Page 79 of His

Tears fill his eyes.

He places his hand on my growing belly, and together we say, “Feeling our baby kick for the first time.”

Fifty-One

Brittney

“Holy shit.”

I smirk and slide my hand on Leo’s leg, sitting in the passenger seat.

Together we gape at the villa ahead of us, surrounded by lush gardens and greenery that envelopes the soaring stone walls. The side of the home stretches down a small cliff and literally disappears into a crystal-clear lake.

“I know,” I say. “I think he bought it from, like, George Clooney or something.”

Leo exhales, dragging his fingers through his hair. He’s nervous, though he’ll never admit it. And I can’t say that I blame him. It will be the first time he and Astor have seen each other since Astor thought he killed him. If not for Cillian coming in shortly after to “clean up,” Leo very likely would have died. Instead of finishing the job, Cillian gave Leo proper medical care and took him to his home where Leo laid low until the dust settled. Meaning, Astor settled.

Sabine told me Astor cried when Cillian told him Leo was still alive. It was the next day Astor officially stepped down from his job as CEO, and decided to completely restructure his life—around his one true love, Sabine. Behind the mask Astor has worn for decades is an extremely emotional, passionate man who just wants a normal family life.

And slowly but surely, it’s happening.

I park the rental car under the port cochere.

“You ready?”

I watch the Adam’s apple bob in Leo’s neck. He grips my hand. “Yes.”

The moment the car doors shut, Sabine swings open the front door.

I gasp. “Sabine! You’re showing!”

“Come here!” We embrace for what feels like a full minute, rocking back and forth.

Astor appears in the doorway and I realize Leo is lingering behind us.

For a moment, Astor and Leo stare at each other. Then, Astor steps out of the entry, rushes across the cobblestone driveway, and throws his arms around Leo.

Shocked, Leo freezes, his eyes bugging as he looks at me.

Sabine and I laugh.

“Wow, so he’s . . .”

“Healing,” Sabine smiles. “The guy has become a daily crier.”

I laugh. “Wow, who would have thought?”

We watch Astor and Leo speak for a moment, though it’s mainly Astor talking. Apologizing, I assume. But I also know that Leo has plenty to ask forgiveness for as well. Regardless, things seem to be off to a great start.

We watch as Astor leads Leo into the home, his arm around his shoulders. Leo smiles at me as they pass.

I exhale, put my hand over my heart. “That went well.”

“I had no doubt. Come on, come inside. I’m so excited to see you . . .”

As always, Sabine and I fall into easy conversation as we step into the kitchen. Astor and Leo have poured themselves a drink and are outside on the patio, where, if I had to guess, they’ll remain for a while.

Sabine pours me a glass of wine, while she opens sparkling water for herself.

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