You’re more than that. You’re my everything. But, I want you involved in any of the big things I do when it comes to the brotherhood. Once again, I need your eyes.”
“And how will the brotherhood feel about that?”
“If I ever wondered about their thoughts, I wouldn’t be where I am right now. You’re the one that should be on my side. You’re smart, strong, and have always had my back, where many of them are questionable.”
“O-kay.”
“You don’t have to sit through all of them, but the one during lunch discusses top territories and promotions. You should know which men will be around me. These next months will be their probationary period. Watch them closely. Anyone you don’t trust, will go.”
She widened her eyes. “I’m nervous, but I’ll come to the meeting. And I definitely want to make sure that there are no more traitors around you. If I sniff them out, then they’re dead.”
“No, mysh. You just let me know. I will kill them. You’re pregnant.”
She frowned. “That’s right. I’m being careful right now.”
“You are. In fact, we will hold the meeting in our bedroom, so you don’t have to leave the bed.”
She smirked. “Not funny.”
“That wasn’t a joke.”
“Kaz, you better not have a bunch of people standing around me as I lay in bed.”
“Why not?”
“I can walk.”
“One doesn’t walk unless they have to.”
“Like I said, you better not have a bunch of people in our bedroom.”
“Is that a threat, mysh?”
She grinned. “It is.”
“I want you to be careful.”
“I haven’t done anything wild or crazy. In Prague, I followed the rules and didn’t explore any of the secret passageways.”
The limo came to a stop in front of the house.
Harlem chose that time to wake up.
I opened the door, left the limo, and guided us out. “Mysh, I have a surprise for you.”
“Really?” She scanned the grounds. Excitement flashed in her eyes. “Another puppy?”
I scowled. “Absolutely not. Harlem causes enough trouble.”
“Oh, don’t say that. He has been amazing.” She set him down on the ground. “I’ve never had a pet before. I actually didn’t think I would enjoy it, but. . .I feel like Harlem’s kind of getting me ready for the baby.”
“Hmmm.” I guided her along the side of the house, happy that Boris and Max hadn’t arrived yet. Only my security followed.
Harlem trotted along the property as if he owned it.
Emily looked up at me. “What’s the surprise?”
“Something I commissioned before we left for Prague.” I squeezed her hand. “Please, close your eyes.”
“Oh, God. I wonder what this will be.”
“Don’t worry. We discussed it.” I guided my mouse closer to her building. “I hope you’re fine with the fact that I did this alone.”
“Anything to keep you busy is a good thing.”
“You mean anything to stop me from bombing?”
“That too.”
A few minutes later, I stopped us in front of the spot I wanted her to see. My heart warmed as I took in the sight.
He followed the instructions. Good. I like it, but what will she think?
My body tensed as I gazed at the surprise. “Open your eyes, msyh.”
She did, took in the view, and gasped. “Kaz. . .”
A large elaborate fountain stood in front of us. It had been formed and molded with many materials—stone, fiberglass, ceramic and metal.
One angel hovered in the center. Water arched from her feet. Large wings expanded from her back. She held a baby in her arms as if getting ready to fly off and take the little bundle to heaven. High above the angel, three pairs of hands stuck out from heavy clouds.
Gold cursive letters covered the fountain’s edge. The words were in both English and Russian. They said, “Rest in peace, little one. We will always miss and think of you.”
Forever, our baby’s memorial would be between Emily’s building and my house. And never would we forget about the first twin.
But what does she think?
Tension thickened in my shoulders. I checked her reaction.
Emily’s eyes watered.
I cleared my throat and pointed at the hands. “Maxwell warned me about the clouds and hands. He thought I should take them out. . .but. . .I wanted to remember that my mother, father, and X are with our little girl, loving and looking after her.”
One tear fell down her cheek. “Kaz. . .”
“You can make any changes you want—”
Ending my statement, she hugged me hard, burying her face into my chest.
She likes it.
I wrapped my arms around her waist. “We never gave her a name, but I think she would have liked the fountain.”
Emily’s