Page 96 of Married with Mayhem

Monte briefly moves off the bed and pulls back the covers. He gathers me into his arms and I press my cheek to his chest while he tucks the blankets around my body. He kisses the top of my head and tenderly strokes my hair. When I shift my left hand to get more comfortable, my diamond ring scrapes my cheek. I forgot to take it off. Being reminded of its existence leaves me with some mixed feelings.

My wedding vows weren’t spoken in good faith. But the way I feel about Monte is intense and authentic. I’ve never felt this close to anyone and I’m absolutely crazy about him.

Today at Bright Hearts Ranch, I promised my sister that I know what I’m doing. I hope this is true.

After all, I really don’t want to get my heart broken either.

19

MONTE

When Sabrina’s mother says she needs a few groceries in order to cook dinner tonight, I volunteer for the errand.

Sure, I might be kissing up a little but I’ve also got some phone calls to make and I don’t really want the whole household listening in.

Sabrina is hanging out in the living room with Anni and Jane, who sprawls on a vibrant baby play mat in the middle of the floor. Jane stares at the plush animals hanging from the fabric-covered bars crisscrossed over her head. Every time she gurgles or kicks her legs, Sabrina’s face softens into adoration.

Sabrina isn’t looking my way as I hover in the doorway but her sister is. Anni’s stare is very blunt and full of skepticism.

I’m not insulted. She loves her sister. She’s not too sure about me.

I back out of the doorway without disturbing anyone and run into Luca in the front yard. He’s spraying water from a hose, which strikes me as funny as fuck. The former heir to the vast Amato criminal empire is out here watering grass in his smalltown front yard, like he’s hiding out in the Witness Protection Program or something.

Good for him. This is the life he was meant to have.

Luca acknowledges me with a grin and releases the sprayer. “Where are you going?”

“Grocery store in town. I’ve been given a list. You need anything?”

“I’m good,” he says and switches the hose back on. He’s happily watering his lawn and whistling off key when I pull away from the curb.

There’s not much to see in the town center of Sleepy Rock. The lone grocery store is more of a small neighborhood market at the north end of the main commerce strip.

Swinging into the parking lot, I choose a spot at the back with no other vehicles around and cut the engine. The driver’s side window is already rolled down. The July skies are clear, and the temperature is warm but not uncomfortably hot.

Nico answers my call immediately. “Hey, old man.”

“What the fuck?” I sputter. “I think you need to be shown who’s boss.”

He laughs. “I’m sure you’ll get to that as soon as you’re not a few thousand miles away and overcome with matrimonial bliss.”

My response is a grunt.

Of the two of us, Nico has always been the more serious. Sounds like he’s getting a little full of himself without his big brother to keep him in line.

“How’s the wife?” he says, choosing to double down on his taunts.

I ignore the word he used and answer the question anyway. “Sabrina’s good. She’s happy to be with her family. She’s also excited to return to her game design classes in New York now that she gets to stay.”

“Holy shit,” Nico gasps.

“What’s your fucking problem?”

“You should hear yourself. You’re giddy. A lovesick puppy.” He’s having a good time laughing himself stupid. “Never thought I’d see the day.”

I’m about to snarl back but no words come to mind.

What am I supposed to say?

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