His tone lowers. “Amelia always gets extra…sensitivewhen she’s in her first trimester. Any and everything makes her cry, and her moods are all over the place.”
I’m speechless as I try to calculate when my last period was. Holy mother of god. Am I pregnant?
Hook pats my arm. “Might want to get a test on your way home. You know, just in case. And know that Amelia and Goldie can both offer you guidance, if that’s the case.”
“Thank you.”
“No, thank you. I’ve hoped that Luca would see that the three Families could work together for a long time. You have brought us together, which makes the city even stronger.”
My cheeks are warm as he leaves.
Luca joins my side. “What was that about?”
“He was just thanking me for bringing you all together.”
He grunts, but it’s not nearly as vicious as it once was.
“Let’s go home, little bird. We have the rest of our lives to start.”
EPILOGUE
Luca
***New Year’s Eve***
I fucking hate parties, but Dove wanted to be here. She’s with the other wives, and I’m pleased to see how the rose ring on her left ring finger catches the light. I asked her to marry me on Christmas Day, and she said yes. Of course, Henri had to one-up me and ask her, too. Maurice said he was okay just having her in his life, but I know my girl. She’s going to want a wedding with the three of us. And I’ll do it because I fucking love her.
Chip is playing with Amelia and Hook’s sons, Junior, Robert, Michael, and Theodore. He’s closest in age to Michael, but all of them get along. Baby Belle is in the nursery with little Eloise and her twin brother, Ivan. The Hook family, who is hosting tonight’s party, graciously offered for Chip and Belle to stay the night so that we can celebrate our engagement. Got to say, Hook has turned out to be a real fucking gem. They all have, to be honest.
Goldie, who looks ready to burst, groans. “Fuck. I think my water just broke!”
Atticus, Oliver, and Finn rush to her side, looking frantic. I’ve never seen the big, bad Behr brothers look so scared. Winter goes to their side, telling them what they need to do. The room is pure chaos, but that’s just how life is these days.
Midas and Huntsman choose this moment to join me.
“Big things are happening out in New York City.”
I turn to Midas. “Anything we need to know about?”
“Elsa is retiring. She’s taking our lead and has already picked her replacements.”
That has me snorting. “Guess she didn’t get the memo that it would be easier to just give the key to the kingdom to one Family.”
I’m joking, and he knows it. In the past, I would have meant the words. Now I see the beauty in sharing the burden with those that you can trust.
“Guess not.” He looks me in the eyes. “I’ve hinted that Malik Jafar should call you. You two are very… similar in more ways than one. I think you can offer him guidance that no one else can.”
“I’m touched, but I’m not interested in babysitting, especially someone with the reputation that Jafar has.”
Huntsman snorts. “That’s rich coming from you, Di Bello.”
Midas says, “Think about it, Luca. They’re going to need our help. Hook and Company have already reached out to Kieran Van der Zee. I believe the Behr brothers are in talks with Odin Vilulf.”
Dove and Henri join the conversation. Dove must have heard enough because she has a determined look on her face.
She touches my arm. “Jafar runs several hotels in New York City. We can show him how we’re doing things here. Show him that thinking outside of the box can work.”
I don’t miss Henri smirking. He knows she’s got me.