Val snatched the letter and turned it over. “I swear this wasn’t in my pile the other day.”
“You’re sure?”
“Positive.” Val stared at it like it was going to eat her.
“Open it.”
“But—” She sighed. “What if it ruins what we have and—”
“Val.” I kissed her soundly across the mouth. “Open the damn letter.”
“Okay.” She ripped it open as I peered over her shoulder.
Make sure he performs one of those numbers, you know which one, at least seven times a week.
Give him hell.
Find the one imperfection, left ear, you’re welcome!
Love him well.
Love her well, Italy.
In a way, you guys are more perfect for each other than we ever were, and if I know Sergio the way I think I do, I’m going to assume he’s already drawn that same conclusion. Best friends to lovers and now, Sergio, you have your soul mate, the one you’re inexplicably drawn to.
The one you would die for.
Silly boy, you were never meant to be with me in the first place.
It’s me who should feel guilty, not you guys.
Enjoy this life you have been given.
And, Sergio, for the love of God, take the woman on a honeymoon!
All my love, to my two best friends, my two favorite people…
Andi
Val didn’t cry.
I didn’t cry.
We both smiled at the letter and then burst out laughing.
“You know.” Val crossed her arms. “I’ve never been out of the country.”
“I think I’ll have to fix that.”
“I think you should.”
“You think Dante would house sit?”
“I think if you want your house to be still standing you’ll have someone else babysit him while he house sits, but yes.”
“Next week.” I shoved the letters onto the floor and pressed her back against the mattress. “We leave next week.”
“What about all the drama and hiding out and—”
“I’ll bring my gun.”
She smirked as she looked down.
“Both of them.”
“Oh good, I was worried.”
“I could tell by your laughter.”
She wrapped her legs around me and kissed down my neck. “I’m ready for more seduction.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yes.” She nodded. “But this time, can I—” Her hands got all fidgety as she blushed and then covered her face with her hands.
“You’re too innocent for your own good. You’re going to end up killing me, aren’t you?” I groaned as she reached for me and started exploring, slowly, so slow that I was ready to scream.
“Yes, but, I’m a fast learner.”
“Yes.” I jerked up off the bed. “Yes, you are.”
“Sergio?”
“This is my punishment, isn’t it?” I groaned aloud. “I asked you to talk to me and now you won’t stop. Meanwhile, I’m ready to explode and—”
“For an older man you’re kind of hot.”
“I’m not old!” I yelled, completely offended. “I’m barely ten years older than you.”
“Old.” She licked her lips and then me.
And I forgot all about her teasing as I was reminded yet again, how perfect she was, how right it felt, to be in her arms.
Love is love. There is no explanation, no reason, no path. It is what it is, and as it should be. —Valentina
Five months later
Sergio
“HOLY SHIT!” NIXON roared as he ran down the hall nearly tripping over his own feet in an effort to grab me. “Sergio! Upstairs NOW!”
Val pulled away from me and winked while her fingers grazed my ass. I let out a pitiful groan and tugged her into the corner, capturing her lips, I couldn’t get enough, I would never get enough. I loved her more now than I ever thought possible.
“Sergio!” Nixon roared.
“In a minute!” I yelled back.
“She’s in LABOR YOU JACKASS!”
“WHAT?” I jerked back from Val and took the stairs two at a time. “Where is she?”
“Her water broke and then she said she felt like she needed to push! I don’t know what the hell to do!” Nixon’s eyes were crazed as yelling commenced downstairs.
Soon Tex, Chase, and Phoenix were all in the room with me while Trace braced herself against the bedpost and screamed.
“I think I’m going to pass out,” Tex whispered to Chase. I could have sworn he was leaning heavily on him before Mil marched into the room with Frank and announced that someone was going to have to deliver the baby.
“Hurts so bad!” Trace said through clenched teeth and then turned her face in Nixon’s direction. “YOU!”
“Oh, hell.” Chase stumbled backward while Tex held up his hands in surrender.
Phoenix yawned. Then again, he’d already been through the whole process with Bee and was one of the best dads I’d ever seen — he actually hummed songs when he changed the little dude’s diapers.
“You’re on your own man,” Tex mumbled as they ran out of the room.
Frank mumbled something to Phoenix then pulled out his phone; I hoped to call the medics, because I sure as hell wasn’t a doctor.
“Sweetheart,” Nixon said calmly. “This is a completely normal reaction to—”