Page 44 of Treasured By 3

“I can’t wait,” she says, hugging me tight. “It doesn’t matter what happens tomorrow, as long as we end up together, saying “I do” and cutting that cake.”

“Hunter?” I ask, leaning back to him as Valerie kisses Lief.

“Yeah, I got the small one for us to pick at and I let that new little protégé of Lief’s know that he better be willing to get us food during the reception in case we get caught up talking,” Hunter says. “We don’t need our wife hangry.”

Wife.

I love the word. I love thinking of Valerie as ours. She looks over at us and bites her bottom lip. I can tell she’s thinking the same things.

“Stay armed,” I say.

She rolls her eyes. “I always am. But you better make sure security is taken care of. If I have to use your father’s engagement present on my wedding day, I’m going to be very upset.”

“I love her,” Hunter says, sighing. “Willing to kick ass while in some kind of white formal gown.”

“That’s our woman,” I agree.

SIXTEEN

Valerie

Less than twenty-fourhours until I’m getting married. Of course, today is a pampering day after the waxing appointment, which is kind of hellish. I walk like an old Western Movie sheriff and glare at Sophia.

“You said it wasn’t painful,” I growl.

“And you’ve dealt with worse things. Want to rehash you being kidnapped?” She narrows her eyes.

“It was just twice,” I say, as I wave it away.

Sophia turns me around. “Twice?”

“Yeah, once when I found out what the guys did, one of the security guys thought I was a threat and held me hostage. I had it taken care of by the time the guys got there and ... finished it,” I say, sparing her the details. “And then by Hunter and Chase’s aunt, who wanted revenge. They took me after almost beating Hunter to death and I ... well, I’m not proud of the tactics I used, but it kept all my men alive and got her arrested and that ‘business’ taken care of.”

The blatant horror in Sophia’s eyes has me rethinking those experiences. How many people have I seen hurt, beaten, or killed since meeting my men? Too many. I nibble my bottom lip as I grab her hand and drag her to the spa we’re meeting the girls at. We all need some relaxing. A massage, seaweed wrap, sauna, and some skin care will do us good.

“I always knew you were fierce, but ... how can you just brush that off?” Sophia asks as we get massages.

Elaine has headphones in and Danny is limp, probably asleep. Julianna’s in a private room all to herself. I sigh. “I didn’t, but the fact that my fiancés survived was all that was important. It tripped me up a bit after each, but it proved how much I can handle. I felt strong. I still feel strong.”

“Because of your men or you?” Sophia probes.

“Me. Knowing that I’m capable of so much, that I can handle myself, protect the men I love and myself, and do it with or without a weapon makes me feel like I can take on anything. It didn’t stop me from reacting when I saw my dad, but ... I have the confidence I always wanted growing up,” I whisper. “Back when I just used my attitude as a weapon instead of being able to back it up.”

“You’ve never been the ‘all talk, no bite’ type, Val. Don’t change that,” Sophia says, while turning to look at me.

I give her a smile. Then we enjoy being pampered. We end our trip in a jacuzzi. After all the treatments, the waxing appointment is forgotten. I don’t feel any of the pain I did when we left. I sigh.

“So, any regrets before getting married?” Danny asks. “Making a list of famous people you’d like to use a hall pass for?”

“No,” I say. “Well ... I think a part of me wishes my parents were better people so I could have a few more traditions in the wedding, but that’s it. I don’t need a hall pass either. I have three sexy men.”

“I still can’t believe the age difference doesn’t bother you,” Elaine says, sighing, letting her head fall back over the edge of the jacuzzi. “Then again, if it means you can do things like this, sign me up.”

We all laugh. Sophia shrugs. “When you love someone, age doesn’t matter. It’s the connection that’s important. I wouldn’t be my best self without my husbands. We add something to each other’s life. It’s more than love, it’s ...”

She shrugs and smiles. “When I find the word for it, I’ll let you know.”

“Massimo is still ...” Danny tries to look passive, but the corner of her mouth lifts. “He’s annoying, but he’s my favorite person in the world. I can’t imagine not telling him about my day every day or listening to his stories and ideas. Not to mention ... he’s such a devoted father. He gets so upset when Gio chooses me over him.”

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