to do these days,” Reaper sighed. “Can’t find a fucking copy machine in working order anywhere, let alone a camera or a scanner. Jandro started copying it by hand, but got bored of that quickly.”
I chuckled at the thought. “He just needs something complex, like a puzzle or an engine to keep him stimulated.”
“Yeah, I don’t blame him. No one is exactly lining up to volunteer. Gotta keep the book safe in the meantime.”
I moved to the closed wooden box on his desk, running my hand over the varnished lid. “What’s in here?”
Reaper cleared his throat and placed his hand next to mine on the lid. “My mom’s journal, plus a few of her gemstones and other jewelry pieces.” His hand moved to cover mine, squeezing gently around my fingers. “I still haven’t brought myself to read it.”
I pressed a kiss to his cheek, wrapping my free hand around his bicep. “She might want it back from you someday.”
“That’s what I tell myself, even though it sounds delusional,” he said. “I feel like if I open it, I’m admitting that she’s gone and all I’m reading are memories of her.”
I turned to face him, sliding my arms around his neck. “You’re a good son to keep hoping,” I said. “And to hold on to her things.”
He reached for my hand again, gazing at me with such warmth and love as his thumb caressed over my ring.
“I’ve never touched anything in that box since Noelle and I left that place,” he whispered. “Not until I knew I had to give you this.”
The kiss that followed was cut short by a soft knock at the open study door.
“Yes?” he barked.
“Um, is this a bad time?”
“Tessa!” I untangled myself from Reaper and rushed over to let her in. “Of course not. Come in and let me hold that baby!”
She sent a bashful smile in Reaper’s direction before holding her daughter out to me.
“Oh yes, come here, little lady!” I took her gingerly, supporting her head. “Did you decide on a name?”
“Vivian,” Tessa beamed. “Aiden, my oldest, picked it out. We’re calling her Vivi.”
“Well, you’re awfully calm, Miss Vivi.” I watched her wide, blue eyes move around the study. “Not giving your mama any trouble, are you?”
“She’s really good, actually,” Tessa admitted. “Easier than my two boys were, by a mile.”
“I gotta say, sugar,” Reaper leaned over me to look at Vivi, resting his chin on my shoulder, “You look good with a baby in your arms.”
“Yeah, right,” I huffed. “Right before a massive move, perfect time to get pregnant.”
“I actually wanted to talk to you, president.” Tessa lowered her eyes meekly. “About, um, a family matter.”
Reaper straightened, peering at her shrewdly. “What’s going on?”
“Should I leave?” I asked, looking between both of them. “I’ll watch the baby while you two talk.”
“No it’s alright, Mari.” Tessa clasped her hands nervously in front of her. “Please stay. I’m glad you’re here, actually.”
“Do you want to sit down?” Reaper turned the armchair facing his desk toward her. When she nodded and accepted the seat, he knelt next to her. “What’s on your mind, Tessa?”
Her eyes flicked to me for a moment before returning to my husband. “I want to separate from Big G.”
I couldn’t say I was surprised, but took in a sharp breath all the same.
“Has he hurt you?” Reaper asked. “Or the kids?”
“No, not physically, anyway.” Tessa looked at me again. “I think you know this has been building for a while, but it all kind of came to a head last night.”
“What happened?” I held Vivi against my shoulder as she sucked on her fist.
“I’ve been spending a lot of time with Andrea,” Tessa explained. “You know, just helping out while she grieves. Big G wasn’t happy about being left alone with the boys for longer than usual. So I started bringing them with me to hang out with Andrea’s kids, and to give him a break. Then G got mad about none of us being home.”
“Fucking Christ,” Reaper grumbled.
“I was going to bring dinner over to her last night and, um,” she swallowed, “he wouldn’t let us leave the house.”
“Oh my God, Tess.” I went to stand next to her, rubbing her arm and shoulder as I looked at Reaper. “That’s awful. He can’t be allowed to do that.”
“He started screaming at me in front of the kids,” Tessa’s voice shook. “Blocking the doorway. He didn’t touch me, but I was scared.”
Reaper took one of her hands between his, as though trying