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I spent the day away from my apartment. To appear as if I weren’t lying, I left the house and visited Aurora. She and I had been friends since high school. She was the only real one I had. We’d gone through so much together. Her pregnancy was only an example.

Aurora’s long-term boyfriend of five years, Fitch, whom I never liked but tolerated because of her, had lived up to his name seven months ago.

In English, Fitch meant weasel. Had his parents known he’d turn out to be one?

I would’ve loved to ask, but they were too sweet to ask.

Anyway, Fitch, aka Weasel Shit, had lost it when Aurora told him she was pregnant.

He carried on, asking how she could let that happen.

Didn’t the idiot know that no contraceptive was foolproof, and that it took two to make a baby?

She’d been on birth control, but clearly, it didn’t cover her one time, and boom.

He ranted about it, and then he told her she had to have an abortion.

That was when it came out that he never wanted kids.

In all their years together, he’d never told her that.

And she’d talked about future children several times.

His attitude crushed her, but she refused to do it.

Fitch gave her an ultimatum. She could have him or the baby.

She chose the baby. He packed his shit and left.

Before he did, he told her not to expect child support or anything else from him.

She’d been devastated and cried, but was strong and moved on.

She was still recovering, but very excited about the baby.

I was, too. I assured her we’d ensure the baby would be loved and never need anything.

It was his loss, and it would bite him one day.

My brothers wanted to beat Fitch’s ass into the ground, and so did I.

However, I had a different idea in mind, one that would hurt worse and last longer.

I was waiting for the best time to do it.

I hadn’t told Aurora that. She was still sensitive to anything to do with Weasel Shit.

I did tell my brothers to let me handle it.

They’d snickered and agreed. They knew how vindictive I could be if warranted.

And her ex more than warranted it in my book.

It explained why he never asked her to marry him.

I kept telling Aurora that it was past time for him to propose.

She’d wave it away and say they didn’t need a piece of paper, but I knew she wanted it.

I told her that this breakup was a good thing.

It freed her to find the real love of her life.

She’d marry, have more kids, and raise this baby with a fantastic dad.

She would shake her head and say she wasn’t counting on it.

Her thought was that men wouldn’t want a single mom. I disagreed, but we’d wait and see.

After spending hours with her, I went grocery shopping and returned home.

The entire time, no matter what I was doing, thoughts of Rian kept popping into my head.

I lectured myself over and over to forget him and find a man.

I vowed that next weekend, I’d go out and party. Maybe I’d get lucky and meet someone.

Mixed in with this, I wondered what the O’Sheerans were talking to my family about.

Curiosity had almost killed me by the time evening came, and my family came to my place.

Papà sent a text early afternoon, asking if they could come over at seven.

I hurriedly responded yes. I asked if they wanted me to fix dinner. I was told no, they’d bring it.

When the doorbell rang, and the customary pounding from one of my brothers followed, I rushed to unlock and open the door.

They stood there grinning. In their arms were pizza boxes and bags.

The aroma hit me. Without looking at the name on the box, I knew where it came from.

There was only one place our family got ours from—Bella Capri.

They had one here in Hastings and another, the original, in St. Augustine.

I wonder if Rian ever ate there and liked it, entered my mind unbidden. I shoved it away.

I told them, “Come on in. Since you brought food, I’ll let you in. Make sure to take off your shoes.”

They grumbled as they passed me, brushing kisses to my cheek. They might bitch about it, but they did as asked. Papà was the last to enter. He added a hug to his kiss before removing his boots.

Closing the door, I went to my tiny kitchen to get paper plates and napkins.

The guys were unpacking the bags at the table.

It was loud and hectic as we got situated, plates were filled, and drinks were obtained.

Eventually, we sat and were able to take our first bite.

I moaned. No one did it like Aurelio, the owner of Bella Capri.

It didn’t matter if it was pizza or another dish.

We gave the food the attention it deserved, so there wasn’t much conversation other than remarks on how good it was and some groans of appreciation.

By the time I finished eating, I was stuffed.

The guys ate twice as much as I did, but somehow finished before me.

I swore they swallowed it whole and didn’t bother to chew.

I leaned back in my chair and waited for Papà to tell me about the meeting.

He sipped his soda. I was about to burst and demand someone say something when he spoke.

“No doubt you’re wondering about today’s meeting with the O’Sheerans. I’m sorry you missed it. They were very friendly, and we had an excellent meal cooked by their talented chef, Agatha. Anyway, we can tell you that part later. We got to know them more personally this time.”

He paused, and I couldn’t help myself. “I’m glad to hear that, but what difference does it make to us if they are friendly? What did they want to talk about?” I asked, my impatience peeking out in my tone. Rocco smirked, but he didn’t say anything.

“It could make a tremendous difference if we accept their proposal,” Papà said before recounting what Darragh O’Sheeran offered.

To say I was stunned would be an understatement.

They wanted to work with us. My first response was excitement.

To have an opportunity to help eliminate more monsters like Christopher Brynes and his ilk would be amazing.

The more people we could protect or save would make my day.

On the heels of it came dismay. How could I forget Rian and find a man if he was consistently in my face and life?

It was difficult enough to resist not making a fool of myself as it was.

More exposure would undoubtedly lead me to act like an idiot.

Both emotions were warring inside of me.

I was so into them that I didn’t realize my family was watching me and waiting for my answer until Luc spoke.

“Gia, are you alright? What’s wrong?” Luc frowned.

His questions snapped my attention back to why they were here. I waved his concern off. “I’m fine. I just got caught up thinking over what Papà said. Wow, I can’t believe it. What are your thoughts on it? Do you think we should do it?” I asked to stall.

Starting with Papà, each shared their concerns, thoughts, and opinions. Overall, they were leaning toward doing it. It was down to me. Shit, I hated this.

“I agree with all of you on your concerns, and I can see how wonderful it would be to help more people. I’m concerned about what happens if they change their mind.

Or what if we’re too busy to help as much as they would like?

Our business is growing. We were discussing the possibility of expanding and opening another office.

If we do, it would stretch us more. Would there be time to help them?

I’d hate to say yes and then be unable to deliver. ”

“That’s a legitimate concern. And yes, I do want to expand.

If we do this with them, it would make sense for the new office to be in St. Augustine.

It was on the list of possible locations anyway.

We wouldn’t be stretched too far if we brought on more staff that’s not family.

We’ve always tried to keep it to ourselves and a few others.

It’s time to be more open to outsiders. We’d ensure they were thoroughly investigated before hiring anyone.

Not just anyone could apply and be hired. We’ll be selective,” Papà stated.

I was stunned at his willingness to do that. We’d often suggested it, but he had always rejected it. My brothers appeared just as surprised.

“ Papà , are you serious? You’d hire others and let us expand that way?” Luc asked.

“Yes. I know I’ve always said no, but it’s hurting us to stay the way we are.

We have to be more open-minded. Look at what we’ve done with the O’Sheerans.

We can help more if we loosen up. Everything you’ve found indicates they live and work by a code even when they’re on the gray or black side of things,” Papà told me .

My college degree was in cybersecurity, with a minor in criminal justice. Both were extremely useful in our field. I was the one who used my knowledge to research people or track them. I’d given my family everything I found on the O’Sheerans.

“And you think you can trust them and the Hounds?” I asked weakly. From what they said and their expressions, I knew all four were on board. If I dissented, they’d want to know why, but I couldn’t say it was because I wanted Rian.