by Cala Riley
I step forward with the giant scissors and hold them at the ribbon. Then I turn and smile as the media takes photos.
I close the scissors, feeling lighter than I’ve ever felt as the ribbons fall.
This is what I was meant to do.
I couldn’t be prouder of Vanessa. I smile as I watch her give her speech in front of all these people.
The guys said I needed to find something to feed her soul. She’s always been so passionate about the homeless. Insisting, there is more to them that people first see. Her firsthand knowledge helped her tailor this program to help the homeless, but not enable them.
That’s one thing she’s always been adamant about. She wants to help those who want to get back on their feet. Not the ones who use it as an excuse not to be productive or scam people.
Seeing her up there now, smiling as she talks about this program, I can’t help but smile along with her.
“That’s your mama up there,” I tell Nico as he coos in my arms.
Nico was another surprise. I always used condoms with Vanessa except for the night I made love to her. I couldn’t help myself. I wanted to be with her wholly, with nothing separating us. I never even considered that she might not want kids or if we were ready.
Here we are a year later, though. Neither one of us could be happier.
I still remember the tears on her face when we found out we were having a boy. She looked up at me with a smile on her face.
“Say hello to your son, Nico.”
My heart swelled with emotion. Not only was I going to be a father, but she wanted to give him the name of the guy who was one of my closest friends. The man who gave his life to protect the person who meant the most in mine.
It meant the world to me.
“She’s a natural. She could run for mayor.”
I turn, finding Killian standing next to me.
“She’s passionate about it. People can feel that,” I tell him.
He smiles down at Nico. “He looks like you.”
“Thanks.”
“This was a great idea. Thank you for offering to let us be a part of it. I know it wasn’t in the best situation, but I never wanted to go through with it.”
“I know. It’s business.”
“It is. Honestly, I should thank you. I needed Greer, and you gave me the perfect reason to demand her assistance.”
“What do you want with her, anyway?” I ask him, clapping when Vanessa finishes up her speech.
“It’s business.”
“Don’t hurt her,” I warn him.
He chuckles. “I’m the head of the Westies. Do you think I’m scared of you?” He quirks his eyebrow. “Trust me, she’s in safe hands.”
“We will see about that.”
“Catch you later. Enjoy your family.” Killian blends back into the crowd, leaving me to wonder what he’s up to.
“Did you see me?” Vanessa runs up to me, kissing me before taking Nico from my arms.
“I did. You were beautiful and amazing like you always are.”
She rolls her eyes. “You have to say that.”
“Oh yeah? Why’s that?”
“I birthed your child.”
I grab her hand, rubbing her bare ring finger. “One of these days you’ll be my wife.”
“One day.” She gives me a small smile.
I haven’t proposed yet, but I know I will. I’m waiting until she least expects it.
She deserves the moon and stars.
I’m going to give them to her.
The End.
About the Author
Cala Riley, better known as Cala and Riley, are a pair of friends with a deep-seated love of books and writing. Both Cala and Riley are happily married and each have children, Cala with the four-legged kind while Riley has a mixture of both two-legged and four. While they live apart, that does not affect their connection. They are the true definition of family. What started as an idea that quickly turned into a full-length book and a bond that will never end.
Acknowledgments
Husbands/Family- Thank you for loving us through the crazy and listening to us ramble.
Kristen Proby/Lady Boss Press- Thank you for taking a chance on us.
Ashley Estep- Thank you for staying on us to make sure we stayed on schedule.
Louise O’Reilly- Thank you for being you.
Jenny Dicks- Thank you for all the swoons & ideas.
Procrastination Station- Thank you for being the ultimate cheer squad and the endless tiktoks.
My Brothers Editor/ Elle- Thank you for being the most laid back editor and making the entire process painless.
Bloggers/Readers- Thank you for loving our stories as much as we do and spreading the word.
Also by Author
Brighton Academy Series
Unbidden
Unpredictable
Undeniably
Unapologetically
Mafia Royalty Series
Mafia King
Mafia Underboss
Mafia Prince
The Syndicates
Matteo
Lady Boss Press
Personal Foul
Where to Find Us
Facebook
www.facebook.com/CalaRiley
Instagram:
www.instagram.com/author.cala.riley
Bookbub:
https://www.bookbub.com/profile/cala-riley
Amazon:
https://amzn.to/3dO8g0h
Goodreads:
https://bit.ly/2z0jsbu
Cala Riley’s Boudoir of Sin
https://www.facebook.com/groups/591736658074510/
Website
http://www.calariley.com
