Page 98 of The Pretender

“He wasn’t. He was cold and sometimes cruel, but he had a hard life. I know he loved us in his own way. He tried to make my mom leave and take us away so many times, but she wouldn’t go. She stood by him through it all.”

I rub Balt’s hand, unsure what to say next.

“I can’t put Lorelei through that. I’m calling her.”

“I support you, whatever you want to do.”

He huffs a laugh, turning his gaze to me. “Why? I’ve put you and your family in such a weird spot.”

“Why? I thought I told you why earlier.” I shrug. “I fell for you and the man you are, not who they tried to make you. You’re a good man. I see your heart, Balt, and it’s amazing. You’re worth a few bumps in the road.”

He shakes his head.

“Besides, I think Nonna secretly likes this.”

He chuckles. “She’s into it, isn’t she?”

“Yep. Probably takes her back to her youth and the days with my grandpa.” I lean close and kiss his cheek. “We’ll get through this. Together.”

“You realize you’re too good for me, right? But as long as you’re okay slumming, I’ll take it.”

“Stop that. I don’t fall for losers. Okay, historically speaking that’s inaccurate, but I’ve turned over a new leaf, just like you. We’re starting fresh.”

He nods. “I like that. No past, all future.”

“That’s right.”

Balt lifts my hand to his mouth and kisses it. “Thank you for everything. Trusting me, letting me in. The past few weeks have been the best of my life so far.”

“You mean that, don’t you?”

“I absolutely mean it. I’m gonna be the man you think I am. A hundred percent legit from here on out.”

“Do you think you can be happy here in little Robin’s Grove, Wisconsin? It’s a quiet life.”

“I could use some quiet, but to be honest, I’ll be happy wherever you are. Besides, we’re not far from any big city if we want it.”

“True.” I brush my fingers across his cheek. “I don’t know what we can pay you yet. I’m sure you’re used to making a lot of money.”

Balt cups my face in his hands. “Love, I’ve been wise with my investments over the years. If I never made another dollar, I’d be fine.”

“So what you’re saying is crime does pay?”

He chuckles. “Unfortunately, yes. The retirement benefits are pretty shady though.”

We both laugh before falling into each other and sealing our new life with a kiss. I pull back slightly, bumping our noses together.

“Call your sister.”

TWENTY-NINE

balthazar

Tapping my leg nervously,I listen to three rings before my sister answers. “Hello?”

“Hey. It’s me. I wanted to give you an update.”

“Okay.”