laughs. “Why on earth would you call me to ask that question? It’s not as though we’d be out having lunch and catching up.” She places her hand over the mouthpiece. “She’s looking for Helena.”

Lia nods. “No, I haven’t seen her since we came for dinner.” She walks to the window and glances over at the pool. “Yeah, I’ll let you know if she contacts me.”

She disconnects and says, “Where’s the bedroom?”

---