Page 14 of Surprise Quadruplets for the Mob

“Or maybe I’d end up snuffing out that light, and then where would we be? Besides, I have more pressing matters to focus on right now, don’t you think?”

“Sure, but there’s always going to be something going on. Some bullshit distraction keeping you from being happy. Don’t write off something good just because the timing isn’t convenient. Sometimes we need something or someone to keep us grounded, remind us what we’re fighting for.”

I snort and run a hand through my hair. “Fuck me, when did you become such a god damned poet?”

He just smirks back at me. “I’m a man of many talents.”

My thoughts drifting back to Abby as Lev takes his leave, and the undeniable pull I feel toward her. I’ve given a lot of money to her foundation over the years because I believe in the work she’s doing with her sister. A hell of a lot of money. And I’ve given it anonymously, because I’m not in the habit of giving to charity for clout or moral superiority.

Plus, ever since she began to step into the spotlight and caught my attention, I’ve had it on my mind to…get to know her. She’s a beautiful thing, and most definitely my type. If I was ever to get my hands on her, I knew I’d want it to be because she purely and solely wanted me, and not because of what I might have done for her charity. I don’t want her to ever feel like she owes me anything. I don’t want that money to cloud her judgment or to become a wedge between us.

But now that I’ve actually had a chance to talk to her, to sleep with her?

Fuck, I’d give ten times as much to be able to think clearly right now. I want her more than anything, and she’s the one thing I can’t have. So maybe I’m just fucked.

Or maybe I should take a hint from Lev and reevaluate my priorities.

Chapter 7

Abby

Ten Months Later

There’s a lot to do and I’m pretending to be excited about it as I sit down at my desk to dive into the final preparations for the foundation’s annual fundraiser. The big one, the one I met Alec at this time last year.

I take a deep breath, trying to push aside the thoughts of Alec that linger in my mind.

“Okay, we need to go over the final details for An Enchanted Evening,” Maggie says, giving me a sideways glance as if she can read my mind.

As much as I love sharing an office with my sister, sometimes it has its drawbacks. Like when I can’t stop thinking about a guy but don’t want to talk about it.

“Right.” I nod, trying to get my mind back on track. “We can start with the caterer. Have you finalized the menu?”

Maggie grins. “Yes, I did. And in case anyone asks, I made sure there are plenty of vegan and gluten-free options for our guests this year. It can’t be said that we aren’t responsive to feedback.”

“That’s great,” I say, checking that off my long to-do list. “We’re asking these people to dig deep and write us some big checks. The last thing we need is for someone to feel left out because of dietary restrictions.”

“Absolutely,” Maggie agrees. “And have you decided on the dress you’re going to wear?”

I lean back in my chair, contemplating. “I’ve narrowed it down to two options. One is a blue gown with subtle fairytale motifs, and the other is a shimmering silver dress that gives off an enchanting vibe. What do you think?”

Maggie taps her chin with a perfectly manicured nail. “Hm, both sound really pretty. Maybe try them on, and I can give you my honest opinion?”

“I just hope I don’t have to get either one of them altered too much. I picked them out when I was still pregnant and told the girl at the boutique to just sort of guess what my size might be after I gave birth.”

Her eyes grow wide. “That’s risky. After quadruplets? To just guess? You’re a braver woman than I am. I gave my guy my current measurements, my sizing from before I gave birth to the twins and told him to err on the size of caution and go a little bigger. We’re doing final fitting tonight, actually.”

I laugh and lean away from my desk. “Shit, I should have done all that too… It won’t be too late for alterations if I need them, right?”

Maggie smirks. “Depends on how busy your girl is. Go in sooner rather than later, you don’t havethatmuch time left.”

“Okay, I promise I will!”

As we continue discussing the event, I can feel my stomach start to tighten as the nerves set in. The fundraiser isn’t just about raising money for ARPKD research. It’s also a chance for me to reconnect with the man who holds a special place in my heart.Ifhe makes another appearance.

“By the way,” I say, trying to sound casual, “have you heard anything about the anonymous donors? Do we have any new names this year?”

Maggie shakes her head. “Not yet, but you know how it goes. Some donors prefer to keep their identities private. It’s part of the magic of the night, I suppose.”

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