Page 129 of The Last Ones Standing, Part Two

“We’re going to talk about my sister. What do you want me to do about the husband?”

“Just collect her. I’m sending my mother a gift. When Holly and Ma are done with her, she’ll take care of her own problem. This one needs that. She’s not like the others. Her loyalty will come when we give her her power back.”

“Wait, Holly is leaving?”

“Her job here is done.”

I look down into my lap. “Oh.”

He pinches my chin and lifts my head, then pecks my lips. “We’ll bring our family home soon.” He nods outside the window. “Your ride is here. Blake needs you.”

Chapter 54

Longing

Jace

Spending the day with Lizzy and Bella has had a bite to it. Like now as we sit in the living room. Time seems to be ticking by so slowly.

Three more months until Ny’s birth control should be out of her system, and we can try for our babies. Looking at how happy Bella is as she sits in Lizzy’s lap reading has me longing for time to speed up. I can’t wait to hold our children and read to them.

This ache has my stomach ready to turn. Things have been good. Gio told Ny just enough about Lizzy to keep her from killing us all. I need this pregnancy to happen before something comes up and knocks us out of alignment again.

“Uncle Jace,” Bella calls, pulling me from my thoughts. I focus and find her staring at me with her head tilted to the side. “I’m hungry. Will you make me a grilled cheese?”

“I can make that for you,” Lizzy says.

“No, that’s okay. Uncle Jace makes them special. No offense.”

I chuckle and stand. “One grilled cheese with jalapeños coming up.”

Lizzy pulls a face. “Really?”

“It’s great, I promise you’ll love it. I’ll make that three. Dante always keeps the peppers around in case I stop by.”

“Lizzy, we can get the milk ready.”

“Do we have enough milk in this house for this?”

I laugh. “If not, I’ll send someone for some.” I wink.

Lizzy grabs my hand and tugs me to a stop as Bella runs ahead. I turn and look down at her.

“Is everything all right? Shouldn’t you be with Gio? I get Dante doesn’t know who I am, but why are you here? Is there something I should know?”

“It’s fine. Dante felt better once Gio said he’d send me. You’re right, he doesn’t know, and this is Gio’s way of keeping it so.”

She looks at me warily. “If you say so.”

“Come on. The princess is hungry.”

She laughs and follows me. I make the sandwiches and sit to watch Bella dance in her seat as she eats happily. Again, my mind goes to Ny.

I decide we need to be proactive in case this all blows up in our faces. I get up and excuse myself to make a call.

“What you got for me? Everything okay at the house?” Gio asks as he answers.

“Yeah, everything is fine. I’m just thinking about Ny. We should do something for her tonight.”

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