quickly as he came, he’s gone again.
Then there’s Hunter—a freaking Irish mobster who wants to marry me to create a supercell crime ring.
A few weeks ago, I was living this carefree existence, doing whatever I wanted, being whoever I wanted, but now I’m supposed to be the key to an empire.
None of it matters.
But here, right now.
All that matters to me in this very instant is that I’m here with my mom, and we’re having a good fucking day.
The rest, I will worry about tomorrow.
After the boat ride, we made our way to a café and had a huge meal. I swear I haven’t seen Mom eat so much since in forever. The trip out obviously did her good.
Now, we’re back home after spending nearly all day out. Mom is completely spent, but she’s had the time of her life. I’ve settled Mom in her bed at home, and I’m lying on the bed next to her, looking over the images on my camera from the day as she rests. I chuckle to myself as I take in the picture of Mom putting her hand out to the camera to stop me from taking another.
“Check this one out,” I tell her turning the screen for her to view.
Her sleepy eyes turn, and she weakly smiles. “Oh gosh, you should delete that.”
I snort. “No, it tells a story. I’m so glad you came out today, Momma.”
She reaches out, grabbing my hand in hers. “Savanah, sweetheart, I want to talk to you seriously for a moment.”
I place my camera down. She’s completely spent. Maybe today was too much for her.
“Okay, Mom.”
She exhales. “I had the best day. You made me so very, very, happy to get out of the house. I want you to know that today meant everything to me. I will treasure it, always.”
“Mom, we can have more days. I’ll take you out again in a couple of days when you get your strength back.”
She grips my hand tighter, but it is by no means tight. “Savanah, I need you to listen to me…” she sniffles like she’s trying to hold back her tears, “… I want you to be happy with a man who treats you right. I want you to be a part of the family business, to take your place on the throne, joining the families together. Nothing would make me happier. But this rests on the fact that only if you and Hunter can make a family because family is all that matters.”
Hearing Mom talk like this makes my chest squeeze. She and Dad are always so happy together. It never crossed my mind that maybe she was brought to him as part of an acquisition for Le Milieu.
“Were you and Dad an arranged marriage?”
“No. We fell in love the old-fashioned way after he saved me from being sold. Your father rescued me, and we fell in love.”
“Sold!”
“The world isn’t a kind place, my love. It’s why I want someone by your side who will take care of you. Someone like Hunter. The McHale are powerful… he will protect what is his. But I was lucky. I had love in my marriage. I don’t want you to have a marriage without love, without a connection, without that spark because it’s so important.” I hesitate for a moment, but then my lips slowly creep up my face giving me away. “Savanah, is there something you want to tell me?”
“There’s a spark when I touch Hunter. It’s like a burst of heat or electricity. Hell, sometimes it’s like fireworks exploding inside of me.”
Mom brightens a little more, even in her weakened state. “Then, my baby, that is what true love blossoms from.”
I lean in. “I love you, Momma.”
She exhales, closing her eyes. “I love you, sweetheart.” She lets out a long breath as I cuddle into her, but she’s cold. So, I grab the blanket and pull it over her.
“Here you go, Mom, this will help keep you warm.” I tuck it into her sides, but she doesn’t answer me. Her eyes are shut, her mouth is open slightly. I smile as I move in, sliding a piece of hair behind her ear.
She’s so calm, so peaceful.
My heart swarms with the amount of pure love I have for her.
The one person who understands me so completely.
But then my pulse starts to quicken as I study her a little closer. “Mom?”
She doesn’t answer.
I jostle her shoulder a little, but again nothing. “Momma!” I plead as I lean over her,