We all grunt in agreement, then focus on finishing up so we can head back home to where our heart beats.
We’re in the car on our way home when Liam exclaims, “Turn to the satellite news station. There’s an update on the search for Baker.”
“The remains of Senator Matthew Baker and his wife were discovered early this morning. Matthew Baker went from a presidential hopeful to a disgraced senator. Baker was among
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-“
I stop listening to the news report and peer over to the guys. “Are they sure she’s dead?”
“We’re waiting for confirmation, but some of her clothing and DNA were discovered,” Liam responds as he continues to work.
Nodding, I refocus on the road before I mutter, “I wanted to be the one to gut the bitch, but a win is a win.”
ROWAN
“This reception is ridiculous,” I mutter. “Zo, your grandmothers have zero chill.”
Our daughter looks at me and laughs, and I wipe the drool running down her chin.
“This is not simple. I thought this was supposed to be a small event. This looks like the antithesis to simple” Karl groans, stepping into view. His mood shifts once he notices who I’m holding. “Hey there, Zoey Bear.”
I twist, batting his hands away when he reaches, making her squeal. She and Aidan love this game.
In the three months since Matthew and Samantha’s deaths were confirmed, we’ve been extremely busy. Between weeding out the last of the traitors working for Baker and parenthood, we’ve rarely had any time with our girl. That changes after tonight.
“With our mothers, we’re lucky this is all they did,” Sebastian chuckles.
The theme is the stork takes New York. The ballroom in my family home has been transformed into what I imagine birthdays for the twins will look like in the future. Gold stork statues stand at the entrance to a runway holding a sack filled with passports.
When Emma discussed the idea of a travel-style announcement, I don’t think she knew what she was signing up for with Guliana Calloway. The woman, though I love her, loves throwing elaborate parties.
“You have to give them credit. This is pretty genius,” Liam states, striding over to join us.
“I see your mother opened the extended ballroom for this,” Karl observes.
Nodding, I reply, “Any opportunity my mother gets to go all out, she will.”
We walk further inside, surveying the rest of the space. Stations, or should I say gates to different countries, are set up throughout the room. The goal is to visit each gate and get your passport stamped with a final destination of New York.
“I do love the vibrant colors,” Sebastian says.
Zoey starts bouncing in my arms, squirming like she wants out, which only means one thing.
Turning, I take in Emma as she approaches.
Fucking stunning. She’s wearing a hunter-green off-the-shoulder top with black leggings and some black knee-high combat boots. Her fuchsia-colored hair is loosely braided, hanging over her shoulder, showing off her lavender and raspberry highlights.
“Look at my babies,” Emma coos, kissing Aidan and his sister. Then she looks up, “Oh, you guys too.”
Arching my brow, I lean down to kiss her, then whisper, “Hello to you too, beautiful.”
Emma smiles, peering into my eyes, “Hello, back at you.” Then we each peck her on the lips. “I should go get my hair done more often if this is the welcome I get,” she teases before taking in the ballroom. “This is amazing. Way more than I expected.”
“This is our mothers being tame, which leads me to believe you gave them restrictions,” Liam remarks.
She shrugs. “They found loopholes, obviously, but I think I’m happy they did. If we had to do an event, I’m grateful they made it special.”
I see my parents out of the corner of my eye and instantly know what it means. “It’s time to go socialize and pretend we like people,” I grumble, making Emma laugh.
We’re heading for them when a server accidentally walks into me. “Oh, sorry, Mr. Calloway,” he blurts. Then, he adjusts the tray under his arms before brushing his hair out of his face.
Smiling, I pat him on the shoulder. “Don’t worry about it.”
His murky brown eyes widen in shock. I assume he’s waiting for me to yell. Then he spins, murmuring more apologies as he strides away.
“Odd duck, that one,” August says, and we both watch as he disappears into the crowd.
The room slowly fills over the next few hours, and we mingle amongst our guests. We’re over by the gate to Jamaica with our families when the twins begin to get cranky.
Reaching for Aidan, Karl declares, “I think it’s time for a nap.”
“Nonsense. You all stay here and continue enjoying the party. I’ll get them up to bed,” Lilah urges, taking Zoey from Emma.
“Are you sure, Lilah? I don’t mind going up to put them to bed,” I offer, and she shoos me.
Gathering Aidan in her arms, Tabitha announces, “I’ll go with and help.”
Lilah pauses momentarily, then scoops up Zoey’s diaper bag while Emma’s grandmother grabs Aidan’s before they exit the ballroom.
I’m speaking with some of my father’s business associates when the lights go out.
“The twins,” Emma gasps. Then all I see is wild-colored hair darting in the direction of upstairs.
None of us skip a beat, running behind her as we shout for her to wait, but she’s almost at the stairs when we catch up.
New Book: Back Home to Marry Off Myself
Loredana’s father left the family for his mistress, leaving them to fend for themselves abroad. When life was at its toughest, her father showed up with “good news” after 8 years of absence: To marry off Loredana to a paralyzed son of the wealthy Mendelsohn family.