Page 106 of Twisted Embrace

When I did, I couldn’t have been more surprised. On one side was a baby picture, one I barely remembered from when I’d just turned one. The other was blank. “For our wedding picture?”

“If that’s what you’d like.”

“We’ll see.” I spun around, throwing my arms around him. “Have I told you lately that I love you?”

“Maybe once or twice.” He cupped the side of my face, lowering his head. Then he captured my mouth, holding our lips together in a moment of tenderness. When he finally slipped his tongue inside, it felt as if nothing could ever bother us again as long as I was in his arms.

He dominated my tongue, taking his time exploring my mouth. Today was somehow different, an awakening for both of us. After all the near tragedies, the fear and sorrow, we could still find joy in the simplest things.

With our extended family.

As soon as he pulled away, he fixed my dress then took my hand. “Come, my jewel. Tomorrow, I have another surprise for you.”

“You’re going to keep me waiting?”

“Absolutely.”

“You’re such a mean man.”

He grinned and walked us down the stairs toward the massive stone patio in the center of the wings of the house. The light breeze was perfect, providing scents of the garden. A jazz band had set up in the corner, their bouncy music adding to the festive atmosphere. There were three bars, several areas where glorious food had been prepared by two caterers. Presents covered two tables, only the gorgeous wedding paper was all a lie, items for the nursery nestled inside.

The planned event had been kept a secret from one man in particular and somehow, we’d managed.

As soon as I saw Lucia, I squeezed Enzo’s hand. “I have some things to do.”

“I know you do.”

“You’re coming with me. He is family.”

Enzo laughed. “Yes, I guess he is.”

I punched him in the stomach before backing away, his lust-filled look remaining. When I reached Lucia, both she and Sophia were all smiles.

“Where is that husband of yours?” I asked.

“Keeping watch over the bar,” she said with a grin on her face. “Watch this.” When she stuck her fingers in her mouth, whistling, which was the band’s cue to stop playing, Enzo laughed. I watched for a few seconds as she sashayed in the middle of the manicured grounds, the guests all moving in a circle as they’d been instructed to do.

I could see a frown developing on D’Artagnan’s face, his eyes scanning the crowd then settling on Enzo. At least my brutal husband played his small part, shrugging as if knowing nothing about what was going on.

After pulling away from Enzo, I winked then grabbed Sophia. “Are you ready?”

“Absolutely,” she said, barely able to keep from laughing.

As we were handed two canvas bags, I couldn’t keep a smile from my face, so happy for Lucia and Dar.

Sophia and I walked closer.

“I suppose you’re wondering what we’re doing,” Lucia said, her voice booming.

“With you, it could be anything,” Dar teased.

She planted one hand on her hip then the other on her rounded stomach. “Maybe I won’t tell you then.” On purpose, she started to walk away, only to have the powerful man grab her arm.

The guests all laughed as he towered over her.

“You won’t keep anything from me,” Dar told her.

“I will if I want to.” She laughed and pushed away, turning around to face us. “Today is the celebration of my brother and his beautiful new wife’s recent marriage. I am so lucky to have both of them in my life.”

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