Page 103 of Malicious Marriage

Now, with Bobby living next door and retired from guard duty since his heart attack, I get to see him every day as a friend without the guilt of what happened. He and Frankie very graciously agreed to be Bethany’s godparents, which had me crying for almost two days straight.

I shower and dress quickly, then head down to the kitchen in time to watch Dean rock Bethany gently while giving her a bottle. It immediately brings me to tears and when Dean spots me, his brow furrows.

“Darling, what’s wrong?”

I’ll never get tired of that. “I’m fine,” I say, heading for the coffee. “Just seeing you two together reminds me how lucky I am.”

Dean affectionately rolls his eyes. “We’re both lucky, huh?”

“That we are.” Pouring myself a cup, I lean back against the counter and watch. “So, Hailey and Duke are bringing the twins and they’re staying for the whole month. Do you think they’ll be okay in the guest house?”

“Oh, definitely.” Dean nods. “Besides, Jack renovated that place himself so I know it’s safe.”

I snort. “He only renovated it because he saw Carmen’s team working on fixing the driveway and wanted to impress her. I’m not sure safety was on his mind.”

“It worked, didn’t it?” Dean chuckles. “They’ve been dating what, four months now?”

“I think so. We should invite them to dinner. As friends, y’know, not as a bodyguard.”

“I think he’d like that.” Dean nods. “But who would watch the kids?”

I pause, sipping my coffee. “Don.”

Dean nearly chokes. “You think Don could watch Bethany, Thomas, and Hailey’s twins?”

The thought of Don, in his silver years, trying to take care of four children is hilarious and we both break out laughing. “Okay, maybe not Don. We’d have to hire someone if we want a proper adult night with no kids.”

“I don’t trust anyone with my star,” Dean says, cooing down at Bethany.

I walk closer and kiss his shoulder, watching as Bethany’s gigantic eyes lock onto mine and she smiles around the bottle’s teat.

“Maybe we just ignore the adult part of the dinner and invite everyone for a messy one instead. Parents and kids.”

“That sounds like a great idea.” Dean grins. “I feel like Don will be much more appreciative if I tell him he’s on his own with the business for a night, rather than kids.”

“Then it’s a plan.”

“I love you,” Dean says, his tone suddenly warm and serious. “I love you both more than I ever thought was possible.”

“I know.” I smile up at him and kiss his cheek. “I love you more.”

After the loss of my father, the betrayal of my uncle, and the rejection of my sister, I thought my life was over. But it turns out it was just the beginning.

It’s nice to have my own family who loves me.

I’m happy.

Dean’s happy.

Life is good.