Page 89 of Brutal Husband

Laz looks outraged. “Bambi, what are you talking about? I’m a committed family man, a business owner, and a devoted husband.” A grin slides over his face. “I’m so devoted I spoke my wedding vows to you twice.”

“Yes, but the first time, I wasn’t the bride.”

“Details,” he says with a careless wave of his hand. His attention returns to Nero and his eyes narrow once more. “So you’re not Nero? That was your evil twin brother?”

“No, I am Nero. My brother was Luca.”

“You hold no ill feelings toward Rieta for killing him?”

Nero holds his gaze steadily. “None of what happened is Rieta’s fault. I lied to her, and she had to suffer my brother’s cruelty because of my mistaken trust in him. She has graciously forgiven me, and I’m aware I don’t deserve that forgiveness.”

Laz rubs his hand over his jaw. “You’re certainlysayingall the right things.”

The way Nero has been with me since his return is like night and day compared to how he was after escaping prison. Becoming a soon-to-be father and rescuing Harriet saved Nero as well.

“I appreciate your concern, Laz, but Nero and I have already worked through all of this,” I tell him.

“He’s always hated Mom,” Mia adds. “He saved Rieta from her bullying before they were married.”

“Is that so?” That seems to persuade Laz more than anything Nero or I have said. He asks me, “You say he’s all right?”

I slide my hand into Nero’s. “I do.”

“Well, fine then.” He holds out his hand to Nero. “Welcome to the family. The good side of the family,” he adds with a grin.

The two men shake hands, and I breathe a sigh of relief. I put Mirabella into her high chair, and we all sit down at the table together.

Laz pours wine for Nero and himself. He offers it to me and then remembers about the baby.

I glance at Mia, who’s pouring sparkling water into her glass.

“Wait, you’re not drinking either.”

She smiles at me. “I was going to tell you after we ate. Laz and I are having another baby.”

I squeal and run around the table to hug my sister. “Congratulations, I’m so happy for you both.”

“That’s wonderful news,” Nero tells them. As I sit back down, his hand seeks my belly under the table and my husband smiles at me. I’m just starting to show and there’s finally something for him to hold. Mia and I will have our babies around the same time, a wonderful thought that makes happiness fizz through me.

Family—however you define it and the people who make it—is everything.

EPILOGUE

Nero

Rieta is beaming as we drive home. “Did you have a wonderful time at lunch? I had a wonderful time.”

I smile to myself. I’m happy she had a good time, but wonderful isn’t the word I’d use for being grilled about my intentions. I still feel the remnants of my irritation toward Laz Rosetti, but I can’t be too angry about it. Laz and Mia care about Rieta. It’s understandable that they’ve been suspicious of me because of the way Luca treated her in the past.

“It was good for all of us to talk,” I tell her, reaching over to squeeze her hand, and then I caress her leg and curve my hand around her inner thigh. “But I’m looking forward to being home with you even more.”

She rolls her head toward me on the headrest and smiles. “Home. Such a beautiful word. I can’t wait to be at home with my husband. It seems like a fairy tale or impossible dream.” She strokes the back of my hand in her lap as I drive. “Listen to me. I think I’m high on pregnancy hormones.”

Maybe it’s the pregnancy. Maybe it’s the fact that we’ve beaten the odds, and we finally get to live as husband and wife.

As soon as we get inside, I spread my arms wide, and Rieta jumps up, wrapping her arms around my neck and her thighs around my waist. I kiss her as I walk slowly down the hall with her in my arms.

“Can you carry me upstairs?” she murmurs between kisses.

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