Three months later
“They’re here!” Evie shouts like I’m not three feet from her, and begins jumping up and down, seemingly more excited than I am that Gaby and her family are moving here.
Scratch that, we’re both excited. But I’m not jumping up and down like a girl.
“I still can’t believe you gave them your house,” I say, staring with amazement at the home that’s changed completely in a matter of weeks, much like my own. With the towers of boxes now gone and permanently unpacked, it actually feels like a home.
Evie had it repainted and refinished, passing every design idea by Gaby’s entire family, making sure it would go with their furnishings and decor. I also had a hand in it, sweeping it for cameras and bugs, but no need to bring that up.
“It’s not like I was in it anymore,” she says with a matter-of-factness that hides whatever truth she won’t discuss. But it doesn’t matter. I love her, and whatever this brave woman wants, she’s damn well getting. “Besides, it’s in the best school district, and a hop, skip, and a jump from their new practice.”
With Gaby’s mom fresh out of her medical residency, and her father a more seasoned physician, this city provides some of the best growth opportunities for two OB-GYN specialists. Not to mention that their newest client happens to be one breathtaking baker girl with a fresh bun in her oven.
I sneak my arms around Evie and give her a quick kiss before we head across the street to meet the neighbors and their new moving truck.
As soon as they park, Gaby runs up, totally ignoring me and wrapping a big hug around Evie before staring in wonder at her belly. “How long until the baby comes?”
“It’ll be a while,” Evie tells her.
“Seriously, nothing for me?” I say, insulted until Gaby nestles in my arms. I grab Evie with her, and hold my two girls so close, I’m sure they hear my heart pounding for theirs.
“How’s your energy,” Joelle asks, meeting Evie with a hug. This is Evie’s first chance to meet Gaby’s mom face-to-face, but with all the FaceTime calls they’ve shared, their closeness is apparent.
“I’m hanging in there,” Evie says, completely downplaying her still round-the-clock working and baking, only tearing away from either when I insist. And with my chaps and hat, trust me, I do insist.
I greet Andre with a firm handshake, knowing neither of us is quite ready for a bro hug. There’s a quiet kindness to him, though, that makes me glad he’s been the man to raise Gaby.
“I envy you,” I say honestly, and surprise lights his face.
“How so?” he asks, with a modest but genuine fascination.
“Your patio. I’ve admired it from afar when Evie lived there, but I’m hoping to start a small project in the coming months.”
“I’d love to help,” he says graciously. “Before I got my scholarship, I worked construction my first year of school.”
Gaby chimes in, running into her father’s arms. “I can help too.”
The jealousy I feel for their close relationship can’t be helped, but I shove it down. There’s no room for it when we all love this beautiful girl so much.
Evie slips into my arms, and I know she’s reading me like an open page of Vogue. I plant a loving kiss on her lips before we’re interrupted by Gary’s boys, circling us all on their bikes. Evie and I both try to shush them before they blurt out, “Let us know if you see any more tarantulas.”
“Tarantulas!” Gaby shouts. “Where? I want to see one.”
“After the one we caught in Ms. Evie’s backyard, we found one right over there.”
As soon as they point to my lawn, Evie shrieks, jumps into my arms, and buries her face in my neck.
“It was just a little one.” I press a light kiss on her head, though I’m in no hurry to put her down. To Gaby’s parents, I say, “Get settled, and drop by in a while for some ribs and Evie’s amazing bourbon peach pie.”
I say the practiced line like it’s spontaneous, because everyone is ready to keep this surprise. A celebration for Evie, with all the people she adores.
Alan. The Longs and the Byrnes. Jean and the man with the spider tattoo we managed to hunt down. Even Paco threatened to make an appearance. And the Five are excited to pop by and meet the woman who managed to make a hooker out of me.
What Evie needs is a bridal shower. And an engagement party. A wedding reception. A revolving door of people who love and adore her. A low-key gathering where everybody knows how gorgeous she is, from the tip of her head to the depth of her soul.
With her in my arms, I sneak a peek down her cleavage, and a smile forms when I see the pink cord tucked just a tease away.
This girl has tied a knot around my heart that tightens the moment I step away and eases the second she’s near. It assures me that, just as I’m doing now and until my very last breath, I’ll never, ever let her go.
* * *
Thank you for reading!
The Ruthless Billionaires Club is a series of interconnected standalone. Make sure you read the rest of the books in the series:
Ruthless Games (Ruthless Billionaires #1)
Ruthless Wars (Ruthless Billionaires #2)
Ruthless Love (Ruthless Billionaires #3)
Can’t get enough of Hot Alphas and Happily Ever Afters? Grab a billionaire binge read you won’t be able to put down:
SINS of the Syndicate SERIES PAGE
Wondering about Paco Robles and where you can find more of his world? Check out The Alex Drake Series.
