“God,” I exhale, pulling her into my chest, holding her tight, sprinkling kisses all over her face before settling on her lips.
“I will love you like no one else, Summer, and I’ll love you for the rest of our lives,” I tell her.
She smiles, a tear slipping from her eye. “I know. I just never thought—”
“Don’t just think it, darlin’, know it. You’re it for me whether you want to be or not.”
“Oh, so I’m stuck with you,” she teases.
“Like a really bad STD.”
This has her giggling so hard she runs to the bathroom whispering, “I have to pee!”
She’s fucking beautiful and she loves me—and she’s mine.
“Jace!” Joan greets, pulling me close for a hug.
“How you doin’, Joanie?” I ask.
She pulls back and looks at me. “I’m doing great. You look like you’re doing fantastic.” Her eyes slide to the right and she spots Summer. Her smile gets wider. “And I think Miss Stephens has a little something to do with that, doesn’t she? Then there’s our Kadence. You’re just a lucky man, aren’t you?”
“I am,” I admit with a smile. “The luckiest.”
“My daddy has lots of luck,” Kadi tells Joan with a giggle.
Joan bends down and gives her a hug. “It’s good to see you, pretty girl.”
Kadi giggles again.
“You two are best friends now, huh?” Summer asks.
I nod. “We had a lot of fun when she was staying with Cage and Sera those couple of days.”
“Ah. I see."
Joan winks. “He was taking care of you, then. I’m glad you’re doing better. When is the court date for Mr. Garza?”
“Next week. I have an appointment with my boss, which is why I won’t be able to stay. But that’s probably better anyway,” Summer says.
Kadi goes off into the other room to play and Joan motions us into the kitchen.
“What is it?” Summer asks.
Joan sighs. “I wanted to warn you. Mrs. Marver was going to merely reprimand you for having the pepper spray and taser with you while going into the Garza residence, but someone higher up told her no, that she had to fire you.”
Summer gasps.
“What the fuck?” I ask.
“Who? Do you know?” Summer asks.
Joan shakes her head. “I don’t, but I’ve already asked Cage to look into it.” She gives me a sidelong look.
“Fuck,” I mutter.
“Ohhhh,” Summer says, realizing.
Joan nods. “It’s likely because you’re with Jace who is with the Russo’s. He’s family and there’s more than one crime boss out there who doesn’t like the Russo Famiglia at all.”
“How can you know that?” I ask, my stomach sick knowing Summer’s going to lose a job she loves all because of me and my family.
“Normally in cases like this, they allow the supervisor to handle it, making the decision of how the employee was to be disciplined. Because Summer heard the children screaming and crying and Mr. Garza yelling back at them, she had a right to defend herself. It wasn’t premeditated. It was self-defense and she went in to defend those children against their abuser. She was justified,” Joan informs me.
“Especially since he sliced her throat, slammed her against a wall, and punched her so hard she flew down the front stairs,” I say wryly. “I could produce the photos to show justification. It’s how many weeks later and she’s still bruised on her back, ass, and legs. This is a bunch of bullshit,” I hiss out quietly so the kids don’t hear me.
“A truly fucked up situation,” Joan agrees, whispering. Joan rarely swears so this tells me she’s pissed off on the inside even if she hides it on the outside.
“Well…” Summer trails off.
“Darlin’, I can go with you. Joan and Kadi get along so it’s not an issue,” I tell Summer.
She shakes her head, her face pale. “No, no. You stay here with the princess. I’ll be fine. Well, not really, but I’ll handle it.”
I pull her to me, holding her close, hating that this happened. Cage and I are going to have a chat. This is too fucked up.
“I’m sorry, Summer. God damn, I’m so sorry,” I whisper, looking into those eyes that usually sparkle and are now sad.
“It’ll work out. Somehow,” she says, forcing a smile.
I just sigh.
“The bodyguards go with you. Even into the building and one in the office.” She wants to argue but I cut her off. “Summer, if they have a hand in that system, they could have someone in there wanting to harm you. I won’t let that happen. Do this for me.”
She nods once, her lips pressed together in annoyance. She turns to go, but I stop her.
“Summer…”
She turns to face me. “It’ll take some getting used to, Jace, and that’ll take time; but I’m willing to do that. You’re worth it. We’re worth it.” She walks up and kisses me, just a sweet kiss, lingering a few seconds, before she runs her hand over my cheek. “Trust me like I’m trusting you.”
Then she’s gone.
"If they have a hand in that system, Joan, they could have a way to take Kadi from us. I can't let that happen."
Joan stands next to me, watching Summer through the window getting into the car. “That won't happen. Gio and Cage won't allow it. And Summer, she’s got a good head on her shoulders. This is going to be a difficult transition for her, but maybe if she talks to the other band members about it, Nicole maybe, me, or even Cage, it’ll help.”
I nod.
“You’ve got an amazing support system going on over there. The lot of you seem to have adopted the Three Musketeers mentality.”
“What?” I ask with a laugh, more than confused.
She smiles softly. “All for one, and one for all. The Three Musketeers.”
I nod. “That’s the motto for sure.”
“And she’s one of the ones,” Joan reminds me.
“Finally,” I mumble.
Joan laughs. “I heard the story from Sera. I’m so glad things worked out for you in the end.”
“Just a few kinks to work out,” I tell her, nodding to where Kadi is playing with two Hispanic children. “Are those the Garza kids? The ones Summer—”
“Sure are.”
I look at Joan and grin. “You’re going to give her a job helping run Harmony House, aren’t you?” It’s not a question.
She lifts a brow. “That’s none of your business, Mr. Warner.”
“Yeah, yeah. Employer slash possible employee confidentiality, blah, blah, blah. I know the answer is yes. She would make such a difference here,” I tell Joan.
She just smiles softly. “I love how much you love one another. You’re blessed.”
I nod.
She looks up, startled, turning her head and inhaling the air. “Do you smell that?”
I sniff, and my chest gets tight. “Flowers.”
Joan nods, a tear slipping down her cheek. "Lily's here and I bet she's brought Sydney here to make sure Kadi will be all right. She’ll be there for the session, Jace, and Kadi will sense her presence. Children always do. Sera still senses her mother whenever she’s near.”
"How do you know all that?"
"Sera. Sera confided in me about all of this."
I nod. “Syd, if you can hear me,” I begin, feeling stupid but not giving one fuck right now, “I’m doing my best but I think she needs your help with this part. I hope you’re okay with Summer being around our baby girl… and that she and I are… well, she and I.”
The scent of flowers gets stronger and I feel a breeze rustle my hair. My breath backs up in my lungs.
“I hope that means you’re okay and you’re okay with everything going on. I’ll always love you, don’t you think I won’t.” I pause. “Is Sera’s mom with you? Lily?”
The breeze again.
“What’s the burst of air?” I ask Joan.
She shakes her head. “I’m not sure.
I don’t remember Sera mentioning it. Maybe she’s trying to touch you? Either way, she’s answering you. It’s okay, Jace. It’s okay to love Summer. It’s okay to be happy. I'm guessing, but I don't think you have been since you were a teenager with Sydney. She wouldn’t want you to be alone forever. I don’t think she ever wanted that.”
I nod, my throat thick with emotion. I swallow—hard. “Thank you, Syd, for raising our girl so beautifully. She’s perfect. She’s you.”
A puff of air lifts the hair on my forehead and I smile.
“Yeah, she’s got my hair and she looks like me, but she acts like you—didn’t we get lucky with that?” I tease.
Sera walks in and the smell of flowers intensifies.
Joan laughs. “Well, I guess that answers whether or not Lily’s here.”
Sera smiles. “Mom.” She closes her eyes and inhales deeply. “My mom’s here,” she mutters, a tear slipping out, then another. “This is her gift to me. Letting me know she’s still here, watching, looking out for us all.” Sera opens her eyes and looks at my messed up hair.
“Did you just get out of bed or what?” Sera teases.
“Nope. Seems Sydney knows how to use bursts of air to answer my questions and let me know she’s there.” I straighten my hair.
“The front part?” Joan begins. “He told Sydney that Kadi’s a wonderful girl, that she did a great job raising her, and that their baby reminds him of her mom. Sydney did whatever she did, getting a good wind going to blow in his face and lift his hair, telling him while Kadi is like her, she looks like her daddy.”
“Oh, wow,” Sera mutters. “They all have a way of communicating.”
“What about your dad?” I ask, curious.
“I just get this intense feeling of warmth and love. It’s usually when my mom’s around too so I smell flowers as well,” Sera tells me.
I laugh. “You realize if anyone ever heard us talking like this, they’d think we were nuts.”
“You said it,” Sera agrees. “I’m here to help with the kids while Joan and Kadi have their session. Are you going in with her or…?”
“I don’t think so. Not this first time. I’d like her to be able to talk to Joan without worrying about me being there. I think she’ll be more forthcoming,” I answer. The puff of air blows my hair again.
Sera gasps. “Well, I guess she approves.”
“I guess so,” Joan agrees. “I’ll see you both in a little bit. I’m not going to push her today. Just mention her mother and see what happens.”
I nod. I’m nervous for my baby girl. I’m afraid she’s going to lose it again—maybe that’s not a bad thing. I let out a sigh.
Sera smiles. “She’s in the best hands ever. Joan, my mom, and her mom. It doesn’t get any better than that.”
“Thanks, Sera. Honestly, I’m at a loss at what to do. I’m glad we’ve got Joan,” I tell her.
“Even if the family is why people are messing with your soon-to-be wife’s career?” she asks.
I’m not surprised. She is Cage’s wife and I know they share everything.
“Even if. You all are my family—my true family. You accept me at my best and my worst and love me anyway,” I tell her.
“Yeah, you’re a pain in the ass, but we love you,” Sera teases. “Now let’s go play with those kids.”
28
Sydney
I look to Lily and smile.
“I like that I can blow a breeze like that.”
Lily smiles in return. “It didn’t take you very long at all to figure out your ability. I’m impressed.”
“Thanks. It’s too bad I can’t use it when I’m ticked off at something someone’s done. That’d put them back in line,” I joke.
“Better not. He’s always watching, you know,” Lily reminds me.
“I know. I’m just glad He accepted me up here after everything I’ve done,” I confess.
“He doesn’t judge your mistakes and he forgives your sins. It takes a lot more than that to get His disapproval,” Lily informs me.
I breathe a sigh of relief.
“Let’s go in with Joan and Kadence. She’ll need your presence to get through this,” she tells me.
I hope my death hasn’t done too much damage to my baby girl. I hope I can help her get through this.
I’m so grateful she has Jace and Summer. I won’t lie, it hurts. It hurts to know he has with her what I wanted with him, but I made my choices and, while maybe they weren’t the best ones, there’s no changing the past. I want him to be happy. I want them all to be happy.
It’s time I let my baby girl know I’m still around—even if she can’t see me.
29
Sydney
My Dearest Jace,
We were finally able to reach you via telegram. Who sends those anymore? But, whatever works.
I’m trying to hang on until you get here but I think it’s a matter of days, maybe even hours. I am so tired, Jace. I fought hard. The cancer was just too tough of an opponent. I’m conceding defeat, so please hurry.
I am sorry for interrupting your life with this. I’m sure the telegram alone knocked you on your sexy ass. They just came and told me you were on your way. Thank goodness. Now I can breathe. I’ve been so worried about Kadence and what would happen to her if you couldn’t get here. I’m still worried about what’s going to happen when you do. You didn’t sign on for this. What if you don’t want her? The thought breaks my heart, but I would understand it. She could go with Karen. I have her listed as someone Kadi could stay with, it would just be more difficult because she’s not a blood relative.
She’s a wonderful little girl, so easy-going and light-hearted. She reminds me so much of you with her intensity though. With her dancing, she can be really intense if she doesn’t get the number down the way she feels she should. She’s a natural. I wish I could see her dance in her first major production, or even just see her show off her moves in some club when she’s an adult. I know she’s going to be phenomenal—one of the best.
I’ll talk to you later, Jace. I promise.
Always yours,
Sydney
30
Summer
I’m going to lose my job. That just sucks so hard. I love my work. It’s a part of who I am.
I let out a sigh as John and Chris lead me to a different black car than the one we arrived in. I suppose they’ll need that one in case they finish before I get back. Smart thinking since I may stop off and get drunk before I go home. Wallowing in self misery seems like a pretty good plan.
Chris opens the back door to an SUV—another Lincoln Navigator. It seems to be the mafia vehicle of choice. Well, that and the Mercedes S class vehicles—in black, of course.
I climb inside and there’s a lovely brunette woman sitting in the middle row. She radiates class.
“Mrs. R,” John greets.
“Hello, John. Chris,” she responds. She looks at me. “You must be Summer.” She pats the seat next to hers. “Come have a seat.”
I do as she asks because honestly I’m afraid not to. I’m not sure, but I think Mrs. R means Mrs. Russo and if that’s the case, this is—
“Summer, I’m Carlotta Russo,” she greets, taking my hand between both of hers.
“Oh wow,” I mutter sounding like an idiot.
She smiles. “No need to be frightened. I promise I don’t bite. I shoot instead,” she tells me with a laugh.
I let out a nervous laugh. Christ on a cracker. Carlotta Russo. Wife of Giovanni Russo, mob boss of the Russo Famiglia.
“Relax, Summer. I was teasing. I’m here to help you, not hurt you.”
“Help me how?” I ask, confused.
“Cage told Gio what was going on. When Gio told me, I was, and still am, livid. I phoned Serafina and we spoke about what’s happening. I will be going with you to your meeting. I want names and I want them today. I know your boss and I know her boss and his boss, and so on. So whoever it is, has betrayed me and my family.” r />
“How?” I ask.
“Summer, you’re our family. They are letting our enemies hurt us through you. That is unacceptable and I am going to make this right,” she tells me, anger lacing her tone.
“Mrs. Russo,” I begin. “It’s okay. Really. I can handle this.”
“It’s Carlotta. And you can handle your issues, but I’ll be handling the family ones.”
“Where’s Mr. Russo?” I ask, a little afraid of this woman. “Does he know you’re here?”
“He knows. He tried to stop me. Silly man, but he got out of my way when he knew I wasn’t going to listen to him,” she tells me.
“So, do you do things like this often?” I ask, curious if she participates in the family “business”.
“When I feel the need to. I don’t allow my husband to have a sexist family. If the women would like to participate and they are capable, they participate.”
“I see.” Hell. These are some very scary people. This isn’t something I’m going to get used to anytime soon.
We pull up to the building and I head inside, not looking back. If they follow, they follow. If they don’t, they don’t. I’m here for me. Not for them. Maybe that makes me bad family, but right now, I don’t care. They’re the reason I’m getting fired. They’re the reason I have no idea what the hell I’m going to do after this.
Damn it.
Yep. I just got fired. Now Mrs. Russo—Carlotta—is talking to my boss’s boss and it’s not at all like I imagined. She’s calm. She remains classy but I know she’s doing… something. I just don’t know what and I don’t even understand it.
“Mr. Sherman. You should stop denying what I already know. I know someone stepped in and is hurting our family. How would you feel if someone did that to your family?” she asks and I swallow my gasp. Did she seriously just threaten his family?
“I…” Mr. Sherman begins.
Yeah, I wouldn’t know what to say either.
I look at Carlotta, wide-eyed, and there she sits. Cool as a cucumber in her cream-colored skirt and jade short-sleeved blouse, her legs crossed, her purse resting on her lap. Everything about her screams class, which is why the scariness that can’t be seen is all the more frightening.