Page 91

I wrap her hand up in mine. “Now, that’s all I’m telling you.”
She wipes at her tears with her free hand. “My god, you know how to surprise a girl.”
“Those are my goals, to always keep you guessing and smiling.”
The grounds of the property are buzzing with activity. Everyone’s already arrived. The aisle is marked with fresh flowers and ferns. White and navy ribbons dance in the air around the gazebo as the chopper lowers to the ground nearby.
We’re met at the edge of the lawn by a herd of friends and family. Simona’s crying happy tears as her two sisters hug her. “Oh my! Look at all these beautiful people.”
“This is so exciting!” the taller of the three, Mariana, says, as she rushes Simona off to the house to get changed.
I couldn’t look away if I had to. And she must feel me. Simona turns to wave at me from the porch as she smoothes her hand down over her little baby bump. She blows me a kiss.
Andre punches me in the arm. “You are a lucky fucker.”
“Tell me about it. Thanks for coming.”
“Wouldn’t have missed it.”
“Did you meet the sisters?”
He chuckles. “I might have said hello.”
“Good.”
Josef crosses the lawn toward us as Wolf walks up. The older man is smiling as he tips his head. “Gentlemen.”
“Simona hasn’t seen you yet.”
The older man grins. “I’m quite looking forward to surprising her when she comes out to walk down the aisle.”
Wolf chuckles. “Poor girl. She’s just getting it from every angle.”
Josef waves a dismissive hand. “If you know how long I’ve been trying to surprise that girl, you’d understand. She’s wiser than any owl.”
We share a laugh.
Then Josef says, “Boys, would you mind if I have a moment alone with Jameson?”
They bow out and I’m left with Simona’s closest friend and father figure. “Thank you for giving me permission to ask for her hand.”
“Of course. I knew the first time I saw you that you were worthy of her.”
That thickens my throat. “Thanks. That means a lot.”
“Look, I hope you’ll consider spending some time in Czech. I’d like to get to be a part of things with you, her, and my grandchild.”
“Already planning that.”
He nods. “Good.” From the inside of his jacket, he produces an envelope.
“What’s this?”
“Just a little something for the newlyweds.”
“Thank you. I’ll wait to open it with Simona.”
He pats my shoulder. “Look out for my girl. I’ve got sources, you know, that will tell me if you’re not keeping up your end of the deal.” He chuckles as he walks off.