Page 35 of Winter Love

“See?” Salvatore sticks his tongue out.

“I’m sad that you’re leaving already. I’ve gotten used to you all being here.” Paxton chuckles.

“Oh don’t worry, we’ll be back before you know it. And of course you’ll come to Lake Renegade.”

“Definitely.”

When the popcorn is done, we help the guys pack up the SUVs and then we all head to bed. The guys plan to leave early in the morning.

“It’s going to be so quiet in the house after tomorrow,” I say to Emma as we’re getting into bed.

“I was thinking that, too. I’ve gotten used to having them around.”

“We’ll have to plan a trip to Lake Renegade soon.”

I wrap my arms around her and breathe her in.

“I love you so much, Emma. I’m sorry you had to go through what you did. I’m here for you in any way you need me.”

Emma turns and faces me.

“You’re the reason I’m okay. I told myself that as long as I came home to you? I could handle whatever they did to me. I love you, Lukas. You’re my north star.”

Chapter Nineteen

Emmanuelle

Lukas has spent the last few months by my side. Stuck to me like we’re glued together. And I’m not complaining one bit. If it wasn’t for him, I don’t think I would’ve gotten through these last months as well as I did. Being kidnapped will always be something I went through, but it’ll never define any part of who I am. I would never give William or Richard that power over me. I know that Lukas knows what happened to them, but I’m not sure if I want to know. So for now I haven’t asked.

Today we’re headed to Lake Renegade. I’m so excited to meet the rest of the families. I’ve talked to Schuyler, Giovanna and all the others on the phone and they’re just the best. I can’t wait to hug all of them.

Schuyler gave birth to their daughter, Kaia two months ago. The pictures that Schuyler sent me were precious and the smile on Sebastiano’s face was priceless. Schuyler said he’s already talking about the next baby. Giovanna told me she found out that she and Declan are expecting their second baby too. Their son, Rowan, will be two when the new one comes.

I have a doctor’s appointment this morning before we head out. I realized a week ago that I’m two months late. I thought it was because of all the stress. But now I don’t know and I’ve been feeling a little off this past week. Smells are making me nauseous and I want to cry all the time. All I told Lukas is that I have a checkup. I don’t want to get his hopes up if it’s just stress.

We were asked to bring more popcorn. Lukas is over the moon that they loved all the flavors they took home. He’s surprising them with something new and different. He calls it popcorn clouds. It’s buttered popcorn mixed with chopped up salted pretzels coated with white chocolate. It’s frickin delicious and it sold out in half a day at the store.

“Are you ready to go? I was thinking, after your appointment we can get on the road. As long as you get the okay from the doctor,” Lukas says as he kisses me.

“Sounds good to me. I’m sure everything’s fine, it’s just a checkup.”

Paxton, Rhett and Felicity come into the kitchen as we’re packing up.

“I’m so jealous you get to go to Lake Renegade.” Felicity pouts.

“You just want to see Levi,” Emma teases her.

“Wait, what? Levi?” Paxton frowns. “You’re still talking to him?”

Felicity rolls her eyes at her brothers.

“I told you we were talking. He’s back in Japan but we talk or text everyday.”

“Why didn’t I know about this?” Lukas frowns at her.

“Because you don’t listen when I talk. Itoldyou that I was talking to him. And because he’s stationed in Japan, we didn’t want to start something just yet. But I do like him a lot. So please be nice to him. Don’t mess it up for me.” Felicity squints at each of them.

All three of the guys squint back at her. But none of them say anything about being nice to Levi. Poor Levi.

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