Page 105 of Forbidden Vows

“How the heck do they grow up so fast?” Ciara asks.

“I’d like to say that three years go by in a flash, but it doesn’t really feel that way to me,” I reply. “Then again, I'll enjoy every second of every day that I get to spend raising them.”

We’re lounging in the afternoon sun on a late summer Sunday. The back garden of the Karpov mansion unravels at our feet with its lavender and hydrangea bushes, the sycamore trees casting their long shadows across the deep green. Anton and Ian keep the twins busy—Anton’s got Lachlan on his shoulders, while Ian has Ronan. They’re in the pool, splashing and laughing and having heaps of fun.

“They look so cute with their bright orange swimming vests.” Ciara can’t stop laughing.

“Our husbands are so cautious when it comes to my boys; it’s so endearing.”

“We got lucky, didn’t we? You with Anton, me with Ian.”

“Or maybe they’re the ones who got lucky.” I raise an eyebrow at her.

Ciara nods in agreement, then checks her phone. “Ah, good. Andrei and Laura are headed back from the conference center. So, it’ll be the six of us for dinner tonight.”

“I’m going to leave you and Anton to discuss business after dessert,” I tell her. “He’s got a proposal he wants to run by you.”

“A proposal?” She gives me a curious look.

“Yes. He asked Tommy Benedetto to come over, too.”

“Care to share some details?”

“I don’t have any.” I shrug. “But I trust you three will handle it. You’ve been rocking this whole mob boss thing, anyway, Ci. I knew you would.”

“Honestly, I wasn’t sure I’d be able to hack it. Not after what Sergei did.”

“I knew you’d bounce back. A little insecurity never hurt anyone. Today, the Donovans are stronger than ever, thanks to you and Paddy. Anton’s got his ducks in a row with the Bratva, and there are rumors that Tommy Benedetto is being groomed for a top leadership position, as well. It’s looking more and more interesting, I’ll be honest.”

“Have you told him yet?” she asks me.

I shake my head slowly. “Not yet.”

“You should.”

“Give me a minute.” I laugh and get up.

Ciara gasps. “Wait, like, a literal minute?”

I don’t answer. Instead, I slip out of my cover-up and join my boys in the pool, the cool water quick to seep through my one-piece bathing suit, sending a slight shiver down my spine. Anton and Lachlan are the first to turn around and eagerly greet me.

“Momma!” Lachlan exclaims, reaching out.

The twins are like two peas in a pod, ridiculously identical. It took me a while to securely tell them apart when they were babies, and somehow, it’s getting even harder now. They’re both curly-haired little monsters, the spitting image of their father, but I see the red highlights whenever they’re out in the sun, their green eyes allowing their Donovan side to shine through.

Dimples deepen on their cheeks whenever they smile, and I melt every time I hear them laugh.

“How are my guys doing?” I ask, shuddering while I adjust to the water temperature. Anton comes closer, with Lachlan safely on his broad shoulders.

“Causing mischief, as usual,” my husband replies.

“Momma, look!” Ronan cheers and slaps the water with his feet, splashing it all over Ian’s face.

“You’ll make a fine boat engine someday,” Ian quips.

I laugh lightly. “You got yourself into this the minute you caved into Ronan’s demands,” I tell him. “Your only option now is to let him wear himself out.”

“Oh, his batteries are dwindling, worry not.”

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