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Chapter Forty-Three

Vinny

S he leans her head against the window of the SUV, her eyes blindfolded.

Massio’s gaze bounces back and forth from mine to the road like he’s unsure of what I’m doing.

Bonnie is asleep, a snoozing sound leaving her little lips, causing a bubble of spittle to gather with each breath she takes.

I trace over the soft skin of her chubby hand, relishing the feeling of knowing she’s mine, truly mine.

When the SUV comes to a stop, I make quick work of my seatbelt and head around to Gracie’s side of the vehicle. I lift her into my arms, and she squeals while swatting at me. “Vinny!”

“Shhh, don’t wake our daughter, not yet,” I mumble against her ear, and her body relaxes. Jesus, I love saying that. I always considered having girls a weakness, but now, I can think of nothing more incredible than having the beauty and innocence of multiple Gracies running around.

I slide her down my body until her feet touch the floor. Then with her back against my chest, I slide the blindfold off her eyes. The moment she realizes where she is, her breath catches and her legs buckle, but I band my arm around her to keep her upright.

“Welcome home, Little Pet.” I smile brightly and glance over her shoulder toward the ranch.

There’re two horses in the paddock beside the barn; there’s a fucking chicken coop for Christ sake, and a swinging bench on the porch that I intend on her sucking me on every evening as the sun goes down.

Hazel will move in with us and continue with helping keep the house while maintaining her relationship with the girls.

She spins to face me. “Wh-what?” Tears swim in her eyes.

“I bought the ranch back. It’s ours. We’re going to live here.” I glance over my shoulder at the property. It didn’t take much to negotiate a deal. Throw in the fact I informed him of who I was, and the guy practically threw the keys at me. “But we’re having security on the gate,” I tack on.

“V-Vinny, you’re not making any sense.” Hope bounces in her gaze as she scans my face.

I take her face in the palms of my hands. “You’re my home, Gracie. Wherever you are, I am. Your heart is here, then so is mine.”

“But the Mafia.” Her lip quivers.

“Is all Rafael’s. He’s more than capable. It took you to make me see it.” I swipe the tears from her cheeks. “I want to be the father I should have been. The husband you deserve. The owner of a little pet who would never have a reason to leave me.”

She shakes her head. “I won’t. I wouldn’t.”

“I know you won’t. You no longer have a cage, Little Pet. Now you’re finally free.”

A sob catches in her throat, and she launches herself toward me.

“Now you’re home,” I whisper against the silky locks of her hair. “And so am I.”