Page 38 of When We Fall: Part Two

“Don’t you start your shit with me?—”

“For the babies,” I said softly. “Give me this, Bianca. Please. I’ll even let you call Dominic and the guys once I know you’re going to behave. This needs to look real for Carmine. For Matteo. OK? Play the part. That means you’ll kiss me and act like you give a damn for me.”

“Do I have to fuck you?” She narrowed her eyes at me.

I scoffed. “Your call, sparkles.”

“Sparkles.” She crinkled her brows before shaking her head.

“You’re like a pretty little sparkle in some rather dark times,” I murmured. “At least you were. At least I hope you will be again.”

She let out a shaky breath, and her walls came down. A soft sob left her lips.

Quickly, I went around the bar and pulled her in for a hug.

“I-I miss the guys,” she wept softly. “I want to go home.”

“It’s OK,” I whispered. “We’ll get you there. Just be strong for a little longer. I promise I’ll do whatever I can to help you.” Ipulled away and cradled her face, taking in all the tears. “Fuck, Bianca. Don’t cry. Please.”

“You promise this isn’t part of some elaborate thing where I’ll end up hurt? Or my babies will?”

“I chose you,” I said gently. “I chose the babies.I care.With my choice comes my protection. You have me, Bianca. I’m your fiancé. You’re going to be my wife. I will do everything within my power to honor, respect, and ensure your safety. That is my vow to you.” I thumbed away her tears before leaning in and brushing my lips across her forehead. “Come on. I want you to rest.”

I helped her off the stool and brought her to my bed. She hesitated for a moment before crawling onto the mattress. I slid in next to her. She was quick to cuddle me, her fingers twisted in my shirt. I wrapped my arm around her and breathed out.

“I’ll get you a ring tomorrow,” I murmured.

“I don’t need one. Just your word.”

“You’ll have both.” I kissed the top of her head and closed my eyes. “Rest, sparkles. I need you and the babies to be strong for what’s coming.”

Fuck, what a mess.

I’d turneda movie on and watched it with Bianca before returning her to her room later that night, so when Fox’s text came through to meet with him, I left Matteo’s and went and paced my living room, really fucking hoping he wasn’t going to tell me what I thought he was going to say to me because I was already asshole deep in a big fucking mess.

The moment a knock on my door sounded out, I opened it to find Fox standing on my stoop holding a box. I stepped aside wordlessly for him, and he came in.

He was thinner. He looked tired and unwell.

Not. Fucking. Good.

But he smiled. A genuine smile.

“What’s that?” I asked wearily, nodding to the box he placed on my coffee table.

“It’s a box for Rosalie. All our memories I’ve kept over the years?—”

“Fox, don’t fucking do this,” I warned softly, shaking my head. “Now isn’t a good time.”

“Anson, it’s happening. I’ve picked a date,” he said, settling on my leather couch.

My jaw quivered as I stared back at him. He looked… relieved. Happy. Content.

Fuck. Definitely not good.

“Don’t,” I choked out. “Please, man. Rethink this.”

“Once Rosalie goes to bed the night after the engagement party, I’m going to leave. Once everyone is sleeping, I’ll drive to the lake and stare out at the stars. I’ll push the button.”