Page 120 of Absinthe Minded

“Maggie?” I brushed my hand across her cheek.

She turned her head toward my touch and closed her eyes. “Hmm?”

“I love you. When I thought we might lose you…”

She nodded, but the slight movement seemed to cause her pain. “I love you too.”

“I read your article. My mother gave it to me.”

“And?”

“It was humbling to read how you see me and my situation.”

“Did I get it right?” Her lopsided grin made my chest hurt.

“You more than got it right.” The reality that I’d almost lost her made my voice tremble.

We’d have plenty of time to get into the specifics once she’d recovered, but given we were going to have another child, I needed to give her some peace of mind.

“I’ll answer all your questions when you’re out of here, but you should know I’ve done everything in my power to keep my bar—and my nose—clean. My brothers and I never wanted in, but we didn’t have a choice. Now that I’m in charge, I’m going to get us out. I just have to be smart about it. Do you trust me?"

“I do.” She reached for my hand and hesitated. “What you said before, about backing off the engagement.”

Afraid to hurt her, I eased an inch or two closer and whispered, “I’m not going anywhere. I’ll wait as long as it takes for you to be sure, but I’m not leaving unless you throw me out. Fair warning, I’ll buy the house next door if that’s what it takes to be near you.”

“I’m sure.” She lifted her hand and flashed the diamond ring I’d given her. “I put it on the night in the courtyard and haven’t taken it off since.”

I cleared the emotion from my throat. “Then we have a wedding to plan as soon as they spring you from this joint.”

“Sounds wonderful. I already have a dress.” Her eyes drifted closed and popped back open like Ella when she fought to stay awake.

“Babe, you’re exhausted. Get some sleep.” I kissed the part of her forehead not covered with gauze. “I’ll be right here when you wake up.”

“I want to go home and sleep in our bed.”

“I know, but the doctors want to make sure you and the baby are okay.” As soon as the words came out my mouth I cringed.

She widened her eyes.

“Before you say it, remember I wanted to marry you before I knew about the baby.”

Maggie grinned, but winced and touched her split lip. “How did you find out?”

“The nurse told me.” I wiggled my brows. “We’re going to need a bigger house.”

“And a nanny.”

“Thank Christ. It’s about time you came to your senses.”

38

Gabe

For the first,and hopefully the last, time in my life, I sat at the head of the Marchionni Corp conference table. I had to admit, the power oozing from the chair gave me a rush, but it was a trap.

My brothers and father had arrived before me. Though I’d told no one why I’d called them here, a nervous energy hung over the room like cigar smoke.

“What’s with all the formality?” Enzo nodded to the clock. “I have to be at the restaurant by eleven.”

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