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It’s the first time he’s ever backed a plan of mine. I take a few breaths, and we both look at Valerie. She balances it out. “My profile at the clinic is online and easy to access. If someone googles my name, my doctoral thesis and my current job is what comes up. I’ve also put it on social media.”

“Is it a yes, dorogaya? I’ll love you either way, but I have a feeling you like to get your hands on me and prison would-”

“Shush. We’re not talking about prison,” Valerie says, sighing. She pinches the bridge of her nose. “Yes. I can’t have my father-in-law dead. I can’t have one of my husbands in jail. Plus, with my lovely engagement gift, I’ll have more power in the office.”

I grin and almost kiss her, but she puts her finger against my lips. “He has to take the bait, though.”

“Leave it to Chase,” I say before kissing her.

FOURTEEN

Valerie

I tryto enjoy the party, I do. Having Sophie and Elaine together and having girls to talk to is great. No uninvited guests have shown up, and that’s enough of a win, especially with this new plan hanging over us.

“So, when are you going to have little ones? You might want to give it a year or so before you try. Get settled in your career,” Vanya encourages.

I blink at her.

“Or longer,” Josefine says after she swallows a bite of her food. “With the work they’re involved in, and your own career ... well, you have time. There is no reason to rush.”

“I think I’d like to get comfortable in the marriage and with my career before I think about babies. We’ll see how things go. The last thing we need is stress in our relationship,” I say.

“Such a mature choice,” Vanya says.

I kick Lief under the table, and he nods. “I’m not in any rush to have children.”

His hand finds mine under the table. Our fingers lock and interlock as Vanya and Josefine talk about babies.

“Lief was a perfect child. He was quiet. It was almost frightening. We never knew what he needed until he’d cry and reach for something or just stare at us,” Josefine says, as she laughs.

Lief blushes pink and takes another drink. I know he’s drinking straight vodka. Vanya sighs. “Hunter was the opposite. Everything made him cry. Being sticky, not being able to have what we had at the table. Us being too far away. Me being too close. Too hot, too cold, everything.”

Chase punches Hunter’s shoulder and Hunter grumbles.

“Valerie was a heavy sleeper.” The new voice makes me freeze.

My eyes go to Tristan. He points at Chase and Hunter. Well. Now I know how Bridezillas are made. I turn to look at my mother and force a smile. Sophia shushes Holden and hands the baby to Nick. She’s very ready to be at my defense.

My mother smiles slightly. “I’m Valerie’s mother, Tina.”

Oh god, am I too big to hide under a table right now? What if I just steal Hunter and blow him in the bathroom to get out of this? Both are options.

“It’s so nice to meet you, Tina,” Josefine smiles. “I saw videos of you at Christmas. It’s so nice to meet you in person.”

My mother looks at me, and I sit straight up and down. “It’s nice to be included.”

I swallow hard, but somehow choke on my spit. Leif rubs my back and kisses my temple. His lips brush my ear. “Say the word, and we have an emergency that needs to be resolved.”

I give his thigh a reassuring rub as Chase moves closer to me as well. Why am I afraid of this woman? I can take Lief down when we spar. I’ve taken on a pseudo mafia boss and the real thing. I’ve laughed at death being shoved in my face and didn’t let it stop me from getting a doctorate degree.

“Mom, you remember Leif, Chase, and Hunter,” I say, motioning to the guys.

“I do,” she says.

Vanya pulls up a chair and she and Josefine gush about me. I excuse myself and Lief moves out of the way. I hurry to where the drinks are and just stand there not knowing what will fix this situation.

Tristan puts his hand on my shoulder, and I glower at him. “How could you?”

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