Page 194 of Sin & Sapphire

“And now the third set,” she said.

Olivia Gaines, the lawyer who’d served my family faithfully for years, shoved a stack of papers in front of Ana, and she quickly signed.

“Trusts,” she said, when my father narrowed his eyes at her. “For our future children. So they’re never dependent on the goodwill of a parent for their financial survival.”

My father’s eyes widened slightly. She passed the stack to me, and I signed then moved away, ceding my place to Angelo, who did the same. Valentin took his place beside her and signed, then nuzzled his nose in her hair.

I wasn’t sure I’d ever get used to seeing this imposing man melt for our wife.

“Our children deserve better than we got,” Valentin said softly.

Tony Russo nodded sharply. “On that, at least, we can agree.”

He moved away from the desk and offered his arm to his wife, whose expression softened as he moved toward her.

“Congratulations,” she said.

He grunted, but already his shoulders were higher and his step bounced, where it’d fallen like lead before.

“I’m looking forward to retirement,” he said, taking her hand from his elbow so he could wrap his arm around her waist and draw her to him in the easiest affection I’d ever seen from him.

The lawyers and onlookers slowly made their way out of his study, leaving only Ana, Angelo, Valentin, and myself behind.

I poured three glasses of whiskey, plus a glass of sparkling water for Ana.

She watched with love in her eyes as I handed my family their glasses.

“To the future,” she said, raising hers.

“To the future,” we repeated.

And it was so fucking bright, I couldn’t wait.

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